Blythewood's history dates back to a time when the town went by another name: Doko. The Doko Depot was responsible for supplying water for steam engines and was a popular stop along the railway between Charlotte and Columbia. The Columbia-Charlotte Railway was destroyed in 1865 during the Civil War, but Doko rebuilt and changed its name to Blythewood in 1877. It took its name from the Blythewood Female Institute, a local school.
Today, Blythewood prides itself on its rich history, family values, and sense of tradition. The community has always had strong ties to agriculture and horses, and these traditions are apparent in the modern farmer's market and the USC Equestrian center, which serves as training grounds for Olympic equestrian teams. Thanks to Blythewood's convenient location outside Columbia and the fact that you can drive to Charlotte in less than an hour, the town is an attractive place for families who want to settle down in small-town America.
Whatever your reason for visiting Blythewood, it's important to find the right hotel that allows you to experience everything this peaceful community has to offer.
What time of year is best to visit Blythewood, SC?
There really isn't a bad time to visit Blythewood. Summers in South Carolina are quite hot and humid, but Blythewood comes alive from May to October with its farmers market in Doko Meadows Park. The Wednesday night market features food trucks and even live music. September also ushers in the annual Big Grab Yard Sale and the Doko Fest bluegrass festival. Other events worth checking out in the summer include the Blythewood Doko Rodeo and the Blythewood Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks.
If you'd rather avoid the excessive heat and humidity, plan your trip for the spring or fall. High temperatures hit 80 degrees in April and October, so you can still enjoy summer-like temperatures. Key events scheduled for spring include the annual J. Gordon Coogler Poetry Festival, the S.C. Diamond Invitational baseball tournament, and the Renaissance Faire at Westwood High School. Autumn ushers in the Tournament of Bands and a variety of fall festivals.
If you prefer drier weather, don't be afraid to visit Blythewood in the winter. The Columbia area averages only 1 inch of snow each year, and although the occasional winter storm hits, winters in Blythewood are mild compared to other parts of the country. Such mild weather allows visitors to enjoy the Blythewood Annual Christmas Tree Lighting, the Blythewood Annual Holiday Market, Jingle Bell Jog, and the Annual Christmas Parade. Best of all, you can enjoy rock-bottom hotel rates by planning a wintertime getaway in Blythewood.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Blythewood, SC:
Averate Rates by Star Rating
Below we've posted 3 graphs displaying average price patterns by star rating class in Blythewood, SC. Analyze these line graphs to determine the most cost effective months to make a reservation in Blythewood for your upcoming travels.
Which luxury hotels are in Blythewood?
4 Star Average Prices: $159.00
If you'd rather enjoy more upscale amenities in the Blythewood area, you'll have to stay in nearby Columbia to make the most of it.
Sheraton Columbia Downtown Hotel is the most luxurious accommodation in the area. Situated on Main Street, this upscale property boasts a prime location, 17 floors, a 24-hour fitness center, pet-friendly rooms, and a delicious breakfast available for an extra surcharge. The hotel also features a rooftop lounge on top of the city's oldest high-rise building, an American restaurant called P.O.S.H. on the mezzanine level, a Starbucks, a martini bar, and room service.
Guest rooms at Sheraton Columbia Downtown Hotel are clean and simple with striking city views. Each room offers a spacious work area with an ergonomic work desk, a flat-screen TV, an armchair, glassware, and signature toiletries.
If you'd rather stay closer to Blythewood, consider reserving a room at Hilton Garden Inn Columbia Northeast. Located just 15 minutes from downtown Columbia, this suburban hotel offers a heated indoor pool, a hot tub, a fully equipped fitness facility, free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, a 24-hour business center, flexible meeting space, and ample parking. Guest rooms include large work desks, ergonomic chairs, secure VPN internet access, free remote printing, 42-inch LCD high-definition TVs, and a complimentary Stay Fit Kit. You'll also love the cooked-to-order breakfast with signature waffles and omelets.
What affordable hotel options are around Blythewood, SC?
3 Star Average Prices: $129.86
Finding an affordable hotel in Blythewood is easier than you might think.
One of the most budget-friendly hotels in the area is Motel 6 Columbia East, which is located about 8 miles from Blythewood off Interstate 20. The property features free Wi-Fi internet access, an outdoor seasonal pool, and free morning coffee in the lobby. Guest rooms are bright and modern with wood-effect floors, spacious work areas, flat-panel TVs with premium channels, and phones with free local calls.
