I will be moving from Ohio to The Woodlands,TX in a few weeks. I will drive by myself and would like to get suggestions on the safest areas/hotels to stop and rest for one night.

Thanks

Use Mapquest or Google Maps to plan your route which will most likely be along one or more Interstates. Check the map to locate the major cities/towns that are about halfway to your destination. You'll find just about every major hotel/motel chain (Hampton Inns, Days Inn, Comfort Inn, Holiday Inn, Courtyard by Marriott, DoubleTree, etc.) will have places located just off the Interstate exits in and around those cities/towns. In fact, you'll find similar motels near more than 80% of the exits you'll pass on your trip. All will generally be safe for single travelers and most will be near shopping centers, gas stations and restaurants.

You don't say exactly where in Ohio you'll be starting from, but either Nashville or Memphis might be about halfway along your route. In Nashville, the Bellevue area is safe and convenient (several hotels along I-40 west of town - look around exit 196). In Memphis, the Germantown/Cordova area is safe and right off the interstate - look around exit 16 (near Wolfchase mall).

Depending on how far you want to get, somewhere in Little Rock might also work. I know the west side of town is safe, but that's out of your way (along I-40 instead of I-30). Maybe someone else can chime in with what might be good off of I-30. However, RA is correct that if you pick a decent hotel chain, you'll probably be fine wherever.

I recommend Memphis. Nashville is not far enough. No offense intended, bot Little Rock has less to offer than Memphis. I agree that Germantown is a good area to stop. The Germantown exit has all the usual national chain hotels. I stayed at the Courtyard recently. Germantown also has many restaurants. Nearby Corkys is a popular Memphis BBQ. Houston's is a very good casual plus. Check Yelp when you get checked in for your favorite flavor close by.

Are you driving a car, SUV or a moving truck with your household goods? Make sure whatever you are driving is sound and has good tires. If you have a choice on the timing, make sure you have two or three days of good weather for the trip. Check the tire pressures on your vehicle and any trailer you may pull.
I hope the new job in Texas is better than the old one in Ohio.

I am driving my car from Columbus, OH. I have 2 days to get to The Woodlands, TX. Sounds like Germantown is a popular pick and about 9½ hr drive. Thanks you all for your replies.

Our son lives in the Woodlands. We always drive the 13hrs to Hot Springs Arkansas and spend the night at The Arlington: http://www.arlingtonhotel.com/ an historic hotel and then spend the next morning at the Buckstaff: http://www.buckstaffbaths.com/ Wonderful, wonderful spa and cheap....$50.00 for an hour Hot bath, hot packs and massage.

13 hours woodlands to hot springs?? I hope this is a typo. I'd think 7-8 is more likely.

soogies, no, Columbus, Oh to Hot Springs.

Phew! Thanks for the clarification cd. Or should I say, "read more carefully soogies!"

Well, I was not clear regarding the departing city.

There are several options in North Little Rock. The McCain Mall area has a Holiday Inn Express, a new Hilton Garden, Comfort Suites, LaQuinta, Fairfield, Residence Inn, etc.. Lots of restaurant options. Staying in Hot Springs will require you to exit I-30 and travel out of your way to get to the city and hotels. If you want to go further than Little Rock, check out options in Benton, Bryant, and Malvern for easy interstate access.

If you want to stop sooner, I second the Wolfchase/Germantown area of Memphis. Many hotels, shopping, and dining options with easy interstate access.