Tropical Seas MB 23

Dear Guest:

Welcome to the Tropical Seas Hotel. It is our pleasure to welcome you as our guest and wish you a pleasant stay. We value your patronage, and it is important to us that your stay will be a comfortable and enjoyable one. We take great pride in providing our guests with the utmost professional and personalized service.

This directory is provided to familiarize you with the many services we offer, as well as acquaint you with the Myrtle Beach area.

If there is anything we can do to make your visit with us more enjoyable, please feel free to ask our staff members.

We look forward to having you with us again soon.

Sincerely,

Tropical Seas Management & Staff

Directory of Services

AI RLINES

ATM SERVICE

The nearest ATM service is located at the lobby level.

CHECK CASHING

Due to the limited amount of cash kept on the property, the hotel is unable to provide check cashing services. Please contact the Front Desk for the nearest bank or ATM.

CHECK-OUT

Check-out time is 11:00 a.m.

COFFEE SERVICES

Complimentary coffee available in the lobby from 6 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

COPIES

Copy service is available at the Front Desk. The charge for hotel guests is $0.10 per copy.

CREDIT INFORMATION

We accept American Express, Visa, Discover, and MasterCard.

EMERGENCY ........................................................ DIAL 0 OR 9-911

In the event of an emergency, medical or otherwise, please contact the Front Desk for immediate attention.

FAX MACHINE .................................................................... DIAL 0

Facsimile (FAX) service is available for your convenience. The hotel fax number is 843-448-0253. There is a fee of $1.00 per page to send or receive faxes.

FIRE EMERGENCY

The hotel is fully equipped with modern fire protection devices. For your additional safety, please familiarize yourself with the fire alarm locations, exit routes and fire safety guides. This information

Directory of Services

is posted on the back of each guest room door.

HOUSEKEEPING ................................................................. DIAL 0

Call the Front Desk for extra linens, towels, or blankets.

ICE AND VENDING MACHINES

Ice and vending machines are located on the first floor.

LOST AND FOUND .............................................................. DIAL 0

For articles lost or found, please contact the Front Desk.

MAIL AND MESSAGES ....................................................... DIAL 0

Mail and messages received at the hotel may be collected at the Front Desk by either calling or stopping by the Front Desk.

PARKING

One complimentary parking space per room is available for all registered hotel guests. The hotel cannot be responsible for items left in vehicles on the hotel property.

POSTAGE STAMPS

Postage is available at the current postal rates at the Front Desk.

RESTAURANT

Our hotel Pizzeria is located on the 2nd floor. Hours are seasonal.

ROOM KEYS

Should you lose your room key, please notify the Front Desk immediately so that your lock may be re-coded. Please return your key to the Front Desk upon checkout.

SAFETY DEPOSIT BOXES ..................................................... DIAL 0

Please do not the leave money or valuables in your room. Under state law, the hotel cannot be held responsible for the loss of articles unless properly secured in the safety deposit box located at the Front Desk. For the security of your valuables, please let us be of service.

SECURITY ............................................................................ DIAL 0

Your safety and security are of the utmost concern to us. Please familiarize yourself with the Safety Guidelines provided in this directory. If a security need arises, please contact the Front Desk for immediate attention.

Directory of Services

SWIMMING POOL

Our swimming pool is open from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Children must be accompanied by a guardian. No glass is allowed on premises. Swim at your own risk, as there is no lifeguard on duty. TAX

Sales taxes are based on local and federal requirements.

If you would like a wake-up call, please notify the hotel operator.

For a listing of area worship services, please contact the Front Desk.

Telephone Information

Safety Procedures

FIRE SAFETY

The hotel is protected by the most up-to-date fire prevention devices and alarm systems. Please make yourself aware of the emergency procedures listed here to further enhance your safety and security.

YOUR BEST DEFENSE AGAINST A FIRE IS TO PLAN AHEAD.

• Locate two exits nearest your room. Be sure they are unlocked and unblocked. Then count the doors between your room and the exits so you’ll have a reference point if it is smoky or dark.

• When you hear an alarm, ACT, don’t simply investigate.

• If the fire is in your room, get out and close the door. Alert your neighbors. Once out, report the fire.

• If the fire is not in your room, leave if you can. First, feel the door. If it is cool, open it slowly and go to the nearest exit. Crawl if there is smoke. Fresher air will be at the floor. Take your keys so you can go back to your room if you can’t use the exits.

• NEVER USE ELEVATORS DURING A FIRE. They could stop at the fire floor.

• If your door is hot, don’t open it. Your room may be the safest place to be. Seal all cracks with wet towels. Shut off fans and air conditioners. Signal from your window. Call the fire department and wait to be rescued.

