Florence's BEST Civic Center Hotel: Days Inn Review & Deals!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the glorious, messy, and sometimes surprisingly pleasant world of the Days Inn in Florence, supposedly the best Civic Center Hotel. And trust me, I'm not a hotel reviewer, more of a… well, a semi-organized chaos agent, so this is gonna be interesting. Let's get started.
First Impressions (and the Smell of Opportunity)
Okay, so, Florence, right? Beautiful city. This Days Inn? Well, it's there. Located in the Civic Center, so you've got the location going for you – crucial for hitting up those historical sites. The exterior… well, let's just say it's not exactly screaming "Instagrammable paradise." But hey, what it lacks in curb appeal it tries to make up for in… well, we'll get there.
Accessibility – Trying Harder Than You Think
Okay, big points here. Accessibility is a big deal, and they seem to be trying. Wheelchair accessible is advertised, which is solid. Elevator is a must. The devil, as always, is in the details. Ramp access is good. (I'm imagining a slightly rickety charm). I didn't see any specific details on things like grab bars, but the fact that they are trying to be accessible counts for a lot. Let's give them a B+.
Safety First (and Also Sometimes, Maybe, Last)
Cleanliness and safety are key. CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property are comforting. Fire extinguisher, smoke alarms, and a 24-hour front desk all things that are a must. They tout Anti-viral cleaning products and Professional-grade sanitizing services. All good. They have Staff trained in safety protocol. All the basics are there and I like it. It's a good show of effort.
Internet Access & Wi-Fi – Fingers Crossed!
Days Inn should have Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! The description says the hotel has Internet access [LAN] and Internet services is also available, and that's a good sign. Pray that it's not a dial up situation. Wi-Fi in public areas is nice to have. The hotel provides Wi-Fi for special events, but who has special events here?
Rooms – The Real Deal (Probably)
Now for the nitty-gritty. What's actually in the rooms? They claim loads of things, here's what I think:
- Air conditioning: Essential, especially in a place like Florence. Check.
- Alarm clock: Useful, especially if your phone dies (guilty!).
- Bathrobes: Nice touch. (I don't know how practical but alright.)
- Bathtub/Separate shower/bathtub: Crucial if you like to soak, this is something to consider.
- Coffee/tea maker & Complimentary tea: Mandatory. Must. Have. Tea.
- Desk & Laptop workspace: Good for catching up on emails or planning your next adventure.
- Free bottled water: Always appreciate it.
- Hair dryer, Closet, Mirror: Standard, but important.
- In-room safe box: Secure your passport and valuables.
- Mini bar and Refrigerator: Can be a lifesaver in the hot Italian sun.
- Non-smoking: A must these days.
- Reading light & Socket near the bed: Brilliant!
- Satellite/cable channels & On-demand movies: For those late nights and early mornings.
- Sofa & Seating area: Helpful,
- Window that opens: Air!
Dining, Drinking & Snacking – Fueling the Adventure
The hotel boasts Restaurants. The best part: they describe Breakfast [buffet]. This is where things get interesting. They have Buffet in restaurant and Breakfast service. I am imagining the standard fare (eggs, toast, maybe some sad-looking pastries), but the hope is always that something amazing will show up. They have Coffee/tea in restaurant. They also claim International cuisine in restaurant. They have Desserts in restaurant. They also have Poolside bar and Snack bar.
What's Missing?
Okay, here's the part where things might fall apart. I'm seeing no mention of Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor], etc. This is a Civic Center Hotel, not a resort (probably). No big deal but just to clarify.
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things Matter
This is where Days Inn usually excels. They boast Air conditioning in public area, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, Safety deposit boxes, Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms, Terrace, Xerox/fax in business center. They are also offering Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], and Airport transfer.
For the Kids
This is a mixed bag, and it really depends on your expectations. The hotel claims to be Family/child friendly and has Babysitting service which is cool.
Getting Around
They've got a lot covered. The hotel provide Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], and Taxi service
My Verdict and a (Somewhat) Compelling Offer
Look, the Days Inn in Florence is… a Days Inn. It's not gonna win any design awards. Is it the BEST Civic Center Hotel? Possibly. It is clean, it has the basics, and it tries to be accessible.
- You get a convenient location.
- The rooms appear to be well-equipped.
- They really seem to be putting an effort into safety.
- I'm envisioning a breakfast that will fill you up.
So, Here's the Pitch:
"Tired of overpriced, pretentious hotels? Craving a no-frills, comfortable stay in the heart of Florence?
Book your stay at the Days Inn and get:
- A guaranteed comfortable room with free Wi-Fi.
- A daily breakfast to power your adventures.
- Prime location minutes from major attractions.
- Amazing value for money.
