Marriott's OceanWatch Villas at Grande Dunes Reviews

We have been to OceanWatch three times, once in October and twice in August. The resort is fantastic, popular with families and golfers and being Marriott it is a cut above many other so called 5* timeshare resorts. The activities staff are very enthusiastic and have a great schedule with free exercise classes, such as a golfers early morning stretch, water aerobics (in the pool by the ocean) zumba, kettle bell and anything else current. There is also a small Basketball court on the edge of the resort, with organised activites. The beach, I believe, has no public access for a mile, so the resort is well placed and pretty much only used in the immediate area by the resort guests and hotel guests and a few walkers/joggers. The Marriott hotel is on one side and you can dine in their restaurant, or in one of the many restaurants outside. There are two main pool areas, one by the ocean and the other in a great little area called the "Woodsy" area, with a slide, dive-in movies, water play area for kiddies, tree house and shuffleboard. Over by the jacuzzi, the pond area is soon to be changed into a salt water pool. If that isn't enough there is an indoor pool, fitness room, sauna, steam room, table tennis table and pool table. The only problem I had was trying to keep track of where the rest of the family were and not enough hours in the day to fit it all into!

This is a premier luxury resort! The villas are well maintained and clean. The location is close to all of the events, theaters, restaurant row. Nice area of Myrtle Beach. The activities and customer service is top of the line. This resort is wonderful for families, safe (staff are patrolling the property late into the night). Don't forget your passkey after 10:00 pm if you plan on walking the beach or taking a dip in the pool. The doors are locked for security and safety of the home owners and guests. The spa next door at the Marriott Hotel is a full service salon in case you need some pampering. If you want to total relax and go no where other than the villa, beach and pool, you can definately do that. If you need some action, restaurant row, theaters, etc.. are within a five minute or less drive. Will definately return yearly to this resort. The rentals are reasonable for what you are getting.

Our favorite of the Marriott Vacation Clubs that we have visited! The location is beautiful, the resort layout is gorgeous - especially the room that overlook the pool by the beach. A really beautiful destination with lots to do for kids, teens and adults. Wonderful all around!

We just recently stayed at the Marriott OceanWatch Villas and it is a totally beautiful resort. You never need to leave. The rooms are beautiful. Granite counter tops, the kitchen was very cute and had everything you needed. The bedrooms were beautiful. The place was spotless. The pool area was really nice and there seemed to be plenty of chairs. The rental chairs at the beach were very reasonably priced. The food was delicious. Drinks were great. I felt the food and drink prices were very reasonable. Its a great place for a family vacation or if you just want to get away with friends or a spouse. The staff was very nice and helpful. The resort is located close to everything. The porches had rocking chairs. I just absolutely loved it. There are washer and dryers in the condos. Nice deck area. I would recommend taking a couple of little beach chairs for the deck if you have more than 4 people staying-as there were only 4 chairs on the deck. We tried to think of something we didn't like or could complain about, and we could not come up with a single thing. I highly recommend this resort. Its one of the best places I have ever stayed...and I have done extensive traveling. Absolutely beautiful!!!

We rented a week here and couldn't have enjoyed it more! My family didn't want to leave after 8 days and once you experience what Marriott has to offer, you know why! From the pool bar where my kids could grab lunch to the planned activities, this place has it all. The great service just adds to your relaxation and we truly felt renewed when we left. This is a large resort so there is lots of walking, but it's also very self-contained and you really don't have to leave in order to relax, eat well, and have fun. My kids are teens and they love it here, but if you have little ones, this place seems like paradise! From the water slides to the putt putt golf, to all of the planned activities, I wish we had discovered this place while my kids were younger. I can't say enough obout how much my family loves Oceanwatch and I'm sure we'll be back next year!

We just returned from a week at OceanWatch where we were fortunate to be assigned an oceanfront villa on the second floor of the Scallop building. For those who don't know the resort, this is one of the villas with the huge balcony. At Ocean Watch the villas are arranged with the living room in the center and the two bedrooms on either side, so that all three rooms look out onto whatever view your assigned villa allows. In the villas with large balconies, the balcony runs the entire width (or length) of the villa. So wherever we were in the villa, we had a supurb view of the beach and the water. We were so close that sitting on the balcony almost felt like sitting on the beach!

