Wyndham Vacation Rentals acquires more units in Myrtle Beach

One of the largest, locally owned lodging providers along the Grand Strand in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, has affiliated with a recognizable worldwide brand.

The vacation rental assets of Oceana Resorts, which has more than 1,000 condominiums at eight oceanfront resorts along the Grand Strand, has become part of Wyndham Vacation Rentals in a deal that closed Dec. 31. Not much is expected to change for guests, as Oceana will continue to operate as usual but under the Wyndham umbrella, said Steve Alessandrini, spokesman for Wyndham Exchange and Rentals.

Wyndham will eventually offer reservations through its network and promote the units.

The Oceana resorts will keep their names, including Anderson Ocean Club and Spa, Bay Watch Resort and Conference Center, Camelot by the Sea, Patricia Grand and Harbourgate Marina Club. Local officials will remain.

"A lot of it will be business as usual," Alessandrini said.

Wyndham, which has been growing its vacation rental network, was attracted to Oceana's popularity with Grand Strand tourists and reputation, he said.

"They are obviously a prominent player in the Myrtle Beach market," Alessandrini said.

In addition to acquiring Oceana's rental units, Wyndham also recently acquired units along the Gulf Shores and in the United Kingdom. Wyndham has more than 100,000 vacation rental properties in more than 500 destinations around the world.

Contact DAWN BRYANT at 626-0296 or at dbryant@thesunnews.com or follow her at Twitter.com/TSN_dawnbryant. ___