5 Smart Ways to Experience Myrtle Beach on a Budget (Without Missing the Fun)

Let’s be real, when you hear “Myrtle Beach on a budget,” you might picture sleeping in your car and calling granola dinner. But here’s the truth: this sunny South Carolina gem proves that a beach getaway doesn’t have to mean blowing your savings. With a little planning and local know-how, you can enjoy the Grand Strand’s best views, food, and fun and all without maxing out your credit card.

From sunrise strolls and hidden-gem eats to off-season steals and affordable stays, here’s your guide to doing Myrtle Beach right - sunshine, seafood, and savings included.

1. Enjoy the Best of Myrtle Beach on a Budget: The Beach Is Free (and Fabulous)

Let’s start with the easy win. The number-one thing to do in Myrtle Beach on a budget? Hit the beach! It’s free, beautiful, and exactly why millions visit every year. Whether you’re building sandcastles, diving into the waves, or walking miles of shoreline collecting shells, this simple pleasure costs nothing but time.

Pro tip: pack a small cooler with snacks and drinks so you can stay all day without spending a dime. And don’t skip the sunrise! That soft glow over the Atlantic is one of those rare moments that feels like it should cost money… but doesn’t.

2. Dine Like a Local in Myrtle Beach on a Budget

Beachfront buffets might tempt your taste buds, but your budget will thank you for exploring local favorites. Myrtle Beach has tons of affordable, flavor-packed spots where the portions are big and the prices small.

🍗 Big Mike’s Soul Food – Hearty Southern cooking that feels like Sunday dinner at Grandma’s.
🍔 River City Café – Famous for messy, delicious burgers and casual beach vibes. No tourist-trap prices here.
🥞 Harry’s Breakfast Pancakes – Classic diner comfort without the $20 price tag.

If you’re staying somewhere with a kitchen (like a Hosteeva rental), grab fresh shrimp or crab legs from a local seafood market and cook a beachside feast yourself. It’s cheaper, fun, and totally vacation-worthy.

3. Free Things to Do in Myrtle Beach on a Budget (That Are Actually Fun)

Budget doesn’t mean boring. Myrtle Beach is packed with free attractions and entertainment for every kind of traveler whether you’re planning a family vacation, a girls’ trip, or a weekend getaway. .

🎵 Myrtle Beach Boardwalk – The heartbeat of the city, lined with live music, festivals, and endless people-watching.
🛍️ The Market Common – Chic shops, lakeside paths, and cozy cafés perfect for strolling and window-shopping.
🌅 Murrells Inlet MarshWalk – A must-see at sunset, with boardwalk views, local bands, and pelicans gliding overhead.

Need more ideas? Head to Broadway at the Beach for free evening fireworks in summer or take a drive to Huntington Beach State Park (a small entry fee gets you miles of trails and wildlife views).

4. Stay Smart in Myrtle Beach on a Budget with Hosteeva

Here’s where the savings really add up. Skip the overpriced beachfront hotels and book one of Hosteeva’s Myrtle Beach vacation rentals instead. You’ll get more space, privacy, and comfort with full kitchens, pools, and all the home-style perks that make travel easy.

Cooking breakfast in your condo instead of eating out each morning could save you $50 a day. That’s money you can put toward parasailing, a round of mini golf, or an extra night’s stay. Affordable, comfortable, and perfectly located? That’s Hosteeva.

5. Visit Myrtle Beach on a Budget During the Off-Season

Here’s a travel hack locals swear by: visit Myrtle Beach in the fall or winter. The weather is still mild, the beaches are quiet, and the rates drop dramatically. You can find oceanfront condos for half the summer price, restaurants with no wait times, and a calmer, more relaxed vibe.

Imagine sipping coffee on your balcony in November while the rest of the country is scraping ice off their windshields. That’s Myrtle Beach on a budget magic.

