General Nathan Bedford Forrest and his Confederate troops fought off the Union soldiers, sparing a large collection of Antebellum period structures that the Union soldiers intended to burn to the ground. Today, the area attracts history-lovers and hosts tours of the impeccably maintained historic homes.
Antebellum homes in Columbus make up one of the largest collections in the country. And, the residents of Columbus are serious about preserving the history here. An example of their commitment to preservation is the home of Tennessee Williams. It was once the rectory of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, where Williams' grandfather served as a reverend. In 1993, the church needed to expand and intended to tear the building down to make room.
Citizens in Columbus fought to save the home. They loaded the Victorian home on a flatbed trailer and moved it to its current location at the corner of Main Street and 3rd Street South, where it became the City of Columbus Welcome Center. The Downtown district has many other historic properties and is a great place for people who appreciate Civil War history and Southern hospitality to visit.
What time of year is best to visit Columbus, MS?
The weather in Columbus is mild compared to other cities in the United States. The average temperatures during the winter range from the mid-30s to the 50s and 60s. June, July, and August are the hottest months of the year, with high temperatures ranging in the mid-90s and lows in the upper 60s and 70s.
While Columbus has no designated rainy period, August, September, and October are slightly drier than other times of the year. The best times to visit the area are between mid-March and late May and from mid-September to late October when the temperatures are mildest. The humidity in the area tends to make it feel cooler in the winter and warmer in the summer.
Columbus very rarely receives snow. This is partly because the likelihood of rain is low during mid-January when temperatures are the coldest. If the town ever does experience freezing weather, the ice and snow melt quickly in the warm daytime temperatures.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Columbus, MS:
Averate Rates by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts displaying average price trends by star rating class in Columbus, MS. Analyze these line graphs to calculate the most cost effective seasons to stay in Columbus for your upcoming travels.
What are the Columbus, MS luxury hotels?
The Hyatt Place in Columbus offers luxurious rooms with plush Hyatt Grand Beds, 42-inch flat-screen HDTVs, and complimentary toiletries. It also features free Wi-Fi with remote printing, which business travelers will find useful. The hotel has a great pool and fitness center, as well. Plus, the Hyatt Place provides free breakfast, has a coffee and cocktail bar, and serves a 24/7 Gallery Menu featuring delicious meals made with premium ingredients, antibiotic-free chicken, and grass-fed beef.
The Hilton Garden Inn 25 miles away in Starkville is another high-end lodging option. The hotel features a beautiful lobby with meeting rooms and oversized bathrooms with wheelchair-accessible showers. The common areas and rooms are thoughtfully decorated with the guests' tastes in mind. Amenities include an indoor pool, a fitness center, and an on-site restaurant. It's a mile from Mississippi State University, making it convenient for those visiting campus.
Another luxury option if you are looking for a stylish hotel with contemporary guest rooms is the Courtyard by Marriott Columbus. The hotel offers high-speed internet, a pool, and a fitness center. The Bistro in the hotel is where you can enjoy a hot breakfast in the morning and a delicious dinner with wine at night, making this a great choice for guests who enjoy the convenience of staying in for meals.
What options are in Columbus, MS for the most affordable hotels?
3 Star Average Prices: $104.07
Columbus is home to many two- and three-star hotels that offer comfortable rooms and excellent rates. The Quality Inn Columbus allows guests to bring pets and offers free breakfast. The hotel's prime location is less than a mile from the city's center. Each room features a microwave and a refrigerator, so you can save even more by bringing your own food.
The River Chase Inn at 2015 Military Rd is another great option for affordable rooms. It too offers in-room microwaves, coffee makers, and refrigerators. There are even wheelchair-accessible rooms for disabled visitors. Other amenities include a fitness center, an outdoor pool, and a picnic area for grilling.
You can also find affordable rates at the Days Inn Columbus, convenient to Columbus Air Force Base and Elm Lake Golf Course. The hotel's common areas are well-maintained, and the rooms are comfortably furnished and feature free Wi-Fi. Because it has an outdoor pool for guests to enjoy, this is a perfect place to stay if visiting during the summer.
2 Star Average Prices: $72.77
What are the best hotels in Columbus, MS that offer discounts?
The Quality Inn in Columbus offers discounted rates for AAA members, military and government members, and AARP members. This makes the comfortable rooms at the Days Inn very competitive and great options for people looking to save on lodging in the area. The AAA discounts at the hotel offer the most significant savings, with rates for seniors and military members following closely behind.
Columbus' Wingate by Wyndham offers special rates for AAA and military members, as well as for senior citizens. The Wingate has an indoor pool that's open year-round, as well as a fitness center so you can stay in shape during your trip. Save on the free breakfast buffet, or cook out on the grills outside. The Wingate is conveniently located near the Golden Triangle Regional Airport.
