Marriott International, Inc. has announced the opening of the Myrtle Beach Marriott Resort at Grande Dunes. The 400-room resort is located oceanfront at 8400 Cost Verde Drive and will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned and operated by Columbia-Sussex of Ft. Mitchell, Ky.Golfers, families and couples can experience the new resort with a special introductory rate of US$129 per person per day (based on double occupancy). The “Introductory Golf Package” is available Jan. 1 - Feb. 15, 2004, and includes deluxe accommodations, breakfast for two and 18 holes of golf per day on the Grande Dunes golf course with cart. (For reservations, please call the hotel directly and ask for the golf desk.)Myrtle Beach is widely regarded as one of the country’s premier golf destinations, and the Myrtle Beach Marriott Resort at Grande Dunes provides access to one of the area’s finest courses. The Golf Village at Grande Dunes features a challenging 18-hole championship layout that has the distinction of being the longest in the state. The course has been recognised by Golf magazine as one of America’s top new courses and provides panoramic views of the waterway, maritime forest and the Atlantic Ocean. Non-golfers will enjoy the Tennis Club at Grande Dunes, which features ten Har-Tru tennis courts, pro shop, swimming pool and fitness center. Other area attractions include Myrtle Waves Water Park, Ripley’s Aquarium, outlet shopping and a full-service marina with charter fishing boats, jet-ski and kayak rentals, and parasailing.

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