The Best Hotels to Book Near the Darlington Raceway, South Carolina

With the historic district right outside your window, the Hyatt Place in Downtown Florence puts the city at your fingertips. The hotel has it all: wifi, breakfast and a pool, all free for you during your stay. Save the onsite restaurant visit for another night, and, instead, grab some Southern grub like spicy mac’n’cheese at Wholly Smokin’ or housemade sausage at Town Hall. Cap the night off with drinks and a warm Southern breeze at the Loft’s rooftop bar.

Slow down during your weekend at the Darlington Raceway with an easy-going pace at Hotel Florence. Take the time to appreciate the exposed-brick walls of your queen suite. You’re welcome to brew a cup of coffee, but we’d suggest making it a decaf so you can thoroughly relax during your massage at the spa. Savor every bite of salad, steak and dessert at Victor’s for dinner, sipping each craft cocktail with the rush of the Raceway in your rearview.

Only 10 minutes from Downtown Florence, TownePlace Suites will make you and your pet feel like a local. Whip up a few treats for the two of you in your room’s kitchenette; then, head to Veterans Park or Ebenezer Park for a long walk. McLeod Park is right between Local Motive Brewing and Southern Hops Brewing Company, two dog-friendly places for paw and pints.

We’re not saying that you need to have your post-race party at Homewood Suites by Hilton, but it’ll be hard not to. The complimentary evening socials will set the mood for cocktails and conversation. Feel free to turn in early and mix up a quick dinner in your suite’s fully equipped kitchen. Not content with just one lap around the bar? San Jose’s Tacos & Tequila is right next door.

You already know that you can’t go wrong with a stay at Howard Johnson by Wyndham. Your ol’ uncle HoJo whips up a free breakfast every morning, has a business center for you to print your important documents and even has a children’s play area where the little ones can have fun. After the race, be sure to stop for a spell in Darlington. Nick’s BBQ & Drive-In is a great pig-out place, while Carolina Lunch & Dairy Bar has a Southern glass of sweet tea worth parking for.

As Hampton Inn & Suites is about equidistant from Downtown Florence and the Darlington Raceway, nothing is out of your way when you stay here. Even in the hotel itself, you’re never far from the breakfast buffet, pool, fitness center or convenience store. With so few miles spent on the hallways and streets, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to catch more than a few winks in between the sheets.

We’re not sure what will take longer: unpacking your bags in your suite or getting from La Quinta Inn & Suites to Darlington Raceway. As it’s about 10 minutes away – as the Allen Crowe flies – you might as well take advantage of the late checkout at La Quinta. Grab a free breakfast in the morning, and maybe take a dip in the pool; then, mosey your way to the Darlington Raceway with hardly getting out of first gear.

It’s true that Tru by Hilton does not have an onsite restaurant, though you won’t mind one bit. This hotel is less than 1mi (1.6km) from the Pee Dee State Farmers Market, where you’ll get your fill of fresh produce and home-cooked eats. It’s open year-round, and there’s no point in letting the minifridge in your room sit empty. Fill it up with a few local baked goods; then, enjoy breakfast in bed with complimentary Lavazza coffee in your room.

Live life in the fast lane – or at least at a slightly faster pace than the norm – at Holiday Inn Express & Suites. As it’s just off of I-95 near Florence, you’ll hardly drop your car down a gear before you pull into the parking lot. Breeze in late, and fall asleep fast on their plush beds. Wake up, and snag a grab-and-go breakfast without getting caught in the breakfast buffet traffic; then, head straight to Darlington Raceway.