Finding a decent place to crash in Florence usually feels like a toss-up between overpriced downtown boutiques and sketchy roadside motels. If you're driving down I-95 or I-20, you’ve probably seen the signs. One spot that constantly pops up in search results is the TownePlace Suites Florence SC.
Honestly, it looks like every other Marriott extended-stay property from the outside. But after digging into the actual guest experiences and the layout of the place, there’s a lot more to it than just "free breakfast and a bed." Most people assume it's just for business travelers on long-term assignments. That's actually not the case anymore.
Why TownePlace Suites Florence SC Still Matters in 2026
Florence has changed. It's not just a stopover town for people heading to Florida. With the Florence Center hosting massive events and the medical district expanding, the demand for rooms with actual kitchens has skyrocketed. TownePlace Suites Florence SC sits right in that sweet spot at 2650 Hospitality Boulevard.
It's basically a three-star hotel that acts like an apartment. You aren't just getting a cramped room with a mini-fridge that barely fits a bottle of water. You get full-sized appliances. For families or people traveling with pets, that’s a game-changer.
Most travelers get it wrong by thinking they’ll save money at a cheaper motel nearby. By the time you pay for three meals out because you don't have a stove, you’ve spent way more than the nightly rate here.
The Room Situation: More Than Just a Suite
Walking into these rooms, the first thing you notice is the "Home Office" setup. They use a Container Store closet system (elfa) which is actually pretty clever for organizing a week's worth of clothes.
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- Studio Suites: These are the bread and butter of the property. You get a king or two queens and a pull-out sofa.
- One-Bedroom Suites: These have a separate living area. If you’re traveling with kids, this is the only way to keep your sanity.
- Two-Bedroom Suites: Rare in this area. It's basically a small two-bedroom apartment with two bathrooms.
The kitchens are fully stocked. We're talking real plates, silverware, a dishwasher, and a glass-top stove. You can actually cook a steak here.
What People Love (And What They Complain About)
If you look at recent reviews from late 2025 and early 2026, the sentiment is generally high, hovering around a 4.3 out of 5. People like Hanna and Whitney at the front desk get mentioned by name constantly. That kind of personal service is rare in "big box" hotels.
But it’s not all sunshine. Some guests have noted that while the rooms have been remodeled recently, the walls can be a bit thin. If you end up next to a loud family, you’re going to hear them. Pro tip: Ask for a room on the top floor or away from the elevator if you're a light sleeper.
The Logistics of Staying at TownePlace Suites Florence SC
Let's talk about the location because "convenient" is an understatement. It’s located right off Exit 160. You are less than half a mile from the Magnolia Mall and the Florence Center.
If you don't feel like using that fancy kitchen, you’re within walking distance of basically every chain restaurant known to man. Chili's, Olive Garden, and Texas Roadhouse are all right there. If you want something local and a bit more upscale, you’ll need to drive about 4.6 miles to downtown Florence to hit up Town Hall or Victors.
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Pet Policy Realities
This is a big one. TownePlace Suites Florence SC is very pet-friendly. They allow up to two pets per suite.
- The Fee: Usually around $75 per stay (not per night, which is a huge distinction).
- Weight Limit: They generally cap it at 50 lbs.
- The Perk: There are dedicated grassy areas with waste stations.
Unlike some hotels that claim to be "pet friendly" but then treat you like a criminal for bringing a dog, the staff here actually seems to like animals. Just make sure your dog is crated if you leave them alone for housekeeping to come in.
The Breakfast and "The Mix"
The breakfast is a free buffet. It’s your standard Marriott fare—oatmeal, eggs, sausage, and those DIY waffles. It's served from 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM on weekdays.
One thing they do that others don't is the "grocery shopping service." You give them a list, and they’ll stock your fridge for you. You just pay for the groceries. It sounds lazy until you’ve been driving for 10 hours and realize you forgot to buy milk for the kids.
Dealing With the "Florence Factor"
Florence is a transit hub. That means the hotels here get a lot of wear and tear. TownePlace Suites Florence SC has done a decent job keeping up with it. They’ve recently updated the Smart TVs (43-inch) so you can actually log into your Netflix or Hulu account rather than watching grainy cable news.
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The outdoor pool is fine, but it’s seasonal. Don't expect to be swimming in January. The 24-hour gym is small but functional—enough for a quick run on a treadmill or some dumbbell work.
Actionable Advice for Your Stay
If you are planning to book a stay at TownePlace Suites Florence SC, here are the specific moves you should make to get the best experience:
- Join Bonvoy: Even if you hate loyalty programs, join Marriott Bonvoy. Members often get a lower "Member Rate" and it makes the mobile check-in process way faster.
- Request the 4th Floor: It's the quietest. Period.
- Check the Event Calendar: If there's a huge show at the Florence Center, this hotel will be packed. Rates will spike. Check the Florence Center schedule before you lock in your dates.
- Use the Grill: They have Weber grills in the outdoor patio area. It’s a great way to save money on dinner while the kids splash in the pool.
- Parking is Easy: Unlike downtown hotels, parking here is a breeze and it's a large, well-lit lot.
Basically, if you need a place that feels like a home base rather than just a place to sleep, this is one of the better options in the I-95 corridor. It’s clean, the staff is actually helpful, and having a full kitchen means you don't have to eat fast food for every meal. Just watch out for the weekend crowds during soccer tournaments or graduation season at Francis Marion University.
To ensure the best rate, book directly through the Marriott site at least 14 days in advance for "Advanced Purchase" discounts. Check your room for the elfa closet system—it’s the easiest way to tell if you’ve landed one of the fully updated suites.