I have typically booked at a Hampton Inn, or equivalent, when I need an a room for non-holiday travel. However, I am increasingly annoyed by their pricing. Even in small out of the way towns Hampton Inns are now asking around $100 per night. This is far too much for properties which, more often than not, need a good cleaning, repainting, carpet replacement, and improvement in front desk staff training.

I recently had to be in the Greenwood, SC area for a one night business stop-over. The Hampton Inn in Greenwood and in neighboring Clinton were asking at or above $100, not including tax. I have not been to the Clinton property, but I have stayed at the Greenwood Hampton as recently as this summer and it is not worth paying that price again.

So, I found this property on Trip Advisor and booked a room for $59 (AAA rate).

Quality Inn Clinton is right off I-26 / Hwy 56 exit outside Clinton. It is an old style property - two adjacent two story buildings with outside entrance to the rooms. However, as others have stated below, the rooms have been recently updated.

I received a large room that was clean, new carpet, and all lamps and bathroom fixtures in good working order. The room has a good work desk, a microwave, mini fridge, iron, ironing board and a small safe for valuables.

I was especially pleased that the room had good lighting (a desk lamp, a floor lamp and two bedside table lamps) which is unfortunately not a common finding in most "standard business" hotel rooms, even at twice this daily rate.

Breakfast is included in the room rate. It is similar to the do it yourself breakfasts found in most hotels nowadays. Nothing special, but enough to get you out the door in the morning.

Free Wi-Fi worked well and no special connection code necessary to get online. There is a computer and printer in the front office for guest use it you do not have a laptop.

I requested and received a non-smoking room. It was true to its name. The room had NO evidence of cigarette smell nor any heavy perfume odor that is often used in hotels to cover up when someone smokes in a non smoking room. Much appreciated.

The front desk clerk the night I checked in and the next morning when I checked out were both cordial, helpful, efficient and well trained.

It is not perfect. Landscaping around the buildings is minimal and the furnishings in the breakfast area are utilitarian. My room was at the end of the building closest to the Interstate and I could hear road noise while reading in the room at night. However, it did not interrupt my sleep at all.

This is not a place one would take the family on vacation. But if you just need a place to sleep and, like me, you are tired of paying $100+ a night for a $50 per night room then consider Quality Inn Clinton.