Our only complaint is the huge balcony is partially wasted since it's equipped with only a small round glass topped table and four chairs, the same as all the balconies at Ocean Watch. This balcony cries out for loungers or rocking chairs, and is actually roomy enough to support the table and chairs, two loungers and a couple of rockers. Since the villas are designed to sleep 8, it's a shame to have all this wasted space on the balcony, and only seating to accomodate four people!

Otherwise OceanWatch is a wonderful spot for a relaxing vacation. It's situated in the Grand Dunes area of Myrtle Beach, north of the strip, but short of being in North Myrtle Beach. It's close to Restaurant Row, the Myrtle Beach Mall, and the Tanger Outlets on Business 17. The resort has activities every day for all ages, including some with a fee, but many free. Since we're adults I can't comment on the children's activities, but in the 'Woodsey' area (where there are two villa buildings behind the three buildings fronting on the beach) they have a theme pool with all sorts of water features for kids and a curving slide into the pool, a treehouse, and many other things that would be fun for kids.

For adults OceanWatch offered everything from Martini nights, to a wine tasting, a 'buckets' night when crab legs, boiled shrimp and beers were available on site, and a night of Texas Holdem. They had a make your own sundae party a couple of times, and a make your own root beer float another day, and many craft and other classes every day for those interested. They offered tours to local landmarks, and even to Charleston and Savannah. They also offered many exercise classes - zumba, water aerobics, kettle balls, and a yogo/stretching class, all free.

We were there from April 1-8th, 2011 and had gorgeous weather all week with the exception of one day. It had rained overnight, but by morning the rain was gone, although it was very windy, so outside activities in the morning were moved inside. By lunch time the sun was peeking through the clouds, there were people on the beach, in the outdoor hot tubs (two right beneath our balcony) and in the swimming pool. The outdoor pools are all heated at this time of the year, and they were in constant use all week. And the beach was usually in use too. The weather ranged from lows in the 40s or 50s overnight to highs in the 80s a couple of days, with the temperature in the 70s most of the other days. It wasa great time to be in Myrtle Beach, as it was before the season begins, so there were many options for better prices at restaurants, and nothing was crowded. If you haven't been to OceanWatch, you should try it out!

Just returned from a beautiful week at this resort. Everything was perfect! Room was very clean. Staff was helpful. Ocean was warm and waves were perfect for boogie boarding. I would not recommend this resort for couples who are looking for peace and quite. I would consider this the perfect family resort with lots of activities for the kids. Also, please keep in mind if you are booking a garden view room those two buildings are behind the oceanview and oceanfront buildings. It is a decent walk to the beach especially if you are carrying chairs, toys and kids. I highly recommend oceanview or oceanfront. The views are amazing! Enjoy!

We have stayed at resorts all over the world. It is hard to beat this Marriott resort. It is very reasonably priced and the resort and service are first-class. You can have a fantastic time and never leave the premises. This is a gem.

We bought a timeshare week off of someone and had an amazing two bedroom unit. The price was right and with Marriott you are pretty much guaranteed a first class experience. We really loved this resort because it was not spread out over too many acres and was a smaller, cozier, venue. The small grocery store on site had reasonable prices and a great selection. You could go in for your Starbucks coffee or a salad, sandwich, muffin, fresh fruit cup, etc...if you didn't feel like going outside the resort. One night we picked up a Pizza hut pizza which was great! We loved the bar by the pool which served drinks or food and which made it easy to stay by the pool and not have to venture too far. The ocean is pretty rough so although I like to swim I didn't go in the water. The Grand Strand (miles of beach) as it is called...was wonderful and was good for getting some exercise. People were up and about walking on the beach pretty early in the morning. There are a few restaurants nearby that are great...Waterscapes had excellent food but is more of a gourmet food experience. They had the best crab cakes we have ever tasted!!! Ruth Chris steakhouse is super for those who loved their red meat...Tanger mall is great for shopping but other than it and Dillards there isn't much high end shopping so they really need to get a Macy's or a Nordstroms...Please do not miss the aquarium...There is a tank in the shape of a tunnel and it has 750,000 gallons of water with all kinds of amazing sea life. Numerous sharks, etc...The sea life is so close you really get to appreciate it... Nothing is perfect but I can't imagine anyone not enjoying this resort!

We have vacationed to many parts of the world,Marriott Oceanwatch is THE BEST!!! OF THE BEST !!! NOTHING COMES CLOSE.

