Planning a trip to Florence, South Carolina and need a place to stay? Whether you're visiting for business, medical reasons, or exploring the Pee Dee region, finding the right hotel can make or break your trip. I remember my first time in Florence - showed up without proper research and ended up in a place where the Wi-Fi barely worked. Big mistake when you've got work emails piling up.

Let's cut through the noise. Florence isn't huge, but it's got more lodging options than you might expect. From highway motels to full-service hotels near the medical district, we'll cover everything you need to know about hotels in Florence SC.

Top-Rated Florence SC Hotels Worth Booking

Based on recent visits and local feedback, here's the real scoop on where to stay in Florence. I've grouped them by traveler type because face it, a business traveler's needs are totally different from someone visiting family at the hospital.

That rooftop bar at Hyatt Place? Totally worth the splurge after a long day. But heads up - parking can be tricky downtown during events. Learned that the hard way when I circled for 20 minutes during the Florence After Five concert series.

Location Matters: Where to Stay in Florence SC

Don't just pick any Florence SC hotel - location affects your whole experience. Here's the breakdown:

Downtown Florence Hotels

Best if you want walkable restaurants and cultural spots. Stay here if you're attending events at the Francis Marion Performing Arts Center or exploring the Florence Museum. But fair warning - street noise can be an issue on weekends.

Medical District Accommodations

Clustered around McLeod Regional Medical Center. Super convenient for hospital visits but restaurants are mostly chains. The SpringHill Suites has the most reliable shuttle service - used it twice last year when my aunt was at McLeod.

I-95 Exit Hotels

Practical for quick stopovers. Mostly budget options like Quality Inn and Motel 6 near exits 157 and 164. Fine for one night but don't expect luxury. At the Day's Inn near exit 157, the walls were so thin I could hear my neighbor's phone conversation.

What You're Really Getting: Amenity Comparison

Hotel websites exaggerate. Here's the real deal on amenities at Florence SC hotels:

That "free breakfast" claim? At budget spots, it's often just coffee and muffins. If hot food matters, stick to Hampton Inn or Holiday Inn Express. Learned this after a disappointing carb-only morning at a discount motel.

When to Book and How to Save

Florence isn't a huge tourist destination, but prices jump during:

• Graduation weekends at Francis Marion University (May & December)
• Pee Dee State Fair (October)
• Medical conference weeks at the convention center (varies)

Pro tip: Hotels near the hospital often have last-minute cancellations. Called the Residence Inn at 6pm on a Tuesday last month and scored a $89 room when online showed $149. Always worth calling directly.

For Florence SC hotels, midweek (Tue-Thu) stays are typically 20% cheaper than weekends. And if you're military, ask about discounts - Shaw Air Force Base brings lots of personnel through here.

Beyond the Hotel: Florence Essentials

Your hotel choice affects access to these local spots:

Must-Eat Restaurants

• Victors (Downtown): Upscale Southern. Try the crab cakes. Entrees $25-40. Open 5-10pm.
• Julia Belle's (Medical District): Meat-and-three comfort food. Famous fried chicken. $10-15 plates. Closes at 8:30pm.
• Red Bone Alley (North Florence): Fun atmosphere in a converted warehouse. Burgers $12-18. Open late.

Key Attractions

• Florence Veterans Park: Free admission. Open dawn to dusk. Emotional memorial worth seeing.
• War Between the States Museum: $5 admission. Wed-Sat 10am-5pm. Small but packed with artifacts.
• Jeffries Creek Park: Free. Great walking trails. Closes at sunset.

Personal favorite? The Rail Trail. Starts downtown and runs 1.7 miles. Perfect morning walk before meetings. Saw deer there last April!

Real Talk: Potential Downsides

Not every Florence SC hotel experience is perfect. Watch for:

• Train noise: Especially near downtown. Ask for a room facing away from tracks
• Limited dining options near medical district hotels after 9pm
• Thin walls in older properties - read recent reviews
• Overpriced airport hotels - Florence Regional is tiny, stay elsewhere

Your Florence Hotel Questions Answered

A: Medical district and downtown generally feel safest. The hotels near I-95 exits are fine too, but avoid walking alone at night in surrounding areas. Florence isn't dangerous, but like any city, be smart.

A: Surprisingly few, since Florence Regional is small. SpringHill Suites and Hyatt Place offer it if you arrange in advance. Uber runs reliably though - usually $10-12 from airport to most hotels.

A: Absolutely. Red Roof Inn allows pets free, Home2 Suites charges $50/stay. Even some premium spots like Aloft allow dogs under 40lbs. Always confirm weight limits.

A: Only if you value walkability. Downtown Florence has great restaurants and events, but hotels cost 25-30% more. If you'll be driving everywhere anyway, save money staying near the hospital or I-95.

Special Situations: Medical, Business & Extended Stays

For hospital visitors: Residence Inn and SpringHill Suites offer kitchenettes and hospital shuttles. Both have discounts for McLeod patients - ask about "medical rates" when booking. The Candlewood Suites has free laundry facilities which is huge during long medical stays.

Business travelers: Hyatt Place has excellent workstations in rooms and a 24/7 market. Avoid budget hotels - their business centers are often just one computer in a closet. WiFi reliability matters - Hampton Inn and Marriott properties consistently perform best.

Extended stays: Homewood Suites (minimum 5 nights) and TownePlace Suites offer real kitchens. Weekly housekeeping saves hassle. The Extended Stay America is cheapest but feels institutional in my experience.

Final Reality Check

Choosing among hotels in Florence SC comes down to priorities. If location matters most, pay extra for downtown. On a tight budget? The Quality Inn near I-95 gets the basics right. Medical visits? SpringHill Suites can't be beat.

My last piece of advice? Call the hotel directly after booking online. Confirm your room type and request. I've had online reservations "lost" twice at different Florence properties. A quick call prevents headaches.

Florence isn't fancy, but its hotels serve their purpose well. Whether you need a quick highway stopover or a weeklong base for exploring the Pee Dee, you've got solid options. Just manage expectations - this isn't Charleston luxury, but good value for the price.