Off Highway 17, the area's premier hotel complex lies in an immaculately kept 145-acre beachfront resort 9 miles northwest of town. It is very well-suited to the large groups and conventions it attracts with its 20,000 sq ft of meeting space. The tall and colorful main tower houses the 280-room Embassy Suites, and a 20-story oceanfront tower adds two- and three-bedroom condominiums.
A security gate monitors traffic flow, and speed bumps and nomadic ducks keep traffic crawling throughout the extensive resort grounds. Wooden walkways connect the 20-story main building to the two condominium highrises and the numerous condo complexes nearby. The plush marble lobby features a gurgling fountain, greenery and comfortable seating.
The casual open-plan cafe is separated from the lobby by a low wall. It serves the traditional Embassy Suites breakfast, plus lunch buffets. This bustling cafe does a brisk business and serves a variety of good food and snacks. The oceanfront steak house hosts dinner, but the lively bar is the central
point between the large pools and sundeck areas. It is overshadowed only by the bands that pep up this place in summertime.
The sport-and-health club is arguably the state's best, with excellent weight and exercise rooms, aerobics, a whirlpool, sauna, and squash, racquetball and tennis courts. The latter boasts tournament seating for spectators. Nine indoor and outdoor pools and a water park supplement volleyball courts and a wonderful playground. In addition to the hotel's putting green, eight area golf courses welcome guests.
The conference center, with more meeting space than any other mid-Atlantic coastal resort, has the capacity to host 1,400 people for banquets. Parking is included in the rates, but pets are not permitted.
The main building houses the spacious suites that are beginning to show their age. Thankfully, at inspection, management was planning a thorough renovation of the accommodations. 
Still, the units are in good condition. These contemporary quarters feature light woods, colorful accent walls, bright fabrics and upholstery, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Their layout encompasses sitting areas, kitchenettes, and bedrooms with king or double beds. Sliding-glass doors open to balconies affording views of the ocean, lake or woods. All have two TVs with VCRs, two phones with data ports and sofa beds. The North Hampton and South Hampton towers contain cozier one- to three-bedroom condominiums and villas. These add washers, dryers and dishwashers, but their views are only average because of the adjacent hotel tower. The Windermere villas are the best and most expensive units here for their proximity to all the resort facilities. Other similar villa complexes spread over the grounds, all offering apartment-style accommodations. Housekeeping comes by daily, and room service is offered throughout.
This property enjoys much convention business and is a solid choice for golf foursomes and families.
