Tips for SC hotels, good, bad: Florence, any other towns?

[gk90]

We'll be staying at the world until around 1 pm on our last day, Friday next week, and then will start driving, the first lap of a 2 day trip to NY. According to maps, Florence, SC is 7 hours away and there are lots of motels. I'm thinking that we'll want to book ahead of time if we're planning to arrive around 8--don't want to risk showing up and finding the more desirable places all filled. Or should we be OK just looking around at 8 pm?

Also I can't seem to find much in the smaller towns an hour further south--from the map I thought that maybe a stop in Manning or Santee might be better but some of the hotel reviews aren't inviting. Has anyone stayed in a motel an hour south or so of Florence that you'd recommend?

We're looking for something relatively simple, as long as it's clean, safe and has a pool, want to keep it to a budget.

Thanks for any tips and info!

 

[jobie61]

I'd use - Country Inn and Suites at exit 164, in FLorence.

I've used them and been very happy with them.

 

[luckytobeme88]

We really like most of the motels at exit 160 of Florence, South Carolina. There's a lot of restaurants and stores(like super-Walmart) at this exit. IMO, I think this area is much better than exit 164.

 

[Missytara]

You will want to avoid the major resort areas for the month of August; in my area, the hotels along the beach areas require a three night minimum.... since it is the busy season.