✨ Final Thoughts: Big Fun, Small Budget, Endless Memories

Enjoying Myrtle Beach on a budget isn’t about cutting corners. It’s about soaking in the best of the coast without spending a fortune. Between the free beaches, endless boardwalk activities, and cozy Hosteeva stays, you’ll discover that the Grand Strand’s best experiences don’t come with a price tag but with great memories.

Mar 07, 2024

Hosteeva on Vacation Rental Series "VendorVibes"

In the latest episode of the "Vendor Vibes" series, Rebecca Lombardo sits down with Talia Lockard, Director of Sales and Marketing for Hosteeva, to dive into what exactly Hosteeva is and what sets Hosteeva apart from other vacation rental managers and property management software companies.https://youtu.be/Ma3rbgOyI5U?si=xUsl5UiRy1FJ-kSdTalia will talk about how Hosteeva was founded and built by software experts who ventured into the world of Vacation Rental Management. She'll also share how Hosteeva simplifies the complexities of managing vacation rentals, offering a seamless integration of property management tools, marketing strategies, pricing tools, and customer service solutions. Talia shares her insights on how Hosteeva is revolutionizing the vacation rental industry, ensuring property owners can maximize their rental income while providing unforgettable experiences for guests.

Jan 20, 2025

How Much Should I List My House for Rent? A Step-by-Step Pricing Guide

Listing your house for rent can be a great way to earn extra income, but how much should I list my house for rent is one of the trickiest questions to answer. Price it too high, and you might scare off potential tenants; price it too low, and you risk losing out on potential earnings. So, how do you strike the right balance? In this article, we’ll go over some key factors to consider when deciding how much to list your house for rent. We’ll also explore some tools and services that can help you set a fair and competitive price, including Hosteeva Hosted, a solution that can help you optimize your pricing strategy for the best results. Factors to Consider When Setting a Rental Price Determining the ideal rental price involves more than guessing what seems fair. Several factors influence the appropriate price for your property. Location, Location, Location Your property's location plays a crucial role in determining its rental price. Homes in highly sought-after areas, such as near the beach, city centers, or public transportation, usually command higher rates. Research local rental listings to understand what similar properties in your area are charging. Focus on listings with comparable square footage, amenities, and features. Websites like Zillow and Rent.com can provide a good sense of current rental prices in your area. For tips on dynamic pricing for short-term rentals, check out our guide to maximize your rental profits. Property Size and Features The size of your property and the number of rooms it offers will have a direct impact on its rental value. A large, 4-bedroom house will typically be priced higher than a 2-bedroom apartment, even if they are located in the same neighborhood. Other features that can affect pricing include: Upgraded amenities (like a modern kitchen or bathroom). Outdoor space (such as a backyard or balcony). Parking availability (garages or dedicated parking spaces can increase the price). Smart home features (such as security systems, smart thermostats, etc.). The more desirable your property is, the more you can likely charge for rent. Be sure to highlight these features in your listing to justify a higher asking price. Market Demand and Seasonality Market demand fluctuates based on various factors, including the time of year. During high-demand seasons (like summer for vacation rentals or fall for university towns), you can often charge more. During off-peak seasons, you may need to adjust your pricing to stay competitive. You can also gauge demand by looking at local vacancy rates through resources like the U.S. Census Bureau’s Housing Vacancies and Homeownership Report. If rental properties in your area are being rented quickly, you may be able to set a higher price. Conversely, if properties are sitting