Visit for the South Carolina Oyster Festival and the Columbia Blues Festival in the fall, and don't miss the Holiday Lights on the River or the Famously Hot New Year in the winter. No matter when you plan your trip, you'll find plenty to do and hotels that offer ample Southern hospitality.
When to Visit Columbia, South Carolina
Like much of South Carolina, Columbia has four distinct seasons, with hot summers and mild winters. Summers can get especially humid in Columbia, with temperatures climbing into the 90s and producing several inches of rain each month. Despite the sometimes-challenging weather, however, summer is a great time to visit Columbia, especially with numerous hot weather festivals on the calendar.
Spring and fall tend to be the driest and most moderate seasons in Columbia, as well as some of the most popular times to visit. Hotel prices often rise in the spring, but if you want to see the city's beautiful flowering trees or plan an event during one of the most stunning seasons, visit in the spring.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Columbia, SC:
Columbia by Star Rating
Below we've posted 3 graphs demonstrating mean nightly cost patterns by star rating class in Columbia, SC. You can use these illustrations to calculate the most cost effective time period to book in Columbia for upcoming travels.
Luxury Hotels in Columbia, South Carolina
4 Star Average Prices: $145.74
Whether you're planning a high-profile event or you just want to treat yourself, splurge on a stay in the heart of Columbia.
Stay downtown at the Columbia Marriott, which is just steps from the Columbia Museum of Art and the Robert Mills Historic House. This large hotel has 300 spacious guestrooms with free Wi-Fi, in-room workspaces, and coffeemakers. Enjoy a leisurely evening in with room service, or have a meal at the on-site restaurant. With more than 27,000 square feet of event space, the Columbia Marriott has plenty of room for your next business conference or trade show.
Just a few blocks from the Colonial Life Arena and the Carolina Coliseum, the Hilton Columbia Center is located right in the center of downtown Columbia. Get a great night's sleep with plush beds and high-quality linens, and relax outdoors in the immaculately landscaped pool area. Grab a drink at the hotel's bar and lounge, or head out on the town, right outside the hotel's front door. If you're planning a wedding or business event, be sure to book the Hilton's 6,000 square feet of event space in advance.
Mere steps from Columbia's best shopping and dining, the Springhill Suites by Marriott Columbia Downtown/The Vista offers convenience and comfort in the downtown area. All 132 rooms come with refrigerators, iPod docking stations, and LCD TVs, so you'll feel right at home. Splash around in the year-round indoor pool, and work up a sweat at the hotel's on-site fitness center. If you're in the mood for a midnight snack, the Springhill Suites has you covered, thanks to an on-site grocery store.
Only a quarter mile from top attractions like the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden and the Governor's Mansion, the Embassy Suites Columbia - Greystone is a great place to splurge in Columbia. Spread out in the large suites, indulge in the complimentary breakfast and omelet bar, and toast to a great stay at the complimentary evening reception. With several meeting and conference rooms and a complimentary airport shuttle, the Embassy Suites is a smart choice for corporate events and business travelers.
Affordable Options in Columbia, South Carolina
3 Star Average Prices: $120.85
With so many affordable hotels in Columbia, you can easily stick to your travel budget. Stay right in Columbia, or search for a budget-friendly hotel outside of the city to save even more.
Make yourself right at home at the Home Towne Suites Columbia. All 88 rooms feature kitchenettes with full-sized refrigerators, microwaves, and complete sets of dishes. Work up a sweat at the on-site fitness room, swim a few laps at the outdoor pool, and prepare a meal on the barbecue grills. To sweeten the deal, self-parking is free here. If you're planning to stay in the Columbia area for a while, the Home Towne Suites also offers affordable weekly rates.
No matter if you're staying for a week or just one night, the Extended Stay America - Columbia - West - Stoneridge Dr. has budget-friendly rooms with plenty of space for the family. Choose from a standard studio room or go for a deluxe studio room with a sofa bed and a kitchenette. All rooms include desks so you can catch up on work, along with 32-inch flat-screen TVs so you can stay on top of your favorite shows. Take advantage of the hotel's grab-and-go breakfast before heading out to see the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, just a half mile away from the hotel.
Located a few miles northeast of Columbia, the Econo Lodge Inn & Suites is a good deal right off of Interstate 20. Whether you choose queen or king rooms, your room comes with a refrigerator, microwave, and coffeemaker. Upgrade to an efficiency, and you'll have plenty of room to prepare meals for the whole family. Don't forget to fuel up with the complimentary continental breakfast before checking out nearby sights like the Springdale Race Course.
For one of the best budget hotels in the Fort Jackson area, look no further than the Super 8 Columbia/Ft. Jackson, SC. Just a mile from Fort Jackson and two miles from the Dorn Veterans Hospital, the Super 8 offers a convenient and affordable stay for members of the military. All of the rooms here include handy amenities like refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee makers. In addition to low prices on basic rooms, the Super 8 also offers free Wi-Fi, a complimentary continental breakfast, and free self-parking.
2 Star Average Prices: $96.89
Best Discounts on Hotel Rooms in Columbia, South Carolina
No matter your reason for visiting Columbia, you'll find numerous discounts on hotel rooms. Military members and government employees save about 10 percent on rooms at the Country Inn & Suites by Carlson Columbia Airport and the Super 8 Columbia/Ft. Jackson, SC.
