Florence – which is affectionately known as “Flo” – is conveniently at the intersection of two major highways, in the northeast section of South Carolina. It was first settled in the 19th century by subsistence farmers who produced indigo, cotton, and timber. By the middle of the decade, two railroads were built – the Wilmington and Manchester and the Northeastern. The area's fast growth and ideal location eventually attracted the president of Wilmington and Manchester railroad, who named the area Florence, after his daughter.
Today, Florence is a major hub of industry and infrastructure, with a regional focus on medicine, finance, art, and culture. The city attracts tourists from around the world to its revitalized downtown and many attractions. Whatever your reason for visiting Florence, it's important that you find the best hotel for your needs, so nothing stands in the way of you enjoying all that “Flo” has to offer.
The Best Time to Visit Florence, SC
The best time to visit Florence is between June and August, when the weather is warm and the events are plentiful. It's the perfect time to go paddling through Lynches River Park, catch a drag race at Darlington Speedway, or travel an hour away to coastal beaches. This is high season for the area, so you will face large crowds and lots of families. Just be sure to book your hotel in advance and prepare to share the sand with other excited visitors.
March through May is a mostly pleasant time to visit. Average temperatures will reach highs of the upper 60s to the mid 80s, but may also drop to lows of around 40, so pack a light jacket and brace for cool nights. Because this is shoulder season, hotel rates will be affordable and crowds won't be nearly as large – although if you spend time on the beaches you will run into spring breakers. But don't worry. You'll also be in town for many of the city's best events, like Taste of Symphony and Flo-Town 5k.
By early fall, much of the summer crowd will clear out and temperatures will begin dipping slightly. This seasonal change means lower hotel rates and more hotel room availability. It also signifies a great time to view local produce at the Downtown Florence Farmers Market, bird watch at Woods Bay State Park, and take an afternoon drive through Florence and surrounding areas.
Between November and February, the weather is too chilly to enjoy the beach, and many beachside attractions have closed for the season. Though it is the perfect time to enjoy indoor attractions within the city like Florence Museum, Francis Marion Planetarium, and Hartsville Museum. Plus, hotel rates will be low and crowds will be few, making your trip even better.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Florence, SC:
Averate Rates by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts displaying average price trends by star rating class in Florence, SC. Analyze these line graphs to calculate the best time to book a room in Florence for your upcoming travels.
Luxury Hotel Options in Florence, SC
4 Star Average Prices: $114.22
If you're looking for a luxury hotel, you'll find plenty of them in Florence. Hotel Florence, an Ascend Hotel Collection Member is located in Florence's historic downtown district, near Florence Museum, Magnolia Mall, and Florence Civic Center. This boutique hotel offers true Southern Hospitality with its elegantly designed guest rooms, featuring pillowtop mattresses and luxurious bedding, 37-inch flat-screen TVs with premium cable, spacious work desks and chairs, and Keurig coffeemakers with K-cups.
The hotel is best known for its highly rated restaurant Victor's Bistro, but boasts a stylish lobby, premium spa, and concierge services. The hotel also offers a variety of special stay packages, such as Golf Getaway, which includes a room and round of golf at a local country club, and Valentine's Staycation, which includes a room and spa massage for two.
Another great luxury hotel is Courtyard by Marriott Florence – a stylish option conveniently located in the center of Florence, near restaurants, shopping, and Florence Civic Center. In your spacious guest room, you'll enjoy a new pillowtop mattress, 32-inch flat-screen TV, mini-refrigerator, and free internet. The hotel pumps up the luxury with its state-of-the-art lobby featuring welcome pedestals; beautiful outdoor patio; upgraded fitness center; relaxing indoor pool; and extravagant spa. In the hotel's on-site restaurant, you'll find healthy meal options, a full service bar, and Starbucks specialty coffee.
Affordable Hotel Options in Florence, SC
3 Star Average Prices: $101.25
There are many affordable hotel options in Florence. The newly renovated La Quinta Inn & Suites Florence is located right off the highway, near Florence Regional Airport, Darlington Raceway, and local universities. Its spacious rooms feature top-of-the-line bedding and décor, along with refrigerators, microwaves, coffeemakers, and flat-screen TVs. Wake up to a free Brightside breakfast each morning, and enjoy extra hotel amenities like an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, and business center.
For another affordable hotel option, Quality Inn & Suites Civic Center is a great choice. It's centrally located near the heart of Florence, and is within walking distance to Magnolia Mall and Florence Civic Center. Also nearby are museums, golf courses, and universities. You'll enjoy one of 80 guest rooms featuring a refrigerator, microwave, 32-inch flat-screen TV, and coffeemaker. Additional hotel amenities include a seasonal outdoor pool, exercise room, business center, and a free, hot and healthy breakfast.
2 Star Average Prices: $58.08
Which Florence hotels have real discounts?