Safety Procedures

TRAVELER SAFETY TIPS

1. Don’t answer the door in a hotel or motel room without verifying who is there. If a person claims to be an employee, call the Front Desk and ask if someone from their staff is supposed to have access to your room and for what purpose. Never give financial information over the phone. Please stop by the Front Desk to provide your details to one of our staff.

2. When returning to your hotel or motel late in the evening, use the main entrance of the hotel. Be observant and look around before entering parking lots, and before leaving your vehicle.

3. Close the door securely whenever you are in your room and use all of the locking devices provided.

4. Do not needlessly display guest room keys in public or carelessly leave them on restaurant tables, at the swimming pool, or other places where they might be stolen.

5. Do not draw attention to yourself by displaying large amounts of cash or expensive jewelry.

6. Do not invite strangers to your room for any reason.

7. Do not leave valuables in your vehicle.

8. Check to see that any sliding glass doors or windows and any connecting room doors are locked.

9. If you are traveling with children, provide adult supervision and know their whereabouts at all times.

If you see any suspicious activity, please report your observations to the management.

Myrtle Beach History

The Myrtle Beach area is rich in culture and tradition. Continual efforts are taken to preserve the past and commemorate it through landmarks, museums, and tales of bygone days.

• Kings Highway began as an Indian trail long before Europeans settled along the Grand Strand. Later, this trail became the route from the northern states to Charleston and Savannah.

• The area’s first inhabitants were the Waccamaw and Winyah Indians, who named the region Chicora, meaning the land.

• Early attempts by European explorers to settle the Grand Strand were disastrous. Spaniard Lucas Vasques de Allyon founded the first colony in North America here in 1526, but the settlement was ravaged by disease, and the inhabitants perished within a year.

• During the 18th century, pirates found the waters off the Grand Strand a paradise for their wild revels. The infamous Blackbeard regularly terrorized the Carolina shores before his gory death in 1718. Captain Kidd himself is thought to have buried some loot near Murrells Inlet.

• English colonists formed Prince George Parish and laid out plans for Georgetown, the state’s third oldest city, in 1730. Surrounded by rivers and marshlands, Georgetown became the center of America’s colonial rice empire.

• Before the Civil War, plantation owners turned Pawleys Island into one of the first summer resorts on the Atlantic coast. Just a few miles north of Pawleys Island, Murrells Inlet is the source of the area’s most endearing ghost stories, including that of a young woman who died brokenhearted: Alice Belin Flagg (1833-1849).

• Until the 1900s, the beaches of Horry County were virtually uninhabited due to the county’s geographical inaccessibility and poor economy.

• Near the turn of the century, the Burroughs & Collins Company, a timber turpentine firm with extensive beachfront holdings, began developing the resort potential of the Strand. In 1901, their company built the beach’s first hotel, the Seaside Inn. At that time, oceanfront lots sold for $25.00, and buyers received an extra lot free if they built a house valued at $500.00 or more. The beach community was called New Town until the Horry Herald newspaper held a contest to officially name the area. Mrs. F.E. Burroughs, wife of the founder of Burroughs & Collins Company, won the competition with Myrtle Beach, a name she chose for the many wax myrtle trees growing wild along the shore.

Myrtle Beach History

• In the 1920s, a group of businessmen began building an upscale resort called Arcady at the north end of the community. Arcady featured the present Pine Lakes International Country Club, the Strand’s first golf club and birthplace of the magazine Sports Illustrated, as well as the legendary Ocean Forest Hotel.

• Several major developments took place along the Strand during the 1930s and 1940s. In 1936, the Intracoastal Waterway was opened to pleasure boats and commercial shipping. During the 1940s, the Air Force Base was established and used for training and coastal patrols during World War II. The base was officially closed in 1993. The Pavilion was built in 1949, followed closely by the installation of the organ and the carousel at that site. These unique pieces which were brought to the Grand Strand in 1954 are still in place.

• Myrtle Beach was incorporated in 1938, and in 1957 became a city.

• Hurricane Hazel demolished buildings and trees along the Strand in 1954, ironically clearing the way for new, larger hotels and homes. During the rebuilding phase of the 1960s, the golf boom began and has continued to this day with new courses being built each year.

• The Myrtle Beach Convention Center, which houses the South Carolina Hall of Fame, was opened in 1970. Throughout the 70s, new construction topped $75.00 million and the permanent population tripled.

• In the 1970s and ‘80s, construction of attractions, homes, retail shops, and other amenities increased steadily, introducing another boom in the early ‘90s that currently attracts millions of visitors and thousands of new residents to the area each year.