As an AAA member, you'll save 10 percent or more at the Sleep Inn at Bush River Road and the Econo Lodge Inn & Suites. Senior travelers and AARP members save 10 percent on rooms at the Springhill Suites by Marriott Columbia Downtown/The Vista, the Home Towne Suites Columbia, and other area hotels.
Best Value Options in Columbia, South Carolina
If you're looking for a clean, comfortable room that won't dent your travel budget, stay at one of these high-value hotels in Columbia.
Just a few miles northwest of Columbia, the Sleep Inn at Bush River Road is a solid hotel with reasonable rates, helpful staff, and a convenient location. Use the hotel's free Wi-Fi to stay in touch with family and friends at home, and use the nearby fitness center to stay fit. If you're planning an event in the area, the hotel has nearly 3,000 square feet of event space.
A great value for military members, the Wingate by Wyndham - Columbia/Ft. Jackson is less than five miles from Fort Jackson and the U.S. Air Force Reserve Recruiting Center. All of the hotel's 83 guestrooms include comfortable beds and convenient amenities like microwaves, refrigerators, and coffeemakers. In the morning, don't forget to take advantage of the free continental breakfast, and in the summer, don't miss the outdoor pool.
For a clean and comfortable stay near the airport, the Hampton Inn Columbia-I-26 Airport is a great choice. Splash around in the outdoor pool, catch up on work in the 24-hour business center, and hop on the convenient shuttle to head home at the end of your stay.
Located just a mile and a half from the Columbia Metropolitan Airport, the Country Inn & Suites by Carlson Columbia Airport is much more than an airport hotel. With large rooms and friendly staff members, this hotel is ideal for families. Start your day with a complimentary continental breakfast, and work out at the on-site fitness center or indoor pool. Relax by the lobby fireplace and use the free Wi-Fi to plan your trip, or use the 24-hour business center to stay connected. Catch a quick ride to the airport on the hotel's complimentary shuttle.
Can’t-Miss Attractions in Columbia, South Carolina
From history to nature to sports, you'll find plenty to love in Columbia. Learn about the state's history at the South Carolina Museum and the South Carolina State House, which both offer family-friendly tours.
Pack a picnic and go for a long walk in the Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park or the Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden, or take the kids for a day of fun at the EdVenture Children's Museum. Catch a game at the Williams-Brice Stadium or the Colonial Life Arena or go out for a bite to eat in the charming Five Points neighborhood.
No matter what time of year you visit, Columbia welcomes you with a range of hotels, beautiful scenery, and centuries of history. Whether you're planning a casual get-together, a formal party, or a corporate event, Columbia's many event-ready hotels offer the ideal location.
'We need a full coven¦nine women¦twelve's better. Do you have any friends?, - Characters, Aunt Jett and Aunt Frances to character, Sally Owens, from the movie 'Practical Magic, “ These words were written by the famous screenwriter, Robin Swincord, who was best known for his works; Little Women and Memoirs of a Geisha.
The Metropolitan of South Carolina
Columbia is the capital city of the state of South Carolina, and this beautiful place is full of attractions any tourists would want to see. Along it's wide and scenic avenues are situated the variety of historic sites, ranging from the Antebellum mansion to the home of a former slave who purchased his freedom, along with musical venues, shops, theatres, museums and a vibrant backdrop for it all. You can check out the large number of bars for a great night out in a foreign city, and find great hotels in Columbia for your stay.
The city also has rivers, lakes, parks, canals, and many Columbia hotels with quaint restaurants to simply kick back, relax, and enjoy your vacation. The city also houses the largest children's museum in all of Southern America, which is always fun and recreational if you are traveling with kids. Most people aren't aware of this little fact, but the name 'Columbia' came from a poetic term used to identify the United States, which was originally derived from the name of the great explorer “ Christopher Columbus.
Finding Yourself an Affordable Get-Away
In metropolitan cities like Columbia, there are often a great number of cheap hotels catering to tourists who would rather spend on experiences than luxurious lodging. If you are on a budget trip, it's always a good idea to look for cheap hotels online, where you can even find good hotels offering amazing seasonal discounts sometimes. If not, you can choose among names like the Super 8, The Inn at Claussen's, Hyatt Place Columbia, or the Comfort Inn Ft. Jackson.
When in Search for a Fancy Accommodation
If you want to experience the finest of the city, a large number of Columbia hotels can offer you all that can make your holiday absolutely perfect. Hotels in Columbia are usually highly hospitable and accommodate your every need. Choose from the famous names like the Country Inn & Suites by Carlson, Hilton Garden Inn, Sheraton Columbia Downtown Hotel, or the Hampton Inn, which are all very classy places to stay.
Try a Local Accommodation
In places like Columbia, you can also find many boutiques and independent hotels catering to tourists from every corner of the world. You will have an even better time if you choose a great boutique to spend your days in Columbia, like the Springhill Suites, The Comfort Inn, the 1425 Inn, or the Congaree Vista. You will be able to enjoy staying in a very nice facility with exceptional services and a welcoming air. When you plan to pay a visit to this city, make sure you do your research so that you don't have to run all over the place to find you were looking for.
FAQs about hotels in Columbia