Don't expect luxury, expect a solid, convenient base camp for exploring Florence. Book your stay today, and focus on making memories, not breaking the bank!
Bonus points for knowing your priorities: convenience, location, and a place to crash after a long day of sightseeing.
Stillwater's BEST Kept Secret: Hampton Inn & Suites Review (West Stillwater, OK)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to embark on a whirlwind tour of… wait for it… Florence, South Carolina. Specifically, a stay at the Days Inn near the Civic Center. Don't snicker! Every adventure has its quirks, and trust me, this one's shaping up to be a doozy.
Day 1: Arrival, Aching Joints, and the Promise of Air Conditioning (Hallelujah!)
- 1 PM: Arrive at the Florence Regional Airport (ugh, small airports are the worst). My back is already screaming from that cramped Southwest flight. Seriously considering starting a GoFundMe for a better chair. Managed to grab a surprisingly decent rental car – a silver sedan, which is a definite upgrade from the last time I was here and ended up in a dented beater held together with duct tape. Praying to the car gods for smooth sailing (figuratively and literally).
- 2 PM: Check-in at the Days Inn. Praying to the air-conditioning of the room. It's that humid South Carolina heat, you know? I'm sweating just thinking about it. The desk clerk, bless her heart, looked like she’d seen a thousand lost souls. She handed me a key card that looked like it had been through a war. Found out that the elevator is out of order. "Great!" I muttered, lugging my suitcase up the stairs. (It turns out it was the only working thing in the whole place at the moment).
- 2:30 PM: Okay, room check. And… it’s… adequate. The bedspread looks like it's seen better decades, there's a suspiciously stained armchair, and the TV is probably older than I am. But hey, the AC is kicking in, and that’s what matters. The view? Overlooking the parking lot, of course. Still, I'm just relieved to be out of the South Carolina sun.
- 3 PM: Needed a Diet Coke and a snack. Found a vending machine that looked like it hadn't been restocked since the Reagan administration. Ended up with a bag of stale chips and a lukewarm soda. (Ugh.)
- 4 PM: I really should have taken a nap. I had to go to the shower, and I realised there was no hot water at the property.
Day 2: The Civic Center Saga and My Deep-Fried Regrets
- 9 AM: Got up this morning. Breakfast: I can't even describe it. But it was all packaged in a plastic wrap.
- 10 AM: Headed to the Florence Civic Center. My itinerary said I should see the exhibit. A bit of a letdown. The Civic Center's an okay place.
- 10 AM - 12 PM: Seriously, I just spent two hours at the Civic Center. I can’t even remember what I did now.
- 12 PM: Lunch at a local diner. I ordered fried chicken and, oh boy, was it delicious! But after I finished the second piece, I realised I should not have done that. It was the perfect combination of crispy and juicy and I felt like I would never have been satisfied.
- 1 PM: Time to head back. The drive was pretty easy.
- 2 PM: A nap was necessary. I was pretty sleepy. I slept over 2 hours. Woke up sweaty and hungry.
- 4 PM: Headed out for a walk in the city. The streets were empty, and I was not sure where to go.
- 5 PM: Finally, I just headed to the local supermarket and bought some stuff to prepare a dinner at my room.
- 7 PM: Headed out for dinner. I don't even want to talk about it.
- 8 PM: Back in the room, watching some dumb show and fell asleep.
Day 3: Departure and the Lingering Taste of… Florence?
- 8 AM: Woke up. Breakfast. Checking out time.
- 9 AM: Drive to the airport.
- 10 AM: Airport. Waiting. More waiting..
- 1 PM: On the plane. I am going home.
Final Thoughts:
Florence, you were… something. Messy. Imperfect. Full of questionable culinary choices and the persistent hum of air conditioning. But you were memorable. Would I come back? Maybe, someday. If only to see if the Civic Center has improved. God, I hope it has. And next time, I'm bringing my own bottled water. And maybe a better air conditioner. And a better attitude. And maybe, just maybe, I'll learn to love the sweet, greasy, imperfect, and oh-so-South Carolinian experience again.
Escape to Paradise: Courtyard San Jose Escazu's Luxury Awaits
Days Inn Florence, SC: The Good, The Bad, and The Absolutely Unexpected (aka, My Review, You've Been Warned!)
Is the Days Inn Florence REALLY "the best" like some people claim? (Spoiler Alert: It's Complicated...)
Okay, okay, so "best" is a strong word, right? Look, I stayed there because... well, let's just say my initial hotel choice in Florence went down in flames faster than a poorly-handled barbeque. Days Inn was available, had a pool, and the reviews were...mixed. Think of it as a box of chocolates, Forrest Gump style. You never know what you're gonna get.