Courtesy of Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce

Visitor and Local Information

Legends of the Grand Strand

The South Carolina coastal waters were especially productive for pirates, and the coves and inlets along the Grand Strand provided great hiding places for these marauders. Pirates who became local legends include Edward Teach, called Blackbeard because of his coal-black beard, and Drunken Jack, who was left behind on an island with a huge stash of stolen rum (and died with a smile on his face).

We love our ghosts – especially the good ones, which most of them are. The most enduring ghost stories are of Alice Flagg, ghost of the Hermitage, and the Gray Man. Alice roams beside the waters of Murrells Inlet, searching for a ring she received from a young man her family did not approve of. As she lay in bed ill with a fever, her brother discovered the ring on a ribbon around her neck and, being enraged, flung it into the inlet. The story of the Gray Man also involves a tragic love story, as a soldier returns home to marry his sweetheart. Riding on horseback, he has an accident and is killed. His spirit, however, lives on, and he is able to warn his lover of an approaching hurricane and save her life. Since that time, many people have reported seeing the Gray Man before a hurricane and heeded his ghostly warning to seek safety.

Beach-Going Wheelchairs

In Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Surfside Beach, beach-going wheelchairs are available for use free of charge. These chairs are sturdy and come equipped with an umbrella and large balloon tires for maneuvering through soft sand.

In Myrtle Beach, beach wheelchairs are available at the following lifeguard stands: 77th Ave. N.; 72nd Ave. N.; 54th Ave. N.; 24th Ave. N.; 8th Ave. N.; 8th Ave. S.; 20th Ave. S. (wheelchairs); 21st Ave. S. (handicap access). These locations also offer handicap parking. For more information, call 918-1000.

In North Myrtle Beach, wheelchairs are available M-F at the Recreation Center on Possum Trot Road. Call 280-5584 to reserve one. Handicap beach access at the following locations: Main St.; Sea Mountain Hwy.; 4th Ave. N.; 6th Ave. S.; 9th Ave. S.; 15th Ave. S.; 17th Ave. S.; 21st Ave. S.; 27th Ave. S.; 39th Ave. S. 46th Ave. S.

In Surfside Beach, wheelchairs are available by calling 913-6368. Handicap beach access at the following locations: 3rd Ave. N.; Surfside Drive at Surfside Pier); Melody Lane.

Shag Dancing

A dance described as “Southern tradition of style and grace,” the shag was born decades ago along this stretch of Carolina coastline. Here, shagging is a phenomenon, transcending age and bringing together thousands of enthusiasts seeking to perfect its laid-back, seemingly effortless moves. The shag is so much a part of the culture, it has been declared South Carolina’s official dance.

A close cousin of the 1930s craze called the Big Apple, the shag has been the subject of a movie, books, and countless magazine and newspapers articles. And although the jazz sounds of the 1930s helped to create the acrobatic Big Apple, we Southerners slowed it down and smoothed out a bit.

Much more than a dance, the shag is also a feeling – of friendship, and of sand, salt, and surf combined with smoothly worn hardwood floors. It’s the unhurried moves of a dance that knows no age barriers, a way of life set to rhythm and blues, an opportunity to re-live youth.

Seashells and Fossils

More than 700 species of shells live in the waters of South Carolina. Among the most common are whelks, angel wings, arks, pen shells, augers, cockles, slipper shells, jingles, coquina, and olive shells. Starfish, sea urchins, and sand dollars also can be found on local beaches.

When sand dollars are alive, they have a dark, fur-like covering. When they wash up on the beach, the sun bleaches them white. Sand dollars are extremely fragile.

The most common fossils found on area beaches are sharks’ teeth, which are usually black or dark brown. Fossilized sharks’ teeth are millions of years old. Other fossils found in the area include animal bones, horses’ teeth and fossilized shells. The best times to look for shells and fossils are on an outgoing tide, during a new moon or full moon, and after a storm.

Visitor and Local Information

Local Laws

State Laws

Seat belts must be worn at all times in a moving vehicle.

Open containers of beer, wine, or liquor are prohibited in vehicles or any public place including streets, sidewalks, and beach areas. Vehicle headlights must be on if operating windshield wipers due to rain or poor road conditions.

Motorcyclists are required to use headlights at all times.

Right turns may be made on a red light throughout the state, except where a sign denotes “No Right on Red.” Remember, stop before turning and give way to traffic already in the intersection.

Fireworks

Discharging of fireworks is illegal within the city limits of municipalities along the Grand Strand.

Cruising

Cruising is regulated by the Myrtle Beach Police Department between 3rd Ave. S. and 21st Ave. N. on Ocean Boulevard from 2:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. March 1 to Oct. 1.

Driving

It is unlawful for any person to drive or operate any motor vehicle on the beach or in public marsh areas.

