Anybody stopover in Florence SC?

[disdadathome]

Long time lurker, first time poster.

We are driving down in December '05 for our second trip to Disney. As such newbies, we don't have a regular travel plan to follow. Florence SC will be a about half way, so we thought we stop over there for the night. There are several 95 exits, but one seems to be the exit with all the hotels, gas stations, and places to eat. Anyone have a favorite hotel that's clean and reasonable?

 

[areno79]

Congrats on your first post!!

DH and I stopped in Florence on our way down to Disney in Feb. 2003. My only word of caution is watch out for the $30 a night rooms...you really get what you pay for. We stayed at the Super 8, and it was pretty bad, the tub looked like it hadn't been cleaned in a month of Sunday's, and our bed sheets had cigarette burns in them!! We were so tired we didn't care, but I'll watch out for that place again. I've heard the Hampton Inn isn't too bad, but you might want to check out this link, it's a great tool if you're traveling 95:
http://www.usastar.com/i95/motels/accom-sc.htm

 

[disdadathome]

Thanks for the reply. I always follow the advice 'You get what you pay for.' But... if all we are going to do is crash for a few hours, we don't need room service, a pool, or a newspaper delivered to the door. (Clean bathroom and sheets would be nice though).

I'll check out the Hampton Inn website, and the I-95 info you posted too.

I suppose that something middle of the road pricewise would be pretty safe. Perhaps a better question for my first post would have been: Any hotels in Florence area I should stay away from?

Thanks again.

 

[areno79]

I feel the same way about the hotel just being a place to crash. Maybe the Motel 6 would've been a better choice!

 

[ducklite]

We always stay in Hamptons when we just need a place to crash for the night. We've been in a few that were OK, a few that were excellent, and most that were clean, comfortable, safe but no frills. Most if not all offer free high speed Internet, and they all have a decent free breakfast in the morning...some actually offer a hot entree!

I'd rather spend $80 on a clean, safe room than $40 on a scummy room with "hair" in the tub and "mystery splooge" on the carpet where three cars were broken into in the not well lit lot overnight.

Anne

 

[GrumpyC.Hook]

Last year Mom and I drove to FL and stopped in Florence, SC exit 164 off I-95 I had called ahead to an Econo Lodge that we had stayed in a few times before and previously had no issues with them but once we got there it was soon a nightmare. 30 minutes for 3 familys to check in and then I was next, no biggie but after 15 hours of driving we were tired and wanted to get to bed, Got our keys drove to the room, opened the door and was greeted by the smell of mold and mildew, ok maybe it will get better...NOPE walked in and sank through the floor..climb out and march to the front desk...Manager apologizes gives us a different room, he goes with us to make sure it fits our needs..guess what it doesn't ...IT did NOT close or LOCK! A prompt refund to my cc and we drove across the street to the Best Western where the rooms were very nice and even had an Applebees or TGI Friday's next door one of the two. So my advice is either Best Western on exit 164 or the Hampton Inn that the others suggested.

HTH
Amy

 

[JudithM]

We stayed at a very nice Sleep Inn in Florence - clean, felt safe, etc.

We generally like Hampton Inns, but I would stay away from the Hampton Inn on US 52. I had a list of of "issues" with the place a few years ago. Ironically someone on this board had the same list of "issues." I have heard nice things about the other Hampton Inn, the one near the convention center, from my friend who has stayed there.

You didn't ask, but I'll mention that in Santee (about an hour south of Florence) is a very nice Clark's Inn with a restaurant. There is also a Maurice's BBQ at the same Santee exit (just south of the lake) with delicious food.

Or in Lumberton we have stayed a few times now at a Country Inn & Suites - again, clean, felt safe, etc.

 

[ducklite]

I've also stayed at the Florence Civic Center Hampton, very clean, safe, secure. I'd stay there again anytime!

Anne

 

[NUHuskies#1]

I have a one night ressie for two room for the Holiday Inn on Lucas Street in Florence off of 95. Will I be disappointed? I got a very good ENT Rate and after reading here about getting what you pay for I am a little leery. Has anyone stayed there recently or have a familiarity with the property?

Thanks Friends!