The Columbia center point is about 1 mile northeast of African Art Museum of Maryland and 2 miles northeast of Merriweather Post Pavilion.
With its humid subtropical climate, Columbia has hot summers and cool winters. In July and August, the humid summer temperatures top out in the upper 80s or low 90s. In the winter, temperatures reach the low 40s.
Due to its proximity to Washington, D.C., Columbia's annual tourism timeline tends to match that of the national capital. Despite the hot, sticky weather, summer is high season, with the largest crowds and highest hotel prices. Spring and fall tend to be the ideal seasons to plan a visit, thanks to mild weather and moderate crowds. Winter is low season and a smart time to visit for those looking for affordable rates.
Value is what Columbia does best. Stay at these four properties, and you'll strike the ideal balance between amenities and price.
Get a great deal on a standard room at the Hampton Inn & Suites Columbia/South, and you'll be near the Robinson Nature Center and the Merriweather Post Pavilion. All 124 rooms include desks and free Wi-Fi, making them ideal for business travelers. Start your day on the right foot with a workout in the 24-hour fitness center, and fuel up with a complimentary buffet breakfast.
Just a short drive east of Columbia, the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Columbia East — Elkridge offers well-appointed rooms and suites. Whether you choose a standard double room or a king suite, you'll have amenities like a refrigerator, a desk, and an LCD TV. Start your day with a workout or a swim, and grab a snack at the on-site market before heading out for the day. Make your stay an even better deal by taking advantage of the free self-parking and complimentary Wi-Fi.
For a great stay in the center of town, book a double or king room at the Sheraton Columbia Town Center Hotel. After a great night's sleep on a pillow-top bed, you'll wake up refreshed and ready for breakfast at the hotel restaurant. Squeeze in a workout at the 24-hour fitness center, and use the complimentary Wi-Fi to plan the day's itinerary. Business travelers will appreciate the hotel's 24-hour business center and 16,000 square feet of conference and meeting space. Seeing Columbia's sights is easy with the hotel's complimentary area shuttle.
One of the top-rated properties in the Columbia area, The Wayside Inn Bed & Breakfast provides several individually decorated rooms, ranging from the budget-friendly Bettys Suite to the mid-range Banneker Room to the high-end Pierpoint Suite. No matter which of the six rooms you book, you'll enjoy the unique décor, flat-screen TV, jetted bathtub, and plush bathrobes. In the morning, get ready for a day of fun with a complimentary continental breakfast and a walk through the Wayside Inn's charming grounds. In the evening, make use of the barbecue grills or relax by the lobby fireplace.
In addition to low room rates, select Columbia hotels also offer discounts for certain groups. AAA members save about 10 percent on rooms at the Sheraton Columbia Town Center Hotel, while AARP members and seniors save 20 percent at the Residence Inn by Marriott Columbia. Members of the military and government employees get guaranteed rates at the Days Inn Baltimore West, Security Blvd.
For many Columbia visitors, the Merriweather Post Pavilion is a top destination. This outdoor amphitheater is located in the midst of 40 acres of forested land, making it the perfect place for summer performances. Whether you're a fan of rock, jazz, country, hip hop, or classical music, you'll find a concert here to pique your interest.
If performing arts are more your speed, head to Toby's Dinner Theater, a local favorite that hosts both Broadway and original musicals and plays. Tickets typically include dinner, so you'll enjoy both dinner and a show. Since this theater is so small, just about every spot feels like a front-row seat.
See some of the best art in the area with a visit to the African Art Museum of Maryland in nearby Fulton. With a full schedule of exhibitions, research, and activities for all ages, this is a fun family friendly destination. In Columbia, the Columbia Art Center offers workshops and classes for students young and old.
Get outdoors with a visit to Columbia SportsPark, a complex that boasts a 15,000-square-foot skate park, an 18-hole mini golf course, batting cages, a playground, and much more. Fun for families, this is also the ideal setting for birthday parties.
Whether you're stopping by for a short trip or you're planning to stay awhile, Columbia has something for everyone. Start planning your visit today, and find the right hotel for your budget.
Below are the GSA reimbursement limits for hotel spending in Columbia, MD excluding taxes per night. See gsa.gov for more details.
Applies to Howard
| Season Begin | Season End | Lodging Rate | Meals & Incidentals |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1, 2027 | December 31, 2026 | $113.00 | $86.00 |
Below are reviews of the city of Columbia, MD from an actual visitor's perspective.
Columbia, great place to visit!
The city of Columbia is excellent with many sights for visitors to enjoy in and around the city.
Quiet and peaceful!
The location is great. Lotta of good options close by and shopping too.
Great location, easy to get around.
We are familiar with Columbia and have friends in Howard County.
The location of the hotel on a small lake in the heart of Columbia Md., is excellent and convenient.
We have family that live in Ellicott City and will definitely use this hotel again
Merriweather Post Pavilion is a beautiful venue for music.
All the stores!
The Ravens!
Surrounding restaurants and activities were GREAT!
It's a planned city near Baltimore, very nice with many amenities
Nice!
The streets were clean.
Shopping, restaurants, beautiful scenery and homes!
Hotel is located close to three excellent restaurants and a large mall. There are a LOT of fun places to visit and activities in which to participate. You just need enough time and resources to take advantage of them. Columbia is also one of the most culturally diverse communities in Maryland. Plan extra time to enjoy this community!
It was pretty easy to find parking and the staff was nice.
The beautiful trees and flowers. Nice restaurants in the area.
Clean and safe.
Room was very clean and comfortable. Staff was friendly and helpful. Breakfast staff was very nice and professional.
Very good!
Very nice area....there for a wedding
Columbia is a nice, cool place and I love it!
Easy access to soccer fields and plenty of places to eat in the area.
Lots of nearby options for eating and supermarket is close by. Easy access to highways
Blandair park was very nice sports complex.
The location on central lake and the proximity of the mall and Merriweather pavilion was very helpful.
Dinner/shops were close by where we needed to be.
I love it it quite comfortable and good staff.
Location: easy access to expressways, nearby stores, restaurants
A great city just outside of Baltimore. The best part is just taking a walk or bike ride along the lake.