SHEP

Established in 1996 by SCDOT (South Carolina Department of Transportation), SHEP (State Highway Emergency Program) now serves motorists traveling Interstates in the Charleston, Columbia, Myrtle Beach, Rock Hill, and Greenville/ Spartanburg urban areas.

Prepared to handle a variety of situations, SHEP responders make minor repairs to disabled

vehicles, assist with traffic control and incident management, and provide first aid until emergency medical services arrive.

For assistance, dial *HP on your cellular phone, ask for SHEP.

Myrtle Beach – Dogs in public must be on a leash at all times. No animals are allowed on the beach or Ocean Boulevard from 13th Ave. S. to 21st Ave. N. in Myrtle Beach during any time of the year. No dogs are allowed on the beach

9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., May 15 to Sept. 15. Pet owners are responsible for removing pet waste from any public property, including beaches.

Horses and riders are allowed on the beach within the city of Myrtle Beach from the third Saturday in November until the end of February, in groups of six or fewer. No “staging” is allowed within the city limits (access to the beach is through Myrtle Beach State Park), and riders must clean up droppings west of the high tide line.

Sea Oats

It is illegal to cut, break, or otherwise destroy sea oat plants, beach grass, or sand fencing. Sea oats provide nature’s first line of defense against shore erosion. They build up the dunes by trapping sand blown inland from the beaches. Please leave the beach as you found it.

Swimming

Swimming is not permitted beyond 50 yards from the beach or over shoulder depth, unless otherwise stated by the lifeguard. Jumping or diving from piers is prohibited. Swimming within 50 yards of a pier is prohibited. Only canvas rafts may be used in the ocean. Rafts must be equipped with safety ropes. It is illegal for anyone to wear a thong bathing suit.

Package Stores in SC are identified with large red circles. Hours are 9:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. daily, except Sundays and holidays. Legal drinking age is twenty-one.

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about beach do’s and don’ts:

• Only canvas rafts with ropes are allowed in the ocean.

• Littering is punishable by a $200.00 fine. Offenders may be required to assist officials in cleaning up litter.

• Sleeping on the beach is not permitted from 9:00 p.m. until sunrise.

• No solicitation is permitted on the beach.

• Boaters and wind surfers must refrain from operating in the swimming areas which extend fifty yards from the high tide line.

Visitor and Local Information

Did You Know?

Ocean water temperature along the Grand Strand beaches is about 20 degrees warmer than New York ocean water during the summer months and approximately 10 degrees warmer during the winter months.

Annual Averages

(Based on 30 years of data)

• Sunny days - 215

• Days when maximum temperature is more than 90˚ Fahrenheit - 46

• Days with .10 inches of rain or more - 72

• Average air temperature in Fahrenheit - 64˚

• Average water temperature in Fahrenheit - 66˚

• Average relative humidity at 1:00 p.m. - 57%

Myrtle Beach, through private contractors, provides lifeguards on the beach from 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. in season. Lifeguards use a flag system to inform swimmers on ocean conditions.

Green Flag ..................................................................................................................................... Safe Conditions

Yellow Flag Caution, rough currents or unfavorable winds Red Flag Danger, swimming prohibited

Traditional Foods

Butter Beans

Flat beans, like lima beans, shelled before cooking, butter beans are often served with rice.

Calabash-style Seafood

This name comes from the Southern method of dredging fish in cornmeal and frying.

Chicken Bog

Strictly speaking, this is a rice pilau (pronounced perloo) or pilaf, which combines rice, meats and chicken broth.

Country-Style Steak

Thinly sliced or cubed round or sirloin steak which has been dipped in batter and fried.

Country-Style Vegetables

Vegetables which are native to Southern soils, such as corn, okra, tomatoes, beans and peas that are cooked slowly with a bit of fatback or bacon to flavor and are also highly seasoned.

Grits and Maters

Coarsely ground corn cooked to a mushy softness and served with stewed tomatoes.

Hushpuppies or Corndoggers

Fried pieces of cornmeal dough seasoned with onion salt or minced onion and most often served with fried fish. Originally, “hushpuppies” came from the leftover cornmeal used for frying the fresh fish at the campsite near the edge of the water. The name is derived from the original use of these morsels thrown to the dogs (puppies, to Southerners who never go into the wilderness without at least one “puppy”) to keep the animals at bay while their human counterparts ate the fish.

Pig Pickin’

The meat of a pig is slowly cooked over hot coals in a pit and basted until the meat, dripping with juices, falls off the bones.

She-Crab Soup

A cream-style soup, not unlike bisque, always with crabmeat or crab roe or red crab eggs, flavored with cayenne pepper and sherry.