Here's the lowdown. The *location*? Fantastic. Civic Center right across the street, restaurants galore, easy access to I-95. Super convenient for a concert I was seeing.
The *price*? Generally, decent. Watch out for those weekend rates, though. They can creep up like a hungry alligator. (Okay, maybe I shouldn’t be comparing hotels to alligators... Florence, you got to me!) I snagged a deal, a steal even, mid-week.
So...best? Nah. But for the right price, in the right situation, with the right expectations? Definitely worth considering. Just don't expect the Ritz. Expect... a slightly faded, but still functioning, slice of Americana.
Speaking of expectations...What's the Days Inn pool really like? I saw some pictures…
Alright, buckle up, because we're diving deep into the murky depths of the Days Inn Florence pool. The pictures… they’re probably from the early 2000s. Let's just say the filter system might need a little... TLC. I'm not saying it was *green*. I'm also not *NOT* saying it.
On a hot day, after sweating it out in the car and then in the parking lot, well, I needed to cool off. I saw the glistening water and dove right in. It was a mixed bag of emotions. I was expecting the water to feel cool and refreshing, but instead, it was warm and inviting. I'm not sure if that was a good or bad sign. I'm not sure if the slight chemical smell made me cough, or if I was already coughing from the heat. The upside? It was open. And it was...there. And the kids were having a blast. So, hey, points for that.
My advice? Bring goggles. And maybe a hazmat suit. Kidding! (Sort of.) Honestly, if you're desperate to cool off and are okay with a slightly less-than-sparkling aquatic experience, it gets the job done. Bring your own pool towels, though. The ones in the room were thin enough to see through.
Let's get to the room. What were the rooms like?
The rooms at Days Inn are... consistent. They're the kind of consistent that makes you think "Yep, this is a Days Inn room." It's like stepping back in time. The decor is… well, let’s call it "functional." Expect a king bed (which, in my case, was pretty comfy, *thank goodness*), a TV, and a bathroom that's seen a few decades. The carpet? Ah, yes, the carpet. I wouldn't eat off of it. But it seemed clean enough.
My biggest issue? The air conditioning. It sounded like a jet engine taking off. I even had one of those "Did I leave the car running?" moments in the middle of the night. And, it didn't always work. The first night, the room was a sauna. The second night, *finally*, I got it to cooperate, but the noise... oh, the noise. Pack earplugs. Seriously.
There was a mini-fridge though, which was a life saver. Also, the water pressure in the shower was fantastic. And the bed was actually comfy. So, you win some, you lose some. The basics were there, but it’s no luxury suite.
What about breakfast? Is it worth it?
Ah, breakfast… the classic hotel breakfast dilemma. The one area where my expectations were, well, low. The Days Inn breakfast is the quintessential continental experience. Think: pre-packaged pastries, instant oatmeal, and a coffee machine that sounds like it's about to explode. Seriously, I was waiting for the *boom* every morning.
There were waffles. (Yay!) Those are always a win. At least you can try to pretend you’re having a somewhat decent breakfast. But the whole experience felt… hurried. I got the impression that they were trying to move people through and out as quickly as possible, which made me feel a bit like cattle.
Was it "worth it?" Well, it was free. So, yes, in a pinch. But don’t expect a culinary revelation. Go in with low expectations, and you might… just might… be pleasantly surprised. (Emphasis on "might.")
Is there anything else I should know before booking? Any other quirks?
Okay, here are a few random things that stick in my memory...
- The Staff: Some were lovely, super helpful and friendly. Others were… well, let's just say there was a *wide* range of personalities. Your mileage may vary.
- The Wi-Fi: It was... there. Sporadically. Let's leave it at that. Plan on using your own hotspot if you need reliable internet.
- The Elevators: The elevators were slow. Very slow. If you're on a high floor and in a hurry... good luck. I'd recommend the stairs, even if you're carrying luggage.
- Parking: Parking was plentiful and free. A definite plus.
Honestly? The Days Inn Florence is what it is. It’s not perfect. It has its flaws. But it's also got a certain… charm? A sort of "lived-in" vibe. If you're looking for a clean, convenient, budget-friendly option near the Florence Civic Center, it's worth considering. But manage your expectations. You're not going for a luxury spa weekend. You're going for an *experience*. And you’ll get one. Guaranteed.
Would you stay there again?
That’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it? It depends. If I’m going to see another concert at the Civic Center and need a place to crash? Probably, yes. If I'm looking for a romantic getaway? Absolutely not. If I’m paying bargain basement prices? Definitely. If it's the only option? Sigh. Perhaps. But I'd pack earplugs, eye mask, and my own soap. And I'd probably bring a water filter, just in caseInfinity Inns
Post a Comment for "Florence's BEST Civic Center Hotel: Days Inn Review & Deals!"