The Hampton Inn & Suites in Columbus also offers discounts for AAA members, members of the military, and AARP members. Plus, it is one of the nicer hotels in the area. The well-decorated rooms are spacious and offer guests appealing lodging. Room rates include a hot continental breakfast, a refrigerator, a large flat-screen HDTV, and free Wi-Fi.
Where are the best budget hotels around Columbus, MS?
You can find great deals on hotels in Columbus. However, if you really want the most bang for your buck, Americas Best Value Inn receives excellent ratings from guests and offers discounts for AAA and AARP members. There are also special rates for members of the military and government.
Rooms at Americas Best Value Inn are much larger than your typical hotel room. Each one comes with complimentary breakfast and a microwave, free Wi-Fi, a refrigerator, and a coffee maker. Guests also have access to meeting rooms and an on-site fitness center.
The Hyatt Place Columbus is another great value in town, particularly as it is one of the area's nicest properties. Just minutes from Columbus Air Force Base and downtown, the Hyatt provides convenient amenities, such as all-day dining and free breakfast, that make your stay worth it.
What are the historic sites to see in Columbus, MS?
Columbus is home to many historic sites, museums, places to eat, and Antebellum-period homes. Friendship Cemetery, founded in 1849, is the resting place of 2,194 Confederate soldiers who lost their lives during the Civil War. Located at 4th Street South and 15th Avenue South, it includes the graves of lieutenant general Stephen D. Lee, former senator William Cocke, and Mrs. Canant, Vol. Nurse, CSA, the only Confederate nurse officially recognized by the U.S. government.
Amzi Love House and the Lincoln Home, at 305 7th Street South and 714 3rd Avenue South are two great examples of Antebellum homes. Amzi Love, built in 1848, is a popular historic home tour destination and includes its original furnishings and outbuildings. Mr. Sid Caradine lives in the home and is the property's curator. Seven generations of Mr. Caradine's family owned and maintained the property that connects to the Lincoln Home, a popular bed and breakfast with a beautifully manicured garden. The Lincoln Home was once the home of Mississippi Mayor Cicero Lincoln and is one of the oldest pre-Civil War residences.
Another beautiful historic property in the area is Temple Heights (also known as Brownrigg-Harris-Kennebrew House) at 515 9th Street North. The home includes features of Federal and Greek Revival architecture. The well-kept four-story home is surrounded by porches on three sides and has 14 Doric columns. Additionally, the pristine example of pre-Civil War residential architecture has museum-quality decorative arts. The home has designations as a Mississippi Landmark and National Registry Historic Landmark and is on the Historic American Buildings Survey.
Another property worth visiting if you are willing to drive a bit is the Waverley Plantation Mansion 27 minutes from downtown Columbus in West Point. The property, completed in 1852 and declared a National Historic Landmark in 1973, features a unique octagonal cupola. It was a self-sustaining property with a garden, orchards, livestock, a brick-kiln, an ice house, a cotton gin, a bathhouse, and a swimming pool, which was extremely rare at the time.
FAQs about hotels in Columbus
How much does a cheap hotel in Columbus cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel in Columbus can be as cheap as $72.77 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel in Columbus cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel in Columbus has been $104.07 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
Recent traveler reviews of Columbus, MS
Below are reviews of the city of Columbus, MS from an actual visitor's perspective.
"So Charming!"
Score
5.0 / 5
I love how downtown has been revitalized over the years. Just oozes charm! Columbus has a rich history and beautiful architecture! The folks are friendly, helpful, and fun.
Sandy A., from 02-Apr-2024
"Columbus AFB"
Score
5.0 / 5
Columbus AFB.
Thomas R., from 29-Jan-2024
"Plenty of Places to Eat!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Plenty of places to eat that are close.
Rodney E., from 16-Oct-2023
"Shops, gas stations, restaurants."
Score
4.0 / 5
Easy to find shops, gas stations and restaurants.
Roy R., from 09-Jun-2023
"Annual A.A. Convention at Trotter Center"
Score
5.0 / 5
I come to Columbus for the annual A.A. Convention at Trotter Center.
Michael P., from 28-May-2023
"Shopping!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Shopping!
Latanya G., from 23-May-2023
"MUW!"
Score
5.0 / 5
MUW!
Karen C., from 03-Apr-2023
"Eating & Shopping!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Plenty of places to eat and shop.
Gerald S., from 02-Apr-2023
"Shopping & Restaurants!"
Score
5.0 / 5
New shopping stores and restaurants!
Evelyn L., from 29-Dec-2022
"Good Highway Access"
Score
5.0 / 5
Access to the highways
Joann S., from 19-Jul-2022
"Love the area"
Score
5.0 / 5
I grew up in Columbus. I still love all the old homes but it was interesting to see all the new growth.
Fred T., from 02-Nov-2019
"What A Delightful City"
Score
4.0 / 5
I lived in Columbus about ten years ago. I am delighted to see the new growth!
Becky Y., from 24-Dec-2015
The average traveler rating of the city of Columbus, MS shown above is
4.7 out of 5 based on 12 reviews