Just four months after taking over the Best Inn in Manning, owner Z.S. Alex is working to change both the look of the property and its reputation, investing in renovations while positioning the motel as a resource for travelers and local residents alike.
Alex, who purchased the property earlier this year, said the motel was “really down” when he assumed ownership and needed significant upgrades to make it safe, accessible and welcoming for a broader range of guests.
“The main thing is renovation, because this property was down, and still a lot of local people don’t know it’s under new management,” Alex said. “They think it’s the same previous property.”
Since taking over, Alex has overseen extensive improvements across the site. The entire building has been repainted, doors and windows replaced, and the parking lot resurfaced. Inside, rooms have been reconfigured and upgraded with new flooring, furniture and mattresses.
“When we came here, there were no king beds, no hard flooring rooms, no handicap rooms,” Alex said. “So we are making all the rooms again new — everything for everyone.”
Of the motel’s 57 rooms, the majority now feature king or double beds, with designated pet-friendly rooms separated from non-pet rooms to accommodate guests with allergies. Alex also emphasized the addition of ADA-compliant rooms, including walk-in showers designed for guests with mobility challenges.
“Some disabled people cannot step into a bathtub to take a shower,” he said. “So we made new rooms with walk-in showers.”
The property is also adding laundry facilities and amenities aimed at longer-term guests, expanding beyond short overnight stays. Alex said Best Inn now accommodates both short-term travelers and extended-stay residents, including contractors and individuals placed through community organizations.
A central part of Alex’s vision, he said, is supporting local residents facing hardship. He has partnered with churches, nonprofits and law enforcement to provide temporary housing at reduced rates for individuals in crisis.
“I have four or five residents now sent by the church and by the sheriff’s office,” Alex said. “We are giving them low payment plans. If someone is a victim or they are not able to pay on the first day, we help until the church or nonprofit can arrange the money.”
Alex said the approach reflects his belief that hospitality businesses should serve their communities, not just travelers passing through.
“If we are not connected to the community, then it doesn’t make business,” he said.
While offering affordable options, Alex said the property maintains clear expectations for guest behavior, emphasizing safety and respect for all residents, including seniors and people with disabilities.
“We want to help local people, but at the same time they have to follow the law,” he said. “This is not a party place.”
Best Inn’s current rates are intentionally competitive, Alex said, as part of an effort to bring back business after years of decline. He noted that all room types — including king, double and ADA-accessible rooms — are currently offered at the same rate.
The motel now operates with 24-hour front desk service, a change from the previous management.
“Before, the doors were locked and you couldn’t walk in,” Alex said. “Now we have friendly staff 24 hours. Anyone can come to the office if they have any issue.”
Guests can book rooms through the motel’s website, as well as third-party platforms including Booking.com and Expedia, or by walking in.
Originally from Texas, Alex has years of experience in hotel ownership and management. He previously owned properties in Darlington and Florence, which he sold last year, and said his business group operates hotels across multiple states, including Texas, Florida, Virginia and Georgia, with a head office based in Florida.
While Best Inn is currently his sole property in South Carolina, Alex said his focus is firmly on Manning and rebuilding trust with local residents.
He has begun attending local churches and community events and recently contributed to a church-led cancer fundraiser. He said continued involvement is a priority as renovations continue.
“Anything for the community, for the local people, we want to continue to contribute,” Alex said. “We want to be on the same page.”
Future plans for the property include relocating the existing pool area to make room for a proposed bar and restaurant, which Alex said would be open to both guests and the general public and feature a mix of Indian and American cuisine. No timeline has been announced.
Alex said he hopes residents who may have written off the property in the past will take a second look.
“New ownership, new management, new rooms,” he said. “Everything has changed.”