There are many hotels that offer great discounts in Florence. Comfort Suites provides AAA, AARP, Military, and Government discounts on its many suites. Conveniently located near downtown Florence, the hotel is a short distance away from the Florence Symphony Orchestra, Darlington Raceway, and Magnolia Mall. It provides a mix of spacious accommodations that feature flat-screen TVs, microwaves, refrigerators, sofa sleepers, and more.
Hotel amenities include a 101-person meeting center, indoor heated pool, exercise room, nightclub, sundry shop, and popcorn machine. Save even more money by taking advantage of free hot breakfast, served daily in the hotel's dining area.
Country Inn & Suites by Carlson Florence offers AAA, Military, and Government discounts on many of its King and Queen guest rooms, and is situated near top attractions like Darlington Raceway, Florence Civic Center, and Magnolia Mall. Its 80 guest rooms feature Serta Elite pillowtop mattresses, microwaves, refrigerators, sleeper sofas, and work desks. If you're in town for a romantic getaway, opt for a Whirlpool suite, which features a King bed and whirlpool tub.
Hotel extras include an outdoor pool, fitness center, business center, guest laundry facility, and free cookies in the lobby.
Best Value Options in Florence, SC
There are many great value hotels in Florence. TownePlace Suites Florence is located a short distance away from downtown Florence, and is perfect for short- or long-term stays. Its comfortable and functional guest rooms feature separate sleeping and living areas, fully equipped kitchens, Serta pillowtop mattresses, and flat-screen TVs.
Outside of your room, you can enjoy an outdoor pool, fitness center, 24-hour convenience store, and business center. You can also take advantage of free hot breakfast, served buffet-style every morning.
Home2 Suites by Hilton Florence is located east of downtown, near commercial shopping, excellent restaurants, and beautiful parks. It's a modern property, offering flexible studio and one-bedroom suites that feature kitchenettes with dishwashers, microwaves, refrigerators, and hotplates, along with 42-inch LCD TVs, cable programming, and free internet access.
The hotel boasts an indoor saline pool, contemporary game room, and cozy lounge space. If you need to stock your kitchenette, you can visit the convenience store, or request items via the hotel's free grocery service. You can even do your laundry while working out in the hotel's combined laundry/fitness facility, Spin2Cycle.
Top Attractions in Florence, SC
No matter which hotel you choose in Florence, you'll be close to many of the city's top attractions. Darlington Dragway is a legendary NASCAR-sanctioned race track in northwest Florence that's been hosting major drag events since 1976. It's nicknamed the “Lady in Black” and “The Track Too Tough to Tame” by racing fans, who have grown to love its egg-shaped design and unique structure. If you visit the dragway, be sure to check out its famous raceway museum and legends walk.
Lynches River State Park is a Florence-area gem. This river swamp is located south of downtown, and features 676 acres of towering cypress trees, sand hills, and lush vegetation. You can become one with nature while fishing, hiking, kayaking, or simply eating lunch under a picnic shelter. The park also hosts fun events like River Jamboree and Wild Weekends, which give guests an opportunity to view live stage performances, meet their favorite animals, and venture out on park excursions.
For a step backward in time visit the Florence Stockade, which served as a prison for Union soldiers during the Civil War. Located within the downtown historic district, the site has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1980. It is now one of Florence's most popular attractions and an absolute must-see for anyone visiting the city.
Whether you're searching for an affordable hotel in the center of Florence or a luxury one a short distance away, you'll find just what you're looking for – and more in Florence.
What did travelers think of the city of Florence?
Below are reviews of the city of Florence, SC from an actual visitor's perspective.
"Dissatisfied "Score 4.0 / 5
Not much.....Went to Percy Willie (or something like that)...it was expensive, extremely slow service and not good food. Went to Buffalo Wild Wings the next night and it was a complete disaster. The service was horrible and the food was unbelievably bad. Restaurants and ball fields surrounded by bad neighborhoods. Not planning on returning to Florence anytime soon.
Angela Van D., from 20-Mar-2017
"Great and Convenient Food Nearby "Score 4.0 / 5
Restaurants are close in this area. Could eat somewhere new every day without traveling far.
Loretta G., from 04-Jan-2017
"Biker Event"Score 4.0 / 5
The people were nice, the food was good, and the town was clean. 50,000 of us were there for five days for an event.
Candis L., from 10-Aug-2015
"Enjoyable Visit"Score 5.0 / 5
Everything was right in the area such as restaurants, stores, gas, etc.
Sharlene P., from 09-Jul-2015
"A Quaint City with Friendly People"Score 5.0 / 5
Plenty of options for food and shopping. The revitalization of the downtown area is a sight to see as well!
Niki M., from 09-Jun-2015
The average traveler rating of the city of Florence, SC shown above is 4.4 out of 5 based on 5 reviews