If time is of the essence, try the quick soak. For a faster soak, put the beans and water in a saucepan and bring them to a boil. Allow them to boil for about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat, cover it with a lid and let the beans soak for at least 1 hour.
On the way down, I stayed at Comfort Inn in Mount Vernon, which was fairly average. While I was in Mississippi, I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express. It was a step up from the Comfort Inn. The Hampton Inn had the Hilton stamp all over it...the quality and feel was definitely more upscale than the others.
Traveling on I-57 S/I-64 East: Take Exit 95 for IL-15 toward Mt Vernon/Ashley. Turn left onto IL-15/Broadway St. Turn left onto N 44th St/Frontage Rd. The hotel will be on the left. Traveling on I-57 N/I-64 West: Take Exit 95 for IL-15 toward Mt Vernon/Ashley.