I was browsing here to find a clean, cheap hotel along the 95 corridor when I saw your post. I wanted to warn about a motel you DON'T want to stay at.
On 77, the EconoLodge just over the border into SC (very near Carowinds that the others are suggesting as a stopping place) - specifically in Rock Hill SC is the WORST place we've ever stayed at. Our stay was in 2002, but it is one I will never forget. The floors were so filthy that we laid down the bedspreads to walk on. The sink was cracked, the tub stopper missing, and there were no dressers or hangers for clothes. There was no clock and we got an attitude when we requested a wake up call. We requested extra towels (we travel with 4 kids) and they acted like they couldn't part with any - we begrudgingly got 2 (we requested 4).
The continental breakfast was a disaster - we arrived approx 1/2 way through the posted time and there was 1 bagel and half a loaf of stale bread. The milk was not kept cold and the cereal was stale. Horrible!
When we complained we were treated to a very nasty attitude, and they did not honor their 100% guarantee as posted on their website. I wrote a letter of complaint and guess what they offered - a free night's stay in that **** hole!
Don't put yourself through it on this one!
Meanwhile, good luck on finding a clean, reasonably priced place to stay - we know it's not so easy!