Another affordable option is Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Fort Jackson Area. Located near Columbia Place Mall, this updated hotel features a seasonal outdoor pool, a complimentary continental breakfast, free coffee, and copy, print, and fax services. Guest rooms include free Wi-Fi access, coffee makers, hair dryers, and flat-panel TVs. Microwaves and mini refrigerators are also available.
Quality Inn Fort Jackson is a pet-friendly Columbia hotel that places you close to Fort Jackson, the South Carolina State Museum, and the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, an exercise room, a seasonal outdoor pool, a complimentary hot breakfast, and valet dry cleaning services. Guest rooms come fully equipped with microwaves, mini fridges, hair dryers, coffee makers, irons, ironing boards, and premium mattresses.
2 Star Average Prices: $103.08
Where are the best hotel discounts in the Blythewood, SC area?
If you qualify for a discount, you can save even more money on your trip to Blythewood and the Columbia area.
Seniors can save an average of 10 percent off rooms at Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Blythewood. This hotel features a 24-hour fitness facility, a complimentary breakfast buffet, a seasonal outdoor pool, and an outdoor fire pit. Rooms feature blackout shades, ironing facilities, hair dryers, mini fridges, microwaves, coffee makers, iPod docking stations, well-lit work desks, and operable windows.
Government employees and military families can take advantage of special rates at Best Western Plus Columbia North East. Enjoy a seasonal outdoor pool, a fitness center, free breakfast, a meeting room, and a beautiful lobby with a fireplace and ample seating. Guest rooms include 37-inch LCD TVs, pillowtop mattresses, microwaves, and mini fridges. Upgrading to a suite adds more space and a sofa bed.
AAA members can save at many area hotels, including Holiday Inn Express & Suites Columbia – I-20 @ Clemson Rd. This highly rated hotel offers an outdoor pool, 24-hour fitness facilities, a complimentary hot breakfast, a business center, conference space, free Wi-Fi, and laundry facilities. Guest rooms include blackout shades, hair dryers, irons, ironing boards, coffee makers, mini fridges, work desks, and flat-panel TVs with premium channels.
What are the best value options in Blythewood, SC?
Blythewood and the Columbia metro area offer numerous mid-range hotels that provide extra value for your money.
Comfort Inn Blythewood is conveniently located in the city center. It offers a 24-hour fitness facility, complimentary breakfast, an outdoor pool, an on-site business center, and pet-friendly rooms. You can even grab a snack from the snack bar at any time during your stay. Guest rooms feature free Wi-Fi access, pillowtop beds, flat-screen TVs, mini fridges, complimentary toiletries, and deep soaking bathtubs.
Courtyard by Marriott Columbia Northeast/Fort Jackson Area is conveniently located in the business district, making it ideal for business travelers. Take advantage of the 24-hour business center, meeting room, free wired and wireless internet access, dry cleaning service, and free self-parking during your business trip. Other amenities include a 24-hour health club, an on-site bar, a coffee shop, laundry facilities, an outdoor pool, safe deposit box, and made-to-order breakfast.
Other mid-range accommodations near Blythewood include Residence Inn by Marriott Columbia Northeast/Fort Jackson Area, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Columbia, and Comfort Suites Columbia.
Which attractions should we visit in Blythewood, SC?
When visiting Blythewood, you'll want to visit some of Columbia's best attractions, including the South Carolina State House. Located downtown, the State House is the seat of South Carolina's government. Tours are available throughout the year both during and after legislature sessions, although start times vary. Walk-in tours are welcomed and encouraged, but feel free to make a reservation if you're bringing a larger group.
The Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is a popular attraction for families. The 170-acre facility features a zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden along the Saluda River. Admission includes entry to both the zoo and garden and after-hours tickets are available for special events.
Other attractions worth checking out include Sesquicentennial State Park, Congaree National Park, South Carolina State Museum, and EdVenture Children's Museum.
Exploring everything Blythewood and the greater Columbia area have to offer is a tall order, but you're sure to create lasting memories. Simply find the right hotel for your travel needs and budget to make the most of your upcoming vacation.
FAQs about hotels in Blythewood