Simply Great !!!

This is a great property with excellent ammaties. Staff is always very helpful. Everything is kept up very well, very clean, good location, nice beach. Top notch accomdations. Would highly recommend for adults and children.

we did a complementary tour of the resort while in the area during july 09. The sales staff was very friendly and not overbearing while showing us the resort and the prices.. I have to say the place is very nice and let them know I was interested in getting a week here just not at retail..

I always buy timeshare on the resale market.. places like Tug2.net and other online sales outlets.. be careful where you buy from.. you can go to timeshare users group website and ask question on the forums to see if the company is reputable.

Being a Marriott tell the whole story in quality and attention to detail.. the place is very nice and I look forward to returning as a new "used" owner for at least 1/3 of the developers price..

You can also learn the truth about timeshare on TUG2.net and how to make the most of the timeshare experience and avoid the pitfalls that are built in to owning and exchanging.

Great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Our family of six loves this resort. Our family enjoys the beach and all the night life of the area. A trip worth it for all ages.

Marriott OceanWatch is absolutely 5-Star, First Class and very enjoyable for two couples and/or a family since all units are 2BR.

We cannot recommend it enough.

Absolutely wonderful resort, great beach and location.

This will be our 3rd year at the resort. Bought Oceanfront at the end of our first visit. Love the resort and the area. Lots to do for families yet still relaxing. The beach is magnificent. My family loves all the pools and rotates daily when we are there. Staff is first rate and extremely helpful. We are looking forward to our upcoming vacation first week of July!

If Myrtle Beach is really your idea of a vacation, Marriott's OceanWatch Villas at Grande Dunes is the timeshare to live while visiting the Grand Stand.

There seems to be a clientele for every Atlantic Ocean town.

We are really Palm Beach and Newport Beach people.

Stayed during Easter Week 2009. This was by far one of the nicest facilities I have ever stayed in in Myrtle Beach. Room was spotless at arrival and all services utilized were perfect. All of the pools were heated and were great even with the cooler than expected weather. The new "Woodsy Pool" area is great - especially for kids. The on site fitness center was top notch and an indoor pool was also available for poor weather days. We could not have asked for a better facility to spend a week in Myrtle Beach.

The only issue encountered was with the pool chairs at the main pool area. Most people try and reserve chairs very early in the morning with towels and there is not adequate personnel on site to make sure this does not happen (even though there are signs posted that towels will be removed from unoccupied chairs after 30 minutes). Also, the on site market really only had necessities but there are plenty of grocery stores close by if needed.

If I were in the market for a time share, I would not hesitate to purchase this property. It would be a very strong trader.

This is an exceptional resort. The staff, villas, beach and location at Myrtle Beach are all First Class. We stayed in an OceanView unit in the Scallop Bldg and found everything to be "Marriott" quality. The units seem slightly smaller than 2 BR, 2 BA units in some other Marriott resorts but they have the same attention to detail as always. The facilities are top notch and maintained to as higha standard as you could ask for. Staff are extremely friendly and there appeared to be lots of activities if that was your interest. They are currently putting up the final building which is in the rear section near to the Magnolia Building and woodsy pool area.

The location makes it very convenient for visiting the attractions at Myrtle Beach. If there was a negative it would be the fact that there are only three buildings up by the beach and the number of OceanView or Ocean Front units are limited. It is a great place for a family vacation.

Just came back from a great week! We have been at Marriott resorts in Florida and Hilton Head. Myrtle Beach has them all beat. We especially liked the woodsey area. When finished with the beach a short walk put us in the "country" with a great pool and water slide. We really enjoyed the contrast. The rooms were great and the staff wonderful. When the final building is finished there will be a basketball court, boche court, and shuffle board. This along with all the great things to do in Myrtle Beach makes this place a must to stay at.

The Marriott's OceanWatch Villas are great! I have to say that I have been to many resorts including The Bahamas Atlantis, The Ritz's in Puerto Rico and the Marriott in Aruba and this by far blew them all away! The pools were great, the kiddy Woodsey Pool was awsome for the little ones. My 13 month old never wanted to get out of the pool. The surrounding restuarants were great and reasonably priced. The villas were very clean and nicely decorated. The staff was extremly helpful and very nice. I honestly have to say it was the best vacation we've ever been on. We cant wait to go back next year!

