stopover from NJ to orlando-florence,santee?

[tami82]

Initially we were going to stopover in Smithfield NC but figured we can probably drive further since i am always up early and would rather not wait around.
I am looking for a stopover from NJ to orlando, I was looking into a few towns, Santee, Lumberton, Florence. From what i saw Florence looks like the nicest place with the better hotels, is that correct? We too would be leaving early morning around 3 or 4. Not looking to sightsee but want a place with nice hotels, restaurants, and a few stores. Has anyone stayed at the Hampton Inn Civic Center Florence? This hotel did offer a one bedroom suite which would fit our family of 5 perfectly and did get 4 good reviews but that was it, not sure if it is a newer hotel. There were two other hotels the Holiday Inn Exress and Hilton Garden Inn that got great reviews but just offered the regular room (not sure if i want to squeeze into one room as we will all be together once we get to Disney). As much space as we can possibly have before then would be great. Would Florence be the good choice or can anyone recommmend a great place that would accommodate us (i like the newer type hotels as i havent had great luck with some of the older places a few times over the years) Any help would be appreciated.

 

[pl71]

When I drive down in August, I have a reservation to stay in a 2 bedroom suite at the Marriott Residence Inn in Florence, SC. They have suites of various sizes and it's a new hotel. I haven't actually been there yet, but it has great reviews on tripadvisor and I have had good exerience with Marriott in the past.

 

[Disneybabe]

We made the drive from NJ to Orlando several times when my kids were a little younger. Can't help you on specific hotels as I really don't remember but I do remember that we stayed in Florence a couple times and it was a nice area to stop. Safe area, good hotels and several food choices. Hope that helps a little.

 

[jobie61]

Country Inn and Suites exit 164 in Florence, SC.
Very Nice hotel !

 

[tami82]

thanks very much i will check it out!

 

[Tjkane28]

How long do you want to drive before stopping?

 

[tami82]

i dont think much longer than florence, even that may be pushing it. All depends on the time we leave.

 

[crazy4wdw]

Initially we were going to stopover in Smithfield NC but figured we can probably drive further since i am always up early and would rather not wait around.
I am looking for a stopover from NJ to orlando, I was looking into a few towns, Santee, Lumberton, Florence. From what i saw Florence looks like the nicest place with the better hotels, is that correct? We too would be leaving early morning around 3 or 4. Not looking to sightsee but want a place with nice hotels, restaurants, and a few stores. Has anyone stayed at the Hampton Inn Civic Center Florence? This hotel did offer a one bedroom suite which would fit our family of 5 perfectly and did get 4 good reviews but that was it, not sure if it is a newer hotel. There were two other hotels the Holiday Inn Exress and Hilton Garden Inn that got great reviews but just offered the regular room (not sure if i want to squeeze into one room as we will all be together once we get to Disney). As much space as we can possibly have before then would be great. Would Florence be the good choice or can anyone recommmend a great place that would accommodate us (i like the newer type hotels as i havent had great luck with some of the older places a few times over the years) Any help would be appreciated.

A new Marriott Residence Inn just opend at the same exit (160), intersection of 95 & 20. There are numerous dining choices at this exit - Red Lobster, Olive Garden, Western Sizzlin, Longhorn Steakhouse, Shoneys, Outback Steakhouse, Chick-fil-a, Burger King, Ruby Tuesday, Waffle House. There is also a medium sized mall (Magnolia Mall) in the vicinity. Stay away from motels off of exit 164 (US 52). There is a very bad section of town which is behind several of the motels. About every 2 to 3 months, someone is robbed, held at gun point, and even murdered in this area!

 

[Sleepy]

A new Marriott Residence Inn just opend at the same exit (160), intersection of 95 & 20. There are numerous dining choices at this exit - Red Lobster, Olive Garden, Western Sizzlin, Longhorn Steakhouse, Shoneys, Outback Steakhouse, Chick-fil-a, Burger King, Ruby Tuesday, Waffle House. There is also a medium sized mall (Magnolia Mall) in the vicinity. Stay away from motels off of exit 164 (US 52). There is a very bad section of town which is behind several of the motels. About every 2 to 3 months, someone is robbed, held at gun point, and even murdered in this area!

Sort of off topic, but I moved from Florence in 88. Made a quick stop on our way to Myrtle Beach in 2004 (to eat at John's drive in) and was absolutely amazed at the development in the Magnolia Mall area. It looked really nice. I did not recognize it. The mall used to be the only thing there. My brother said on his last trip this year, things were so bad in the South Florence area where we once lived that he was scared to stop the car. Said houses were boarded up and everything. Of course, like all places, areas change. You have the good and the bad. Just have to be careful. He said he almost cried when he went for a meal at John's and found the place completely gone.

 

[Tjkane28]

i dont think much longer than florence, even that may be pushing it. All depends on the time we leave.

Then you have Florence or Santee. Check out a travel site, like Travelocity and enter both towns for hotels. You should be able to book a room directly with the hotel (better cancellation policies than a travel site, and no difference in price) in the area you want to stop.

I just stayed at the Best Western Inn, Santee, and it was fine for $84 a night. Left us 6 hrs of driving the next day.

 

[tami82]

thanks everyone. Would i be better off staying away from Florence and going to santee, i dont want any problems. I know there is crime everywhere but if there is a better option please let me know. thanks

 

[crazy4wdw]

thanks everyone. Would i be better off staying away from Florence and going to santee, i dont want any problems. I know there is crime everywhere but if there is a better option please let me know. thanks

I didn't mean to scare you away from Florence. As you can tell from my post, I live near the area. You would be fine with any of the lodgings at exit #160 (intersection of I-95 & I-20). The Hampton Inn you mentioned is very nice and is right accross the street from the Olive Garden and Chilis. The Longhorn Steakhouse is also close by. Just stay away from the motels at exit #164 (US 52) on I-95 and you will be fine.