empty for long periods, you may need to adjust downward. If you're managing a vacation rental, consider exploring Airbnb automation to streamline your operations. Competitive Pricing A good strategy for setting your rent price is to look at similar properties in your area. What are other landlords charging for similar homes in terms of size, condition, and amenities? If your property offers unique features or is in a prime location, you may be able to price it higher. It’s important to keep in mind that while it’s good to be competitive, you should never undervalue your property just to secure tenants quickly. Price your rental home appropriately based on what similar properties are listed for, and make adjustments as necessary depending on demand and the time of year. How Hosteeva Hosted Can Help You Set the Right Price When setting the rental price for your property, having the right tools in place can make all the difference. This is where Hosteeva Hosted comes in. Hosteeva Hosted is an all-in-one property management solution that can help you optimize your rental pricing and ensure you get the most out of your listing. The platform uses dynamic pricing to adjust your rental rates based on market demand, seasonal trends, and competitor prices, all automatically. This ensures that your property is priced optimally to maximize your earnings while staying competitive in the market. With Hosteeva Hosted, you’ll have access to: Automated pricing: The system adjusts your rates in real time based on supply and demand, ensuring your listing remains competitive. Market insights: The platform provides data-driven insights on the best pricing strategies for your location, taking the guesswork out of the process. Time-saving tools: With features like automated guest communication and booking management, you can spend less time handling the administrative side of renting and more time focusing on maximizing your profits. Using Hosteeva Hosted to manage your property can help you stay on top of market fluctuations and ensure your pricing is always in line with the current demand, helping you earn more from your rental property. Understanding Your Costs Before setting a rental price, it’s important to calculate your costs to ensure that you’re making a profit. Here are some common expenses to consider: Mortgage: If you’re still paying off your mortgage, your rent should at least cover this cost. Property taxes: Don’t forget to factor in property taxes when setting your price. Insurance: Rental properties often require additional insurance, which should be included in your pricing. Maintenance and repairs: Ongoing maintenance costs, such as lawn care, plumbing repairs, and routine upkeep, should be factored into your rent price. Utilities: If you’re covering utilities (water, electricity, internet, etc.), this should be considered when calculating the rent. Check out our case study to see how professional property management can help reduce costs and maximize your earnings. How to Test Your Rental Price Once you’ve set the price and are confident in your answer to how much should I list my house for rent, it’s important to test it to see how the market responds. If your property is listed at a price that’s too high, you may find it sitting empty for longer than you’d like. On the other hand, pricing it too low may result in a quick lease but leave you with less income than you deserve. To find the ideal price: Start by listing at a competitive price and monitor how quickly you get inquiries. If there’s little interest, try lowering the rent slightly. If there’s an overwhelming amount of interest, you may want to consider raising the price a little to see if that balance still attracts tenants. Conclusion Determining how much to list your house for rent requires careful consideration of factors like location, size, features, and market demand. By doing your research and using tools like Hosteeva Hosted, you can set a fair price that attracts tenants while maximizing your rental income. With the right pricing strategy and the support of property management software, you can ensure that your rental home stays competitive and profitable for years to come.

