The Best Motels to Book in South Carolina, USA

Just off one of the main thoroughfares in Greenville, this boutique branch of the Best Western hotel chain is full of hotel-quality touches. Think sliding barn doors to the bathrooms, modern furniture and backlit mirrors, along with bonuses such as pod-style coffee machines. Your stay includes continental breakfast, and some rooms are pet-friendly. Best of all, you’re just a short distance from downtown – around a mile (1.6km) – and you can easily get there by driving or taking the bus, which stops just outside the hotel.

Perhaps you’re just stopping for the night. Maybe you’re staying longer to visit nearby outdoor attractions, such as Cheraw State Park or the Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge. Either way, this motel in Cheraw is a winner, conveniently located right off Route 52 and Highway 9. Rooms come with either one king bed or two doubles and are roomy enough to move around in. Some even come with an ensuite jacuzzi. You’ll also have access to the motel fitness center and breakfast.

This spot in Mount Pleasant, just across the river from Charleston, is perfect for anyone looking to stay in the big city without paying big-city prices. Indeed, you’ll be just a short drive away; the highway spits you out right into downtown Charleston. You’ll also be close to the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, where a ferry departs for the Civil War battle site Fort Sumter. At this Red Roof, rooms are accented, of course, with rich red walls and bed runners and come with mini-fridges, microwaves and small in-unit safes. The pool outside is a plus, too, and pets stay for free.

Check out the studios and suites at this Residence Inn in Spartanburg, right off Interstate 26 and a short drive from Greenville. These spacious rooms are perfect for extended stays; embrace full-size, stainless-steel appliances (including a dishwasher), cozy fireplaces and flat-screen TVs. No matter which of the 88 lodgings you choose, your stay includes a hot breakfast buffet, snacks and drinks three nights a week and the chance to splash in the outdoor pool.

The Southern hospitality is as warm as a hearth at this all-suite extended-stay favorite in Columbia, close to the University of South Carolina, Fort Jackson and a pair of Air Force bases. Rooms have attractive modern touches, such as swirl-patterned pillows, pops of color along the edge of the bed skirts and rust-red leather chairs. A number of chain restaurants line the same strip (though breakfast is included here), and you’re right across the road from the MUSC Health Columbia Medical Center Northeast.

This hotel in Rock Hill, off I-77, is just beyond Charlotte, North Carolina, and close to many of the attractions in that city, including Carowinds. You’ll also see the best of what Rock Hill has to offer, such as Manchester Meadows Park, Glencairn Garden and a charming downtown. Rooms are traditional, with big, heavy curtains, scallop-shaped counters and floral art throughout. Choose from two queen beds or one king – some with ensuite whirlpool tubs included. With the outdoor pool, sizable fitness center and made-to-order breakfast downstairs, you’ll have plenty to keep yourself busy.

Visiting with the family? Pick a suite with two doubles or a king bed, which, along with the sofa bed supplied, can sleep up to four. Looks-wise, this Hyatt Place is sleek, with arching walls in the lobby, wooden accents hanging from the ceiling and a built-in coffee and cocktail bar. Rooms are similarly stylish, featuring airy curtains, modular couches and convenient charging stations. Best of all, downtown Greenville and the Greenville Zoo are just a few minutes away along I-385.

Ready to flop and top up the tan? On a bit of a budget? You’ll get the resort experience at motel prices with a room at this Best Western property, right on the shores of North Myrtle Beach. Many rooms overlook the Atlantic Ocean (from private balconies, no less), and suites sleep up to six. Make some sandwiches in the kitchenette and pack them in the cooler for a picnic lunch on the beach or by the pool. Don’t miss the lazy river, hot tub or sweet-and-punchy cocktails at the fabulously funky tiki bar, either.