Safe Stopping place south of Atlanta?

[R&RsMom]

We are driving from southwest Michigan (Kalamazoo) the first week of March. We want to do a long first day and have 5ish hours left the next day. Our route will go through Louisville (need to drop off a pet at in-laws). Wanted people’s insights on where it is safe to stay a bit south of Altanta. Going to be using Marriott free night, so a town With a Marriott property is a need.

 

[EACarlson]

Looking at your requirements, I'd say Macon or Warner-Robbins is going to be about what you're looking for.

 

[fla4fun]

Looking at your requirements, I'd say Macon or Warner-Robbins is going to be about what you're looking for.

I agree. We used to stop in Macon when driving down from Ohio. There are several Marriott properties in that area as well. There are a few Marriott properties farther south in Tifton or Valdosta, but since there are fewer to choose from it’s more likely they could be sold out and it would also make your long day that much longer.

 

[R&RsMom]

Thanks

 

[RuntheMouse]

Macon is good but also consider McDonough. Closer to ATL so depending on how far south you want to go. Lots of food as well as a Courtyard and Fairfield Inn there.

 

[R&RsMom]

Macon is good but also consider McDonough. Closer to ATL so depending on how far south you want to go. Lots of food as well as a Courtyard and Fairfield Inn there.

Thanks. We have not sat down yet to agree on how far to drive that day, but we need to soon. We want a short second day because we booked a one-night splurge for 3/2 on a 2-bedroom at Riviera and want time to enjoy it.

 

[WDWkristin]

We have stayed at Fairfield McDonough. It felt safe and clean to us. We plan to stay there again.

 

[Skywalker3]

We leave from the Nashville area, and often are looking to go a bit farther,but we've stopped in McDonough once, and Macon once. both were good. We have also often stopped in Cordele, Tifton, and Valdosta, generally at the Fairfield Inns. (our other go to is Holiday Inn express) Had one meh experience in Cordele. Arrived very late, (after midnight) and given a room that was not cleaned/made up at all (bed stripped of linens, etc. ) talked to desk clerk, then got the last room available, and it was a king w a chair pull out, and the 2 kids shared that. Besides that though, good enough experiences there. I did a spring break trip in 2024, just me (mom) and the kids, and was pretty keen on finding a place I felt safe at. We chose Fairfield Inn Tifton on our drive back, and I felt safe enough. We've also stopped in Lake City, but that's quite a bit farther.
Happy planning and safe travels!!

 

[Darklord77]

Once you get south of McDonough/Locust Grove, you will be far enough away from the problems that Atlanta brings. However, I would also avoid anything in the middle of Macon. The areas around Macon change rapidly in terms of spending a night there. Safest place south of Atlanta is probably Forsyth, GA. The Georgia police training center is off of exit 188 and the hotels around the town usually have a decent amount of police cars parked in the lots. The next good area is Warner Robbins/Byron/Perry.

 

[R&RsMom]

We ended up at the Springhill Suite in Tifton and it for our needs perfectly. Left us with about 5 hours drive time the next day.