My wife and I are heading from Atlanta to Myrtle Beach over Labor Day weekend. We will be staying in Atlanta on Friday night, and have two nights stopover en-route to North Myrtle Beach, from Monday night onwards. I am considering Augusta (Saturday) and Charleston (Sunday). I have looked at the Marriott on the riverfront at Augusta, but am now having second thoughts, having read some of the (negative) posts on the city. I have considered heading straight to Charleston and staying for two nights, but don't fancy the long drive on the first day of my vacation! Any alternative suggestions for a mid-point stay would be really welcomed.

Thanks
Bernard

I'd sure go on to Charleston and have a GREAT time for two days, instead of having to drive and stop and not really enjoy it at all.
You could stop some place for a nice lunch en route.

I agree. It's not that far, IMHO. Stop for lunch in Columbia.
http://mrfriendlys.com/

Thanks for these comments. I think I am inclined to go for the 5 hour drive from Atlanta and spend two nights in Charleston. I had also considered Savannah. So next job for me is identifying a great place to stay - but not easy at the holiday weekend.

Use kayak.com. See what comes up in the Historic District. Let us know what you find and we can make suggestions.

I agree to just suck it up and make the drive though it is a painful drive for some reason. I also like Mr. Friendly's in Columbia, but it's not open on Saturdays for lunch.

Is the Columbia route the best way to go? I haven't had to make that drive in a while.

Nevermind, I see that it's only about 20 miles more to stay on the interstate via Columbia. Probably worth those extra 20.

I have researched the whole of the line up, and really like the look of the Renaissance and the Charleston Place in the historic area. However, what you see and read on-line, is often different in practice. So thanks for any other suggestions that I may have overlooked.

I'd pick Charleston Place. It's a little more centrally located and VERY nice.

Many thanks! - I will keep my options open and bear this in mind.