South of the Border Motor Hotel

[thedisneymom]

I posted this question on another thread- Has anyone stayed here in Dillon, S.C.? Is it nice for an overnight or should we consider staying somewhere else on our way to Universal? Thanks.

 

[hobogary]

We stay at South of the Border nearly every trip, but I know some people think its tacky (which it is). The room are ok and seem clean, many choices on type of room, and TONS of things to do on site.5 or more places to eat, many shops, pools hot tub, etc. Look at www.pedroland.com for more info.(We have also stayed in a comfort inn in Dillon that was nice)

 

[thedisneymom]

any advice on room type? It seems tacky but fun. A good road break I'm sure. Thanks for the help.

 

[hobogary]

The cheapest rooms are out back, nice and quiet and we like them fine. we have tried the next step up and didn't like them as well. We also had a suite with jaccuzzi tub, nice enough of course, so its kind of whatever you prefer. I'd go for the cheapest that will fit your family.

 

[thedisneymom]

We may need a room change. They gave us a deluxe just outside the lobby. I hope its not too noisy. Hubbie will have driven about 12 hrs. It seems to be behind the lobby ( yet outside) where there is an indoor pool? whats your opinion? Thanks ahead.

 

[dznyntnh]

About ten years ago, I stayed at the Days Inn across the street, it was cheaper and you could still visit all the tacky tourist trap stuff at South of the Border .

 

[TinkHappy]

Just wondering if you have ever been there before? You may want to check it out first before you decide to stay. We stopped once (and never again). It was not very clean, the rides didn't look too safe (I admit I am a little paranoid when it comes to "carnival rides") and to be very honest...I wouldn't feel safe staying the night with all my things in the car.
Please don't flame me...It is just my opinion.

 

[thedisneymom]

Value everyone's opinion and would never flame. The clean part does concern me. I don't do dirt. We are also traveling with a pet and need a place where we'll be welcome. I planned on bringing in my bags- call me paranoid. Is it safe or just tacky? We don't do carnie rides- not safe. Is the pool clean also? Sorry for all the questions.

 

[TinkHappy]

I would not feel safe staying the night there, that's just me. I couldn't wait to get out of there when we stopped.
Do you belong to AAA? They list what hotels allow pets.
It might be fun just to stop and check it out, but I would think twice about staying the night.
Oh ya, DON'T GET GAS there, we found the prices to be higher.

 

[hobogary]

The indor pool is just behind the lobby, should be right near your room and its always been clean for us, also never really had a noise problem. There are carports just outside every room and they have a security force that patrols ( also their own Fire Dept). Dont plan on buying gas there, (too expensive) and watch buying all the "junque" , but other than that, its a fun place to stop. I can reccomend the Steakhouse and the Sombrero. Have a great trip, and let me know if you need any more info.

 

[skiwee1]

We always stop to visit the junk shops there every time we drive. We would NEVER consider staying in that place though. The restaurants are dirty, the bathrooms disgusting, which is why we don't use them while shopping, and the place just run down. All kinds of unsavory looking characters roaming around. I wouldn't feel safe if I had to close my eyes more then a minute! My 4 y/o DD loves the big junky store there so we always stop so she can get one of those tacky folding hand fans. As soon as we get our stuff we go someplace else to eat, sleep, and even use the bathroom. There are too many other hotels you can stop at then to stay here.

 

[thedisneymom]

that settles it too spooky for me. Thank you all for your opinions though. Some love it and some don't. Just the reason why there are so many motels on 95.

 

[ncbyrne]

This post brought a smile to my face just remembering this place. I hate to admit it, but the first time I stayed here was in 1955! My parents were driving my grandparents to their FL retirement home! It was tacky THEN! But, OH, so much fun for kids!

 

[phillybeth]

I never stayed there but I always wanted to. It was tradition on our road trips south in the 70's to read EVERY SOTB billboard- and there were a lot! Probably drove my dad crazy but it kept us entertained.
We did stop a few years ago to buy fireworks (shhh).