Florence, SC's BEST I-20 Hotel? Fairfield Inn & Suites Review!
Florence, SC's I-20 Oasis? My Honest Fairfield Inn & Suites Review (Get Ready for the Ride!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups! Because I'm about to spill the tea (and maybe a little lukewarm coffee from the breakfast buffet) on the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Florence, SC, right off I-20. Let's be real, when you're road-tripping, your hotel choice can make or break your sanity. And let me tell you, after a 12-hour drive from… well, let's just say far, this Fairfield Inn was… well, it was something.
(Metadata & SEO - you know, for the Googles: Fairfield Inn & Suites Florence SC, I-20 Hotels, Florence South Carolina Hotels, Wheelchair Accessible Hotels, Clean Hotels Florence, SC, Free Wifi Florence SC, Best Hotel Florence, Family Friendly Hotels Florence SC, Pet Friendly Hotels Florence, SC)
First Impressions & Accessibility (Because, Let's Start Right)
Pulling up, it was… there. You know? Clean-cut, the usual Fairfield Inn aesthetic. Not going to win any architectural awards, but it wasn't actively offending my eyes either. (Small victories, people!) Accessibility? Alright, decent. Plenty of parking, and the entrance was easy peasy. I’m not in a wheelchair (thankfully!), but I did notice ramps and elevators that seemed well-placed. Wheelchair accessible rooms are clearly available. That's a HUGE plus. Hats off to them for getting that right. It's a basic necessity, and they nailed it.
(Accessibility: ✅ Check!)
The Room: My Temporary Fortress (and Minor Gripes)
Okay, so the room. Typical. Clean-ish. The air conditioning blasted like a hurricane, which was a godsend after being stuck in the car, and there was a desk that actually looked like you could work at it (bonus points!). The bed was… adequate. Not the best sleep of my life, but hey, I’d survive. Blackout curtains? Yes! Thank goodness. Road trip sleep is precious sleep. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? Hallelujah! No more paying for dial-up internet in 2024! And it worked okay. Occasionally, it took a solid 30 seconds to load a simple page and made me consider a digital detox. Ugh.
On the downside: The carpet needed a serious deep clean. Like, "lost a Cheerio in 2018" kinda deep clean. My socks definitely weren't feeling fresh. And the bathroom… well, let's just say the grout wasn't exactly sporting a spa-like glow. But hey, at least there was hot water and a working shower. Small mercies. I did appreciate the hairdryer and the complimentary toiletries. It’s the little things, right? And the in-room safe box was reassuring, even though I just left my credit card and phone in it.
(Wi-Fi: ✅ Mostly. Room Cleanliness: Needs Work. Bathrooms: Could Be Better.)
Cleanliness & Safety: The COVID-19 Factor (And Beyond!)
Alright, let’s tackle the elephant in the room (or more accurately, the hand sanitizer dispenser in the lobby). Cleanliness and safety are HUGE these days. And I’m happy to report that they seemed to take it seriously. There were hand sanitizers everywhere, in the hallways, in the elevator – even in the fitness center (more on that later). They mentioned anti-viral cleaning products somewhere, and the staff was masked, making me feel a bit better. They offer room sanitization opt-out, which is pretty cool. The daily disinfection in common areas and staff trained in safety protocol gave me a little peace of mind. I’m not going to lie; I still wiped down everything with my own wipes. Call me paranoid, but better safe than sorry! I'm just a tad bit of a germaphobe. Especially with the hot water linen and laundry washing and the individually-wrapped food options, I appreciate those.
(Cleanliness: ✅ Mostly, with my own heavy-duty sanitizing seal of approval.)
Food and Drinking (The Survival Needs of a Road-Tripper)
Breakfast. Oh, the breakfast. Breakfast is a make-or-break situation for me, especially when I'm traveling. Let me be honest, the breakfast buffet here was… well, a buffet. You know the drill. Breakfast takeaway service was available, which I appreciated since I don't love crowds, and breakfast in room would be nice, they really do focus on making it quick and easy. Not much in the way of Asian cuisine here, but they did have the standard fare: scrambled eggs (questionable texture), sausage links (probably pre-cooked), waffles (looked promising, but tasted… okay), and of course, the coffee. The coffee was… weak. Very, very weak. So weak, I had to ask for a second cup of… warm brown water. I think I'll never be over the coffee, and I've definitely had worse, but I've also had a lot better. There was the usual fruit, and some pastries. I grabbed what I could and scarfed it down before heading off.
