We have stayed in both places. Last July we stayed at the Courtyard in Valdosta both ways. On the way to Orlando we had no problems and were very satisfied. On the way back, however, we were disappointed. The hotel was short-staffed and booked. We were given a room in wich someone had been smoking. It smelled really bad. 
I complained. The one man who was on duty told me that it was the only room. I went down and complained again that it was not acceptable. He found us another room that was better. It wouldn't have been so bad, but we were tired and he wasn't friendly. He was checking people in and dealing with several other dissatisfied guests at the same time. We paid around $80 a night for this hotel and expected better. There are a lot of other hotels to choose from in this area. The La Quinta Inn appealed to me also. There are plenty of stores and restaurants close by also. We ate a sandwich and got ice cream across the street from the hotel. The chicken salad croissant was really good.
to my neighbors!)
On the other hand, right now flying would cost an extra $750...and when you're trying to eBay your way to the trip, that's a lot of books and toys to sell! 
