We've stayed at several Hampton Inn locations along I-75, and all were nice, clean, well-kept, and modern.
There are also several Jameson Inn locations; we've stayed in Perry, GA (last July) and Lake City, Florida last December (although a bit of a drive, the first major exit after the GA state line). I can highly recommend both.
You should be able to find some nice, reasonably priced options anywhere from Perry, GA (north end) to Valdosta, GA (or Lake City) on the south end. You might also check Cordele or Tifton.