OTO opens Homewood Suites Myrtle Beach Oceanfront

OTO Development has converted an independent on-the-sand property in Myrtle Beach, S.C., to the Homewood Suites by Hilton brand.

OTO, which is part of The Johnson Group, acquired South Bay Inn & Suites in May 2021 and spent almost a year rebranding the hotel to the Homewood Suites Myrtle Beach Oceanfront. The rebranding follows a soft renovation to the relatively new hotel and a reimagining of the onsite restaurant and pool bar into Coconut Charlie’s, the company’s proprietary concept for beachfront food and beverage spaces. 

“This repositioning combines the power of Hilton’s brand name with the hotel’s perfect Grand Strand location,” OTO Development CEO Corry Oakes said in a statement. “More than 19 million people visit Myrtle Beach every year—the climate makes it a year-round destination—and we are delighted to be here, too.” 

The hotel has 242 guestrooms across 18 floors, many with full kitchens or kitchenettes and most with ocean views, Homewood Suites Myrtle Beach Oceanfront is adjacent to the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk & Promenade and close to the Skywheel. The hotel has its own indoor waterpark with two slides, a lazy river and a splash pad; a playroom with billiards and table tennis; and direct beach access with bike, beach chair and umbrella rentals. It also has a 24/7 fitness room. 

This is the second location of OTO's restaurant brand, Coconut Charlie’s Pool Bar & Grill, which launched at Hilton Garden Inn St. Pete Beach. The property also has the Hershey’s Shake Shop Creamery. 

The leadership team at Homewood Suites Myrtle Beach Oceanfront includes Robert Bilka, general manager; Rob Dowd, assistant general manager; Scott Murphy, director of sales; and Tom Bennett, director of food and beverage.