Hotel Tax Rates in Myrtle Beach, SC Explained
Discover the current hotel tax rates in Myrtle Beach, SC, and learn how taxes affect your stay and travel budget.
If you are planning a trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, understanding hotel taxes is important. These taxes add to your hotel bill and can affect your travel budget. Knowing how much hotel tax you will pay helps you plan better and avoid surprises at checkout.
In this article, we will explain the current hotel tax rates in Myrtle Beach. We will also cover how these taxes work, what fees to expect, and tips for booking your stay. Whether you want a budget hotel or a luxury resort, this guide will help you understand the extra costs involved.
What Is Hotel Tax in Myrtle Beach?
Hotel tax is a fee charged by local governments on hotel stays. It is added to the room rate and collected by the hotel. The tax money helps fund local services like tourism promotion, public safety, and infrastructure.
In Myrtle Beach, hotel tax includes several parts. These taxes are set by the city, county, and state. They vary depending on where you stay and the type of accommodation.
State Sales Tax: South Carolina charges a 6% sales tax on hotel rooms.
Local Accommodations Tax: Myrtle Beach adds a 2% accommodations tax.
Hospitality Tax: Horry County charges a 1% hospitality tax on lodging.
Tourism Development Fee: Some hotels add a small fee to support tourism marketing.
All these taxes combined usually add about 9% to 12% on top of your room rate.
Current Hotel Tax Rates in Myrtle Beach
As of 2026, here are the main hotel taxes you will see on your bill in Myrtle Beach:
South Carolina State Sales Tax: 6%
Myrtle Beach Local Accommodations Tax: 2%
Horry County Hospitality Tax: 1%
Tourism Development Fee: Varies by hotel, usually $1 to $3 per night
These taxes are calculated on the room rate before any discounts or promotions. For example, if your room costs $100 per night, expect to pay about $9 to $12 extra in taxes and fees.
How Hotel Taxes Affect Your Total Cost
Hotel taxes can add a significant amount to your total stay cost. It’s important to factor these in when budgeting for your trip.
Here’s how taxes impact your bill:
Taxes are added per night, so longer stays mean more tax.
Some hotels charge additional resort fees or parking fees.
Taxes apply even if you book through third-party sites like Expedia or Booking.com.
Always check the final price breakdown before confirming your reservation.
Knowing the tax rates helps you compare hotel prices accurately. A hotel with a lower base rate but higher taxes might cost more overall.
Where Do Myrtle Beach Hotel Taxes Go?
The taxes collected from hotel stays support many local services. Here’s where your hotel tax money goes:
Tourism Promotion: Funding marketing campaigns to attract visitors to Myrtle Beach.
Public Safety: Supporting police, fire, and emergency services in tourist areas.
Infrastructure: Maintaining roads, parks, and public spaces used by visitors.
Event Support: Helping pay for festivals, concerts, and other local events.
These taxes help keep Myrtle Beach a fun and safe place to visit.
Tips for Booking Hotels in Myrtle Beach
To get the best deal and understand hotel taxes, keep these tips in mind:
Check the final price: Always look at the full price including taxes and fees before booking.
Compare hotels: Some hotels include resort fees or extra charges that add to your cost.
Book direct: Sometimes booking directly with the hotel can save you money or avoid hidden fees.
Ask about taxes: Call the hotel to confirm current tax rates and any extra fees.
Look for promotions: Some hotels offer tax-inclusive rates or discounts during off-peak seasons.
Popular Hotels in Myrtle Beach and Their Tax Policies
Here are examples of well-known hotels and how they handle taxes and fees:
Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort & Spa: Charges standard state and local taxes plus a small resort fee.
Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort: Includes state and local taxes; resort fees may apply depending on booking.
Holiday Inn Resort Myrtle Beach: Applies all local taxes and a daily resort fee for amenities.
Ocean Reef Resort: Charges state and local taxes; no resort fee but parking fees may apply.
Always review the hotel’s website or contact them directly for the latest tax and fee information.
How to Calculate Your Estimated Hotel Tax
You can estimate your hotel tax by adding the known rates to your room price. Here’s a simple way:
Start with your nightly room rate (before taxes).
Add 6% for South Carolina state sales tax.
Add 2% for Myrtle Beach accommodations tax.
Add 1% for Horry County hospitality tax.
Add any fixed tourism fees or resort fees per night.
For example, if your room is $150 per night and the resort fee is $2:
State tax: $150 x 6% = $9.00
Local tax: $150 x 2% = $3.00
County tax: $150 x 1% = $1.50
Tourism fee: $2.00
Total tax and fees: $15.50 per night
Your total nightly cost would be $165.50.
Other Fees to Watch for in Myrtle Beach Hotels
Besides hotel taxes, some hotels charge extra fees that add to your cost. Here are common fees to check:
Resort Fees: Charges for amenities like pools, gyms, or Wi-Fi.
Parking Fees: Daily charges for on-site parking.
Pet Fees: Extra cost if you bring a pet.
Early Check-in or Late Check-out Fees: Charges for adjusting your check-in or check-out times.
Always ask the hotel about these fees before booking to avoid surprises.
How to Save Money on Hotel Taxes in Myrtle Beach
While you cannot avoid hotel taxes, you can reduce your overall cost with these tips:
Travel off-season: Lower room rates mean lower taxes.
Book longer stays: Some hotels offer discounts for extended stays.
Look for tax-inclusive rates: Some hotels include taxes in the advertised price.
Use rewards programs: Hotel loyalty points can reduce your room cost.
Compare nearby towns: Staying outside Myrtle Beach city limits may have different tax rates.
Understanding Tax Exemptions and Special Cases
Some travelers may qualify for hotel tax exemptions or reduced rates. These include:
Government employees: On official business may get tax exemptions.
Military personnel: Some hotels offer discounts or tax breaks.
Long-term stays: Stays over 90 days may be exempt from some taxes.
If you think you qualify, ask the hotel for details and documentation requirements.
Conclusion
Knowing how much hotel tax you will pay in Myrtle Beach helps you plan your trip better. The combined state and local taxes usually add about 9% to 12% to your hotel bill. Additional fees like resort or parking fees can increase your total cost.
By understanding these taxes and fees, you can compare hotel prices fairly and avoid surprises at checkout. Always check the final price breakdown before booking. With this knowledge, you can enjoy your Myrtle Beach stay without worrying about hidden costs.
FAQs
What is the total hotel tax rate in Myrtle Beach, SC?
The total hotel tax rate in Myrtle Beach is about 9% to 12%, including state sales tax, local accommodations tax, and county hospitality tax.
Are resort fees included in the hotel tax?
No, resort fees are separate charges hotels add for amenities. They are not part of the hotel tax but will increase your total bill.
Can I avoid paying hotel taxes in Myrtle Beach?
Generally, no. Hotel taxes are required by law. Some exemptions apply for government or military travelers on official business.
Do online booking sites show hotel taxes upfront?
Many sites show estimated taxes during booking, but always check the final price breakdown to see all taxes and fees before confirming.
How can I save money on hotel taxes in Myrtle Beach?
You can save by booking during off-season, choosing longer stays, using loyalty programs, or staying outside city limits where taxes may be lower.