Other food options? A convenience store near the front desk, in case you need snacks. Restaurants aren't exactly on site, but there's a bunch nearby, so easy enough to manage. Room service wouldn't hurt.
**(Breakfast: š© Coffee: š„“. Other Food: Adequate) **
Things to Do, Ways to Relax (Or, You Know, Just Exist)
Okay, so let’s talk about “relaxing” at the Fairfield Inn. There’s a fitness center. I peeked in. It was small, but it had a treadmill, some weights, and, yes, more hand sanitizer. More than anything, I was so ready for the day's drive to be over.
The Sauna, Massage, Spa, Steamroom, Pool with View, Spa/sauna, Swimming pool, were sadly not there.
(Fitness Center: Basic. Relaxation Options: Non-existent unless you count watching the Weather Channel.)
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter (and Some That Don't)
Daily housekeeping: A plus. Luggage storage: Helpful. Laundry service: Very helpful, especially if you're on a long trip. My favorite thing was the elevator. I was on the top floor, and it saved me a whole lot of stairs.
Pets allowed unavailable: A bit sad for those traveling with their furry companions. Car park [free of charge], definitely a plus.
(Services & Conveniences: Decent, as you'd expect.)
For the Kids (Because, Traveling with Tiny Humans)
Family/child friendly – yes, they seem to be. Kids facilities? I couldn’t see any. Babysitting service was unavailable, but you get the idea.
(Kids: Seem to be welcome, but don't expect Disneyland.)
Getting Around (Because You Need to Get Out of There… Eventually)
Airport transfer: Sadly, no but taxi service is surely an option.
Car park [on-site] was free, the Car park [free of charge] was so cool.
(Getting Around: Easy peasy, especially if you've got a car.)
The Verdict: Is It Worth It? (My Honest, Rambling Conclusion)
So, is the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Florence, SC, the best hotel on I-20? Look, it's a solid option. It's clean-ish, safe-ish, and conveniently located if you're on a road trip. The staff was generally pretty friendly (although maybe a little stressed, I get it, it's a thankless job!). It has free Wi-Fi, which is a must. But it's not a destination in itself. It's a place to crash, which is exactly why I stayed and exactly what I needed in the moment.
Would I stay there again? Probably. If I were passing through Florence on I-20, and needed a quick and efficient stopover, definitely. It's a perfectly adequate hotel. But if I were looking for a luxury spa experience, or a dining adventure, I'd look elsewhere. Just don't expect too much, and you'll be fine. And for goodness sake, bring your own coffee. Trust me on that one.
(Final Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars). Reliable, functional, but don't expect too many fireworks. Road trip approved, mostly!)
Escape to the Sun: TownePlace Suites Las Cruces Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's perfectly-ironed travel itinerary. This is real life hitting the road in Florence, South Carolina, and it's gonna be a glorious, slightly chaotic, and definitely opinionated mess. We're staying at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Florence I-20, and let me tell you, I'm already envisioning the intense free breakfast buffet. (Pray for me, and my cholesterol).
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Hotel Lobby Assessment
- Time: 2:00 PM (ish… I'm notoriously late. My travel motto is "arrive when you're ready… eventually.")
- Activity: Arrival at Fairfield Inn & Suites. This is where the "assessment" begins. First impressions are crucial. Is the lobby air-conditioned to a reasonable degree? Are the staff friendly (or at least not actively hostile)? Is the carpet surprisingly clean? (I have a whole theory about lobby carpets, you wouldn't believe it.)
- Anecdote: Last time I stayed at a Fairfield (different location, mind you), the lobby smelled faintly of chlorine and desperation. Let's hope Florence is different. Pray for a good first impression.
- Imperfection Alert: I’ll probably misplace my car keys within fifteen minutes of checking in. It's a gift, really.
- Quirky Observation: I bet there will be those little motivational posters with the sunsets and the inspiring quotes. I'll try not to roll my eyes too hard.
- Emotional Reaction: Mildly optimistic, bordering on cautiously excited. I'm a sucker for a good hotel pillow.
- Evening: Unpack, survey the room (Does it have a microwave? Crucial for reheating late-night snacks!), and then… dinner! I'm thinking… researching. I'm thinking, after a long drive, anywhere with air conditioning and food. I’ll probably end up at some chain restaurant. Jury is still out on this one.
- Opinionated Language: "I demand a comfortable bed."
- Natural Pacing: Slow and deliberate. I'll go at my own pace.