We visited this resort 4 summers ago for the first time when it was still in its building stages...we loved it here...so found an owner on redweek to rent from and came over the 4th of July and was not disappointed..this was the best vacation my family and i have ever spent. If your looking to get a little bit of everything the ocean has to offer and like to do it in style, this is the place for you. We were delighted to see what has been done since we've been here, the woodsy pool, the gas grills for everyone to use, the picnic areas, the excersize room, the pools at the villa's and all the activities all week long were just awsome, something for everyone...I have never been in a place where the people are so nice and staff is absolutely awsome. I don't mind paying a price for those things and cleanliness is very important to me. So, we were sooo happy with our stay and know we would love to come back here year after year, we are now proud owners!!! Take the plunge and check it out, its a great place to make memories with your family.

Very clean, great location. Beach is nice and wide here. I would definitely return.

Everything about this place is exceptional. From the STARBUCKS at the MarketPlace to the Cabana bar, OcenWatch suits many tastes. The beach is wide and long and never overcrowded. The pools are clean, warm and well kept. The grilling areas could be a bit larger, but beyond that, no complaits

We love it at this resort! We own one week there. We have gone for 4 years now. The staff are wonderful, helpful and friendly. The activities people are super with the kids. The restaurant next door is great! The pools are between the beach and the buildings. What a beautiful view. Great hammocks to relax in b/w the pool and the beach. Quiet area next door to the Marriott Resort and The Grand Dunes Club. We have never had any issues with the rooms; they are ALWAYS in impeccable condition. Love having usable balconies! Definitely has spoiled us for other timeshares.

We've been going to Ocean Watch for the past two years in the Sept - Oct time period - which is their Silver Season. Absolutely the best vacations we've ever had. If you enjoy golfing, the beach, shopping and some great restaurants, this is the place for you. We are scheduled back there in late October and can hardly wait.

Amazing property

Travelled to this resort during the last week of may in 2006.There was construction noise but was not bothersome unless you sat there and tried to listen for it. The beach is gorgeous. The location is also very nice allowing you to make Myrtle Beach as busy or quiet as you please, this is nice if you have little kids. The villa is great and typical Marriott if you have stayed at other locations that are not converted hotels.

Loved the Marriott Oceanwatch. It's located in a very private area in the northern end of Myrtle Beach. The units are beautiful. There was construction going on but it was hardly noticeable. Pools and hot tubs were always perfect. The only problem may be when the back tower is finished the pools will be crowded, although they are building another pool and recreation area behind the new tower. The Marriott hotel next door has a great spa and pools. They have a good deal at their happy hr. Mon-Thurs in their cocktail lounge. The Marriott villas and hotel are the best properties in Myrtle Beach.

We just returned from an absolutely wonderful week at OceanWatch. 8th Floor Ocean Front was spectacular. Having access to the beach and pool interchanging throughout the day gives you the best of both worlds. Even with construction going on, the property is in great shape and will only continue to get better as the additional two units come up.

This is our second time at the resort (2004 and 2006). The first time was good but the second time has been better. The resort still has construction underway but the rooms are sound-proof and you don't notice the construction noise unless you focus on it. The beach is great (not crowded and very clean). Chairs and Umbrellas for rental. The pool has a new bar which serves great drinks. We really enjoyed our stay and are probably going to buy a second week since the prices keep going up. I highly recommend the resort. It is very good now, but will be great soon.

I believe it is difficult to give this a good rating until the construction is completed which I understand will not be for 2-3 years. The main building with most of the amenities is the center building and will not be completed until 2007. Our room was ground level and right next to the actual construction. We woke every day at about 6:30 to workers hammering about 20 feet from our balcony. You will see construction from the parking area to your unit so be prepared. It will be fine as long as you do not expect this to be a complete fully functional resort.

Just got back from a 4 day/3 night preview (11/3 thru 11/6). What a wonderful place to stay!! We were really tempted to buy on the spot, but decided to find out more about Time Shares before we committed. We were put on the first floor Ocean Side. Not much of a ocean view, but couldn't complain about the preview price :)

The sales pitch was very relaxed and non- pressured (Claire was great). If I had to buy a Time-Share in Myrtle Beach, I wouldn't hesitate trusting Marriott OceanWatch Villas. If you have a chance to take a preview, do it and ask for Claire.