Jan 20, 2025

Unlock & Learn 16: Bridging the Gap in Photo Operations

In the competitive world of short-term rentals, high-quality photography is not just a nice-to-have—it’s an essential tool for maximizing bookings and revenue. In Episode 16 of our Unlock & Learn webinar series, Hosteeva’s Director of Sales and Marketing, Talia Lockard, sat down with STR Photography Consultant Keely Garrett to discuss how professional photography can bridge the gap between operations, guest expectations, and revenue optimization. Whether you’re a first-time Airbnb host or a seasoned property manager overseeing hundreds of units, understanding the role of photography in shaping guest experiences and driving bookings is critical. In this episode, Talia and Keely dive into best practices for capturing stunning visuals, the pros and cons of in-house versus outsourced STR photography, and how AI is revolutionizing property management. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdV5bf3srQk Why Photography Matters in Short-Term Rentals Photography is more than just a collection of images—it’s a marketing tool that tells a compelling story about a property. As Keely points out: “You are telling a story for the guest. We want it to be as welcoming as possible, warm and inviting.” A potential guest isn’t just looking at square footage or decor; they are imagining themselves in the space, picturing their vacation before it even happens. The right photography can trigger an emotional response, increasing the likelihood of bookings. In-House vs. Outsourced STR Photography: Weighing the Pros and Cons One of the biggest questions property managers face is whether to handle photography in-house or hire external photographers. Both options have benefits and challenges. In-house photography allows for full control over scheduling and consistency. It also enables coordination with cleaning teams for staging and can be cost-effective in the long run. However, it requires an investment in professional equipment and training, and it can be time-consuming for the property management team. Outsourcing photography gives access to experienced professionals with high-end equipment, ensuring top-tier quality with optimized lighting and editing. It also saves time for property managers. The downside is higher upfront costs and less control over availability and image licensing rights. As Keely emphasizes, one of the most overlooked challenges with outsourced photography is licensing rights: “A lot of the time when you're working with vendors, they retain ownership of the images. Redistributing those images to homeowners or other vacation rental companies is a big no-no.” Ensuring you have the right usage rights for your photos is crucial to avoid legal complications. Download the Photography Checklist To help you get started, we’ve created a FREE downloadable photography checklist. This guide ensures your properties are captured with maximum impact, covering everything from staging tips to must-have shots. 📥 Download the Photography Checklist Here Optimizing STR Photography for Revenue Management Photography isn’t just about aesthetics—it plays a direct role in revenue optimization. As Talia explains: “If a property isn't booked, this should be the time you're planning to take the right photos, change out anything that needs to be updated, and optimize for peak season.” Keeping listings up to date is crucial, especially when homeowners make changes to properties. Whether it's a newly renovated kitchen, upgraded furniture, or updated decor, outdated photos can lead to guest dissatisfaction and negative reviews. Regularly auditing listings ensures accuracy and improves booking conversion rates. The Role of AI in STR Photography and Operations AI is playing an increasing role in short-term rental operations, but when it comes to photography, there are clear dos and don’ts. AI can be used to analyze guest reviews for recurring issues, such as furniture quality or misleading descriptions. It can also suggest updates to property listings based on guest feedback and identify trends in booking patterns to guide photo refreshes. However, AI should not be used to generate fake property images or enhance or alter the reality of a listing. Keely strongly advises against AI-generated property images: “You have to be able to showcase what actually exists for the guest to trust booking the property. AI should not be used to create an image.” Transparency in listings is critical for building trust. Misleading images can lead to negative reviews and lost credibility. To explore more ways AI is transforming short-term rental management, read The Benefits of Using AI Software for Airbnb Management. Best Practices for STR Photography For property managers looking to enhance their listing images, Keely offers several key best practices: Capture the full guest experience: Include exterior shots, common areas, and local amenities like pools and walking paths. Use natural light: Schedule photo shoots during the best lighting conditions for warm and inviting images. Stage the home properly: Declutter spaces, ensure beds are neatly made, and highlight unique decor elements. Answer common guest questions visually: Show proximity to beaches, parking availability, and room layouts to eliminate uncertainties. Refresh photos regularly: Review listings at least annually to update any major changes in decor, renovations, or amenities. Final Takeaways Quality photography is one of the most powerful tools in the short-term rental industry. Whether managing a single unit or an extensive portfolio, investing in strong visuals is key to attracting guests, driving bookings, and maximizing revenue. As Talia notes: “Your photo is the first thing that starts the entire vacation memory for your guest.” Keely adds: “If your photo provokes an emotional response—like picturing themselves with a drink in hand or watching their kids play—you’ve done your job.” For those looking to improve their listing images, a strong focus on accuracy, storytelling, and guest experience is the way forward. Get in Touch For more insights or to connect with our experts, reach out to: 📸 Keely Garrett - Expert in Vacation Rental Photography📩 Email: photographybykeely@mail.com🔗 LinkedIn: Keely Garrett 🏡 Talia Lockard - Hosteeva Sales & Marketing📩 Email: tlockard@hosteeva.com🔗 LinkedIn: Talia Lockard Stay tuned for more Unlock & Learn episodes, and be sure to subscribe to Hosteeva’s newsletter for industry insights, product updates, and upcoming webinars! 🚀 See you next time!