Day 2: The Breakfast Buffet Battle & (Probably) a Disappointing Tourist Attraction
Time: 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM (or whenever I can drag myself out of bed)
Activity: The Breakfast Buffet Battle. This is the highlight of any Fairfield stay, let's be honest. My strategy: assess the battlefield (aka the food spread), load up on carbs for energy (waffles, people, waffles!), and then strategize. Will there be real bacon? (This is a dealbreaker). How long do I have before the orange juice runs out? These are the important questions.
Anecdote: Once, at a hotel buffet, I witnessed a pre-teen boy single-handedly consume an entire platter of sausage links. It was… impressive. I aspire to that level of breakfast commitment.
Imperfection Alert: I will absolutely spill something on my shirt. Guaranteed. Probably coffee.
Quirky Observation: The people-watching at hotel buffets is elite. You see all kinds: the sleep-deprived business travelers, the families with screaming toddlers, the lone wolf who just really loves their toast.
Emotional Reaction: Pure anticipatory glee, followed by the likely disappointment of stale pastries.
Morning Activity: Actually, time to go out and do something! Maybe a local sight. Research pending!
- Rambling begins So, I did the research. Florence isn't exactly known for its "must-see" attractions, is it? Let's be honest. It seems to me the area's best-kept secret is the drive-thru daiquiri, not a traditional tourist spot. No judgement from me. I once saw a woman with a pet llama. Anyway, let's pick the… the Florence Museum? Is that a thing? Whatever. I will venture into the unknown, and I will report back.
- Rambling ends
Opinionated Language: "I'm not paying for another stale waffle."
Natural Pacing: Slow and deliberate. I'll go at my own pace.
Afternoon/Evening: Post-Museum Debrief and Casual Dinner.
- Activity: I'll need to unwind. Back to hotel. Maybe watch a bit of TV. Maybe fall asleep.
- Imperfection Alert: I might end up ordering room service and regretting it later.
- Emotional Reaction: Exhaustion, a slight sense of accomplishment (I survived the museum!), and a craving for something salty.
Evening: Dinner. This could be at any number of places. I am a sucker for barbecue, so there might be ribs in my future after. Maybe a local place.
Opinionated Language: "I'm not in the mood for a bad chain restaurant meal."
Natural Pacing: Slow and deliberate. I'll go at my own pace.
Day 3: Packing, Checking Out, and the Farewell Buffet
- Time: 7:00 AM (or when the breakfast buffet beckons)
- Activity: The Farewell Buffet. A final chance to gorge myself on questionable breakfast foods. This time, I'll try to pace myself (ha!). I'll try to sample everything.
- Anecdote: Remember the boy with the sausage platter? I might try to channel his energy.
- Imperfection Alert: The coffee will probably stain my departure shirt.
- Quirky Observation: I'll scrutinize the breakfast staff's demeanor. They've seen it all, these people.
- Emotional Reaction: A bittersweet mix of sadness (leaving the hotel pillow!) and relief (escape from the breakfast buffet).
- Morning: Packing. The most dreaded travel activity. I'll probably forget something crucial (my phone charger? My sanity?).
- Rambling Alert: Thinking… the last time I stayed at a Fairfield Inn, I saw a couple getting into a heated argument near the vending machine. That's when I knew… I was in a real hotel experience. I'm sure this time will be different… right?
- Afternoon: Check out. Hopefully, there are no surprise charges.
- Opinionated Language: "I demand that the waffle maker is working and the bacon is crispy and the coffee is hot."
- Natural Pacing: A slow, meandering goodbye. I'm not a morning person.
- Activity: Departure. Until next time, Florence! (Or, you know, until the next Fairfield Inn).
So there you have it. My absolutely unvarnished, slightly ridiculous, and hopefully entertaining itinerary for my stay at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Florence I-20. Wish me luck. And pray for the breakfast buffet.
Escape to Austin: Luxury Suites Near Lakeline Mall!
Fairfield Inn & Suites Florence, SC: The "Best" I-20 Hotel? Let's Talk. (Spoiler: It's Complicated.)
Is the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Florence, SC truly the 'best' I-20 hotel? REALLY?
Okay, so "best" is subjective, right? Depends on what you need. If you're judging by, say, "closest to the exit" or "least likely to give you the heebie-jeebies," then maybe. Honestly, it's… fine. It's a Fairfield Inn, which means you know the drill. Clean-ish. Basic. Complimentary breakfast that's probably been sitting out for an hour. But the *best*? That's a big claim in a town that's practically *built* on roadside lodging.
