The Columbia center is around the area of Historic Missouri Theater and the area of Stephens College.
Summers in Columbia can be quite long and hot, with average highs from June to August hitting the high 80s. As a college town, though, you won't necessarily encounter the biggest crowds during the summer. As long as you're not in town for a major event, you may be surprised to find great summertime deals at area hotels.
Columbia winters are cold and harsh, with average highs in January hovering in the high 30s. Since it is basketball season, hotel rates tend to creep up around sporting events, which is something to keep in mind. If you plan on doing a lot of sightseeing, it's best to wait for fairer weather.
April and May, and again in September and October, are the best months to visit Columbia. Spring and fall temperatures are in the high 60s and low 70s, giving you the perfect opportunity to explore the city on foot. Just be mindful of the local university schedules, as students may be moving out in May, which can cause area hotels to fill up with family members.
Depending on where you stay, you can save even more money on your trip to Columbia by taking advantage of discounts. Several area hotels offer discounts to AAA members, AARP members, military personnel, government employees, and seniors. If you prefer a certain hotel chain that offers a rewards program, such as the Holiday Inn, you can earn points to put toward a later stay.
Most accommodations offer their own unique travel packages to help you save even more. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Columbia University Area – Highway 63 offers a romance package that entitles you to a box of chocolates, sparkling wine, and breakfast for two during your stay.
Country Inn & Suites by Carlson, Columbia, MO, also has a romance package, but it goes a step further by offering a local shopping deal and business package. Booking the shopping deal will get you a gift card to an area store, while the business package gets you a free newspaper, free high-speed Internet access, and use of the business center.
Wingate by Wyndham Columbia offers seasonal discounts and a manager's special, which includes complimentary appetizers in the lobby three days a week. Keep in mind, though, that these types of special offers, package deals, and discounts change frequently, so keep an eye on your favorite hotels to see what discounts they're currently offering.
Columbia has many mid-range hotels that give you plenty of bang for your buck. Holiday Inn Executive Center – Columbia Mall is a four-star business hotel off I-70 that's within walking distance of the Columbia Exposition Center. If you're doing business in Columbia, this is one of the best places you can stay. The hotel offers casual rooms and suites with flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and mini fridges. Upgraded suites throw in separate living areas, whirlpool tubs, lounge access, and a free hot breakfast.
Drury Inn Columbia is a three-star redbrick hotel within walking distance of the Columbia Mall. The modern hotel offers flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, work desks, mini fridges, and microwaves. Opting for a suite will give you a separate living space. Guest amenities include a free hot breakfast, popcorn and soda in the lobby, an evening social, indoor pool and whirlpool, business center, and 24-hour fitness center. Pets are also welcome.
Courtyard Columbia is less than 10 miles from Columbia Regional Airport. This accommodation offers contemporary rooms and suites with upgraded amenities like whirlpool tubs and wet bars. There's even an American restaurant on site that serves Starbucks coffee. Airport shuttle service and parking are free.
While Columbia is certainly known for being a college town, it offers some great attractions you won't want to miss. The Blue Note indie rock club is located inside a vaudeville-style theater, and has been bringing Columbia the best performances for more than 20 years.
Missouri Theatre in downtown Columbia is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is central Missouri's last remaining pre-depression vaudeville stage and movie palace. Many university concerts take place here, so reserve your spot early.
The Museum of Art and Archaeology at the University of Missouri offers a fascinating tour through history. In addition to its permanent exhibits, the museum features a series of changing exhibits that provide visitors with even more opportunities to engage with art and history. It's arguably one of the city's most memorable museums.
Whether you're looking for a boutique hotel downtown or a budget-friendly accommodation near the interstate, Columbia offers a little something for everyone. Start planning your trip today!
Below are reviews of the city of Columbia, MO from an actual visitor's perspective.
Columbia is a great place to visit.
A variety of independent restaurants and nature areas.
Missouri Arena.
I have been planning on moving to Columbia and I love it!
We stopped there because it was a halfway point for us and we had a dog.
Good coffee shops and restaurants as well as nice downtown.
I'm looking at real estate in the area so I will be traveling here until I find a place to live. Columbia is my hometown and I will have many visitors. When I lived here in the past my friends and family stayed at this particular hotel.
Just traveling through to the Rockies.
I like the town, coffee shops, Rag Tag Theater, restaurants, university bookstore, tai chi and trails.
Gans Creek Cross Country Facility is beautiful.
The food!
Its a nice city with a nice mall.
It's a nice city with a nice mall!
Grandson's tour of the Mizzou campus and new brewery in town.
I used to live in Columbia. This is a convenient place to stay.
Wedding venue at the Columbia Country Club was great!
We were there for sectional swim meet and we liked the campus and pool at Mizzou!
Building looked nice... decent breakfast
Lots of options for food and entertainment!
Nice college town. Many good restaurants. Easy to get around by car.
We stayed for a early morning procedure at the MU Hospital complex.
Easy to navigate. Good restaurants.
Loved the hotel; it's pet friendly and near restaurants (ate at Red Lobster and Olive Garden).
Lots of eating choices and shopping!
The hotel is right across the street from our doctor's office
Some wonderful restaurants!
Clean comfortable room. Very friendly staff. The hotel was easy to get to off the I-70 which was really convenient for us driving East.
My husband and our son are Mizzou alums so the University is our big draw.
Lots of restaurants!
There were plenty of options to dine.
Eating establishments were close to hotel and hotel was very close to freeway.
Columbia is a great place to visit and has several colleges where sports activities can be attended plus it is a quaint downtown area. Lots of eating places to choose from as well.
There for medical appointment at cancer hospital.
Happy that the way to hospital was easy to find. A beautiful area for sure!
It's a busy place with plenty of things to do! We are from a quiet, hardly any cars, place in South Dakota. Most of all, we appreciate the VERY WONDERFUL UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL ❤️🏥
Although we were passing through, we thought this city had a lot to offer! We only grabbed food from a local restaurant.
The hotel is right off the highway and easy to find.
Convenient Abundance of Restaurants
We love the campus and the pool.
We love the campus and the pool.
Nice city quiet and easily accessible.
Everyone was friendly!
Nice, little, big city. Many shopping malls and well known restaurants. The area we were in was very clean. Enjoyable city.
They have an awesome theatre with great productions.
Close to mall and restaurants. Easy access to I-70.
Love Columbia, visiting family.
We liked the hotel.
We were just there overnight but the drive thru town was amazing.
Great brew houses.
A lot of outdoor activities available.
Broadway Brewery and the Wine Cellar.
clean rooms.
There for a volleyball tournament.
We didn't see much of the city since we were there only one night for a basketball game. The Mizzou Arena was very nice and the staff very hospitable.
Enjoyed going to the campus and touring, and the baseball complexes were very nice.
Nice variety of restaurants for dining options. The Katy Trail is handy for use.
There were so many great shops and restaurants in Columbia, particularly in the downtown area. Cosmo park is a wonderful area for baseball and soccer tournaments!
Columbia is a wonderful college town. Great bars, great coffee shops, book stores, and restaurants. Enjoyed the shops and the quaint downtown. A very pleasant place to visit.