Dear Friends,

Myrtle Beach natives and vacationers alike have had to experience several days of below-average temps this month. Collectively, we all say “we’re over it”! And, thankfully, Mother Nature has listened. Next week, weather forecasters have predicted above-average temps that may reach up into the lower 70s! Even if the Grand Strand doesn’t quite reach that high---we’re sure Spring fever will be upon us in full force. Already, we’re planning dinners for Valentine’s, activities for the Can-Am Days in March, and everything in between! Come on down soon---you don’t want to miss all the exciting activities Myrtle Beach has planned to make your stay extra-fun.

Until Then,

The Grande Shores Family

Grande Shores News & Happenings

     Monthly Renters
They're here! Although we have had some snowbirds arriving to stay as early as October and November-by far, our biggest months for monthly guests are January and February. Some have decided to stay at Grande Shores all the way until March to take advantage of the great sales tax rebate on their accommodations that are available for those who rent in South Carolina for at least 90 consecutive days.

While most hail from the northern states, New England and Canada, we do have a few that have come to our shores from a closer distance---and we welcome them all! While most of the property is abuzz with wintertime activity, the lounge at Shoreline Café is the one place always hopping with this fun, lively crowd.

Monday nights during the wintertime are Game Nights at the Grande Shores. Our monthlies gather in the conference room where friendly, but competitive, hands of Sevens and Texas Hold-em are thrown down with gusto. Additionally, group Pot Luck Dinners and a night out at Crocodile Rocks (Myrtle Beach's only dueling piano venue) are repeat activities this group consistently enjoys. Our Night Manager, Jenna Hillman, helps to manage the events and takes care of all reservations for our snowbirds. We love having them with us year after year.

     Thanks to popularity of the last few events, we're happy to be hosting a Super Bowl Party again this year! Super Bowl Sunday is on February 3rd---and we hope you'll be visiting us in Myrtle Beach that weekend to join in the fun and excitement. Of course, we'll offer $1 can beer (limited supply), free appetizers at half time, and show the big game on our projection TV for the ultimate viewing pleasure in our own Grande Shores-style tailgate party!

     Did you know?
The Canadian dollar is still stronger than the U.S. counterpart? As of January 16, 2008, the conversion difference from $1 American was $1.02 Canadian. With the continued strength of our Northern friends' funds, we hope to see more of them during the Myrtle Beach Can-Am Festival from March 8-16, 2008. Click here for a list the of events the Chamber of Commerce has compiled, including a family-friendly Southern style Bar-B-Q Grande Shores will be hosting out on the pool deck (weather permitting) on March 15!

     Grande Shores New Special Rates
Looking for a more affordable option when you make your next Myrtle Beach vacation? Ask your Grande Shores reservation specialist about our new LOS rates. LOS (Length Of Stay) gives our valued guests the option of forgoing daily housekeeping when your stay is 5 nights or more. Stay longer and save! What a great idea!

     Employee Spotlight

Carmen Rodriquez
You know you've got a gem in your fold when even the Myrtle Beach Fire Inspectors comment about how clean and orderly our laundry facilities are on each visit (they see every resort and hotel along the Grand Strand!). That extra-special attention to detail and care in her work comes directly from our beloved Carmen Rodriquez. Carmen, a native of Piura, Peru, has been working at Grande Shores for eight years in our Laundry department and has developed a deep bond with her fellow co-workers throughout not only her own department, but the entire resort. Always a tireless worker with the sweetest disposition and smile, Carmen is constantly coming up with ingenious ways to increase productivity and be more efficient.

Although Carmen loves living in the United States (and says in many ways, it's very similar to Peru), she does still get homesick from time to time. However, when those times surface, all she has to do is spend a little time with her two grandsons (cooking them their favorite-her spaghetti) to get right back to her wonderfully happy self.

Around Town

2/14/2008-2/17/2008 Bi-Lo Myrtle Beach Marathon
Listed by USA Today as one of the top 10 great winter marathons, the Myrtle Beach Marathon draws runners from all over the world to the Grand Strand www.mbmarathon.com

2/23/2008 Polar Plunge Main Street North Myrtle Beach
Whether you take the plunge or not, this event sure will be a lot of fun! For more information, visit www.nmb.us

We spent Christmas at the Grande Shores and found the hotel to be clean and the Staff great. Our room was on the 11th floor and the views were excellent. Great for the price! I have stayed at other places in MB but will go back to Grande Shores again. We will be back next year! TripAdvisor.com comment, Guest 4bootz from Bradford, Ontario

I was part of a group and I am also a Travel Agent, so I paid particular attention to details. The rooms were very clean and fresh. We all had ocean views so the view was right on the beach; you can't beat it. The sunrise on the beach is perfect. They have a breakfast buffet that has everything you need for good price. The rooms were very roomy with most rooms having a microwave/fridge. The pools and spa area were outstanding. You can't beat the value of this hotel, well worth the money for what you get. It's not luxury but it was well worth what we paid. Very family friendly.

Our visit was at the end of season, so it was very quiet… and the hotel is located near a quiet subdivision that helped. The hotel was very close to shopping, restaurants and attractions. We will be back soon! TripAdvisor.com Comment, Guest Travelcity from Virginia