I remember one time, I was road-tripping with my Aunt Mildred (bless her heart). She's got this thing about needing a specific brand of instant coffee, and, naturally, the Fairfield’s coffee situation was… underwhelming. She spent like, 20 minutes rummaging through her purse, muttering about "sacrificing flavor to the highway gods." That kinda sums it up, doesn't it? You're making sacrifices just to get to the next stop. And yeah, you're going to have to make a compromise with what's offered.
But you can probably make it work.
What's the deal with the breakfast? The reviews are… mixed.
The breakfast. Oh, the breakfast. Buckle up, Buttercup. It’s… predictable. Expect the usual suspects: stale-ish bagels, a questionable waffle machine (I swear, the waffles always looked like something I pulled out of a science experiment), pre-packaged muffins that are either rock-hard or strangely squishy, and lukewarm scrambled eggs. The sausage? Let's just say it's an experience (and it's probably not a good one).
One time, I saw a kid (maybe 6? 7?) stare at the "fresh" fruit (mostly bruised bananas and apples) with such utter disappointment that I almost cried. It wasn't the quality, not really. It's the *energy*. The sheer… *meh-ness* permeating the entire breakfast experience. It's like the breakfast is *trying* to be depressing. But is that the *worst* thing in the world? No. Free is free, I always say. And hey, the coffee *is* usually… adequate... after you've doctored it up with about a gallon of the creamer.
My advice: grab a banana (might be ripe), a coffee (with the creamer!), and a paper plate full of pure acceptance. You're road-tripping, remember?
Are the rooms clean? Because, you know, I've seen things...
Okay, let's be frank (like, *really* frank). You're not booking the Ritz. But, in my experience, the rooms at the Fairfield Inn in Florence *tend* to be clean-ish. Not sparkling, not pristine, not like, “museum-quality cleanliness.” But generally? Okay. I've never found anything truly horrifying, like, "Oh my god, I need a Hazmat suit" level of grossness. (Knock on wood!)
I always give the bed a quick… *once-over*. You know. Just to make sure there aren't any unwelcome visitors or… lingering crumbs from the previous occupant's midnight snack. Look under the bed too, just in case. (You never know.) I’m a little OCD about this; my partner thinks it’s hilarious. But better safe than sorry, right?
Seriously, though, I'd bring some Clorox wipes just in case. Just to be sure. You know? Because peace of mind is priceless, and it'll save you a restless night's sleep (and maybe a lawsuit ;)).
What about the location? Is it convenient?
Yes! Absolutely. That's the whole point, isn't it? It's right off I-20. You can practically *smell* the gas station when you're walking through the lobby. There's a bunch of restaurants nearby, a few chain places for a quick bite (because who wants *adventure* at 10 PM after a long drive?). You're also close to the highway so the next morning, boom!, you’re back on the road, which is the real win.
One road trip, we pulled in late, exhausted, and starving. Found a decent…ish Olive Garden (shoutout to pasta, my beloved). Woke up the next morning, grabbed a mediocre breakfast, and were back on our way. The simplicity! That's what you want. Less faffing around and more… actually *getting* somewhere.
It might not be scenic. It might not have charm. But it's *convenient*. And for a stopover on a long drive? That's pretty darn important.
Is there a pool? Because… priorities.
Oh yes, there IS a pool. It’s a standard hotel pool: rectangular, surrounded by concrete, probably a little too chlorinated, and generally swarming with kids (if it's summer). It’s not the kind of pool you write home about, but it’s there.
Look, it’s a hotel pool. It serves its purpose. It's good for splashing around, maybe doing a few desultory laps (if you're feeling ambitious... which I rarely am after a day of driving). It's a place to cool off, a place to distract the little ones so you can finally… you know… close your eyes for ten (or maybe twenty) glorious minutes. Don't expect the Bahamas; expect chlorine and a slightly faded patio furniture. But in a pinch? Fine. It's there. Use it if you must.
I remember one time, I was there in like… July. The pool was packed. The kids were screaming. And I… I loved every minute of it. Because sometimes, a little chaos is exactly what you need. It's part of the experience!
Anything else I should know? Any quirks or things to watch out for?
Okay, a few random things…
1. **Wi-Fi:** Generally works, but sometimes… struggles. Be prepared for a potential digital detox. (Might be a good thing, actually.)
2. **The Elevator:** The elevator can be slow at times. Plan accordingly, especially if you're on a higher floor. (Stair climbing is good exercise, right? ;))
3. **Check the AC :** Make sure the AC *actually works* when you get to the room. Nothing worse than a stuffy, hot room after a long drive.
4. **TheMountain Stay
Post a Comment for "Florence, SC's BEST I-20 Hotel? Fairfield Inn & Suites Review!"