What Is Room Tax in Myrtle Beach? Rates & Booking Tips

Introduction

When planning a trip to Myrtle Beach, understanding the room tax is important. It affects the total cost of your hotel stay and helps you budget better. I’ll explain what the room tax is, how much it costs, and what it covers.

We’ll also look at how the tax is applied in Myrtle Beach hotels and share tips to help you find the best deals. This way, you can enjoy your beach vacation without surprises on your bill.

What Is Room Tax?

Room tax is a fee charged by cities or counties on hotel stays. It is added to your hotel bill on top of the room rate. The money collected usually helps fund local tourism, public services, and city improvements.

In Myrtle Beach, room tax is a percentage of the nightly rate you pay for your hotel room. It is required by law and collected by the hotel on behalf of the city and state.

How Much Is the Room Tax in Myrtle Beach?

The total room tax in Myrtle Beach includes several parts. As of 2026, the combined rate is about 14.5% of your hotel room cost per night. This breaks down into:

• South Carolina State Lodging Tax: 6%

• City of Myrtle Beach Room Tax: 3%

• Horry County Room Tax: 3%

• Additional Local Taxes and Fees: Around 2.5%

This total can vary slightly depending on the hotel and exact location. Always check your booking details for the exact tax rate.

What Does the Room Tax Cover?

The room tax money helps support the local economy and tourism infrastructure. Here’s what it typically covers in Myrtle Beach:

• Maintaining beaches and public parks

• Funding tourism marketing and events

• Supporting local attractions and cultural sites

• Improving public safety and transportation

Paying the room tax helps keep Myrtle Beach a great place to visit for everyone.

How Is Room Tax Applied When Booking Hotels?

When you book a hotel in Myrtle Beach, the room tax is added to your nightly rate. Here’s how it usually works:

• The hotel shows the base room rate before taxes.

• At checkout or booking, the room tax percentage is added to the total.

• Some hotels may also add resort fees or parking fees separately.

• The final price you pay includes all taxes and fees.

Make sure to read the booking terms carefully to understand the full cost.

Examples of Room Tax at Popular Myrtle Beach Hotels

Here are some examples to give you an idea of how room tax affects your bill:

• Marina Inn at Grande Dunes: $150 base rate + 14.5% tax = $171.75 total per night

• Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort: $200 base rate + 14.5% tax = $229 total per night

• Sea Crest Oceanfront Resort: $120 base rate + 14.5% tax = $137.40 total per night

These examples show how the tax adds up. Always budget for this extra cost when planning your trip.

Tips to Save on Room Tax and Hotel Costs

While you can’t avoid room tax, you can save money on your overall stay with these tips:

• Book early: Early bookings often get lower base rates, reducing the tax amount.

• Look for package deals: Some travel sites bundle hotels and flights with discounts.

• Consider vacation rentals: Some rentals may have different tax rules or lower fees.

• Stay outside the main tourist area: Nearby towns may have lower room taxes.

• Check for promotions: Hotels sometimes offer special rates that include taxes or resort fees.

Are There Other Taxes or Fees on Myrtle Beach Hotel Stays?

Besides room tax, you might see other charges on your hotel bill. These can include:

• Resort fees: Some hotels charge a daily fee for amenities like pools and Wi-Fi.

• Parking fees: If you bring a car, some hotels charge for parking.

• Tourism or hospitality fees: Occasionally added to support local services.

Always ask the hotel about all fees before booking to avoid surprises.

How Does Myrtle Beach’s Room Tax Compare to Other Beach Destinations?

Myrtle Beach’s combined room tax rate of about 14.5% is average for popular U.S. beach destinations. For example:

• Miami Beach, Florida: Around 14%

• Virginia Beach, Virginia: About 14%

• Galveston, Texas: Around 15%

This means Myrtle Beach’s taxes are competitive and typical for a tourist city with many attractions.

How to Find the Best Hotel Deals in Myrtle Beach

To get the best value on your stay, consider these booking tips:

• Use trusted travel sites like Expedia, Booking.com, or Hotels.com.

• Check hotel websites directly for exclusive offers.

• Sign up for hotel loyalty programs to earn discounts and perks.

• Travel during off-peak seasons for lower rates.

• Read reviews to ensure the hotel meets your needs.

Planning ahead and comparing options helps you save money even after taxes.

Conclusion

Understanding the room tax in Myrtle Beach helps you plan your budget better. The total tax is about 14.5%, which is added to your hotel room rate. This tax supports local tourism and city services, making your visit enjoyable.

When booking, always check the full cost including taxes and fees. Use our tips to find the best deals and avoid surprises. With this knowledge, you can relax and enjoy your Myrtle Beach vacation with confidence.

FAQs

What is the current room tax rate in Myrtle Beach?

The total room tax rate in Myrtle Beach is about 14.5%, including state, city, and county taxes.

Is the room tax included in the hotel price when booking online?

Usually, the room tax is added at checkout, so the initial price may not include it. Always check the final price before confirming.

Do vacation rentals in Myrtle Beach have the same room tax?

Vacation rentals often have similar lodging taxes, but rates and fees can vary. Check with the rental provider for details.

Can I avoid paying room tax in Myrtle Beach?

No, room tax is mandatory for hotel stays and collected by the hotel. It is required by law and cannot be waived.

Are there other fees besides room tax on Myrtle Beach hotel bills?

Yes, some hotels charge resort fees, parking fees, or other service fees in addition to room tax. Always ask about all fees before booking.