Excellent resort with great location. Staff was very helpful. Unit was well equipted. Only one complaint: the beds are very hard, but they did provide us with some egg-crate foam padding that helped a lot. Looking forward to many visits here, wont be trading this one.

Went on Preview of this resort, wonderful. Best 4 day trip. Trying to see how I can purchase one.

The resort is terrific! The construction noise was minimal. If it weren't for the crane, I don't think we would have known they were there. The temporary parking was really not a big deal. Shuttles ran constantly, but the walk was only a couple of minutes. We walked except for check in.

Our family has voted Myrtle Beach as their favorite. My husband and I love Marriott, so the combo is perfect! We bought preconstruction and are super happy we did.

The Marriott Ocean Watch Villas at Grande Dunes is easily the poshest resort in Myrtle Beach. My family and I just returned from a one week stay and we were sorry to leave -- always a good sign. Our two bedroom, two bath unit (as are all of the properties) was truly ocean view. We were in the new Scallop building which opened just a few weeks before our arrival. The building was quiet and I don't think we heard a sound from any other unit the entire week.

Every necessary amenity was included -- even a cutting board -- as well as three flat screen TVs and a DVD player. Every Marriott employee we met was friendly and helpful. I believe it would be difficult to find a more lovely Myrtle Beach property.

Parking, for now, is in an auxiliary lot -- but that posed absolutely no hardship. Moreover, if you choose, a shuttle bus is constantly available to take you back and forth. Our biggest trial was the rain clouds that arrived on Monday during our stay and never left. :-(

Although massive construction is underway, I truly didn't find it very intrusive and it no way hindered any part of our vacation.

The staff had organized many on-site activities. My young teenage children participated in some of them and were thrilled to each win an Ocean Watch Villas T-Shirt for their efforts.

The property currently has two beautiful, heated pools -- three spas and a kiddie pool. Lounge chairs were available in ample supply. Beach towels are provided in each room. In addition, there were seven oceanside gas grills available for use -- which are cleaned every single day.

One of my favorite amenities was the pool bar -- the bartender makes a very good daiquiri! The beach is wide and uncrowded. The only beach patrons are from the Ocean Watch Villas and the adjacent Marriott Resort property. If you are debating and you prefer to have finer accommodations -- CHOOSE THIS PROPERTY!!!!

This place is incredible. We had a 4th floor oceanside villa. The kids had a blast with all the activities. We even won the sand castle building contest. It was biker week, (last Gold week) but the resort is far from all the rumbling of the bikes on the main road. Ultimately, we bought a Platium, oceanview. (28,900)

This place seems to be pretty popular. In fact, the second building, The Scallop, was completed 1 1/2 years ahead of schedule. Anyway, we loved it.

Wow!!!!!! What a pleasant week we had at this resort last week. We occupied one of the two oceanview villas on the 9th floor. What a terrific view! The huge Marriott Hotel is right beside it. My brother, my sister, and their families came to visit and my young nephews had a wonderful time as well. We are looking forward in buying another week. As always, customer service is the best. Lots of great restaurants and shopping is one of the best. My husband and I enjoyed the "tour of Myrtle Beach" provided by the resort. Lots of good activities all week long. Marriott has done a terrific job once again!! - mercy

We stayed at Ocean Watch 9/19-9/26/04. What a wonderful week - the resort is everything you hope for when you buy a timeshare. The furnishings, pool area, service & amenities were all top-notch. The construction didn't bother us, although we did have guests in for the week who had to park in a satellite lot farther away, due to the limited parking currently. We purchased here as out 1st timeshare & couldn't be happier!

Just came back from a beautiful week at Ocean Watch Villas. This is a great resort in a superb location. Close to many attractions and very close to restaurant row. This resort is nicely decorated and is first class. To be expected with Marriott's Vacation Club Resorts. The hotel right beside the villas is gorgeous!. Can't go wrong with the ocean view. Highly recommend.

We stayed here in April 2004, at the hotel portion of the Marriott - the villas were not completed yet, but look to be wonderful. The weather was cloudy, rainy and cold. The hotel and resort was absolutely top-notch! I'd give it a perfect 10. The decor, staff, and amenities were all incredible and had very high standards. Although I would have preferred a condo, the hotel room was gorgeous, spacious, very comfortable, and had very beautiful decor. I'd go back again, for sure.