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.
We visited the Art and Archeology museum at the University and enjoyed it greatly.
Columbia is a wide open town, great and easy to get around(if there isn't a football game).
All three of my sons have or are attending the University of Missouri. I have stayed at this property dozens of times.
Hotel was in a convenient location with good breakfast and shopping options nearby
This is a great location for enjoying downtown Columbia.
Good city, many good places to go if you walk the streets.
I'm visiting for a granddaughter's graduation from high school.
But the town is a great place for the complete college experience!
Great city, great food.
Nice
It's very nice , our relatives moved here.
All was great.
Facility, amenities, staff, free excellent coffee, pets welcomed.
Came for a meeting. city is nice.
Very friendly location. Easy to get around town and plenty of room in parking garages that are reasonably priced
Columbia has a great variety of restaurants and great amount of activities for guests.
Great
Convenient place to stay.
Ok
Quick access to interstate and lots of food options close.
Just stayed the night nothing else. All was fine
Didn't go into Columbia, was there for a 3day family reunion in Rocheport.
I have family living here.
I live in Columbia MO
We always enjoy local restaurants and ball games at campus
Interesting city with plenty of restaurants.
Small college town with many restaurant options, shopping is close by and parking is easy to find.
Columbia is a great little city with lots to see and do.
Rainbow park softball complex is nice
Great
It's nice!
Blue Note was fabulous as was 44 Restaurant!
City of Columbia is a great college town. Can't wait to see if our daughter will attend Mizzou.
Close to restaurants, hospital and specialty clinics.
Close to restaurants, hospital and specialty clinics.
Had a lovely dinner at Cafe Poland!
Restaurants are close to the hotel.
Mizzou is magnificent and growing all the time. Texas softball team was in residence for match up versus Tigers.
People are friendly and respectful.
Nice places to eat
I have lived in Columbia for 75 years and I like it a lot!
We were there to watch the Final Four basketball games.
Ok
A store for everyone!
I love this city. Starting to learn my way around and ventured downtown to stores was enjoyable.
The city is very wonderful!
I used to live near Columbia. Columbia has a great hospital. The city is all about supporting its collage sports, football. Lots of places to shop.
Love Columbia and Mizzou!
We did go out to eat at Glenn's cafe. Great Cajun food, which I like, I would recommend it for dinner.
Wife liked the shopping!
I love the city of Columbia. It's beautiful and every restaurant and wherever we went the people were very kind and nice. That means a lot when you're visiting to have people treating you good.
Growth has enhanced the local charm!
Growth has enhanced the local charm!
👍
It was a nice college town.
Columbia is great!
First time for me, nice.
Very convenient for all your needs.
Nice city!
Lots to see and do!
We found Stephen's Lake and Park. Great for walking and water play.
The room was clean, comfortable. The staff was friendly. The downtown area was so clean.
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!