How to find the best hotel deal in Columbia
Want to find hotel deals as easily as you book flights? Our award-winning search handles it all. Here's how you can save time and money when searching for your Columbia hotel.
The earlier you book, the better. You're more likely to score a cheaper rate on a Columbia hotel and have a greater range of choice when you plan ahead.
However, last-minute deals aren't out of the question. Although prices usually rise closer to your stay, some places drop rates a day or two before to fill empty rooms, especially in low season.
Be flexible with your dates, land better rates. Search for hotels in different seasons or months. Even going middle of the week (instead of weekends) can lead to big savings.
Avoid surprise fees later on by searching for stays that offer free cancellation. If your plans fall through or you find a better deal, you can cancel your booking without penalty.
Where to stay in Columbia
Central Columbia
Choose the city centre and be where it all happens. Take your pick of these accommodation options that keep you near the main attractions in central Columbia.
Aloft Columbia Downtown makes exploring a breeze. Around 0.64 kilometres away, this 3-star stay is one of the most well-known hotels near South Carolina African American History Monument. It gets a lot of bookings from business travellers in particular.
On the hunt for hotels near 701 Centre for Contemporary Art? Hotel Trundle is roughly 2 kilometres away. Rated 3 stars, this hotel in Columbia is a favourite among families in particular.
Or check the current listings for hotels near South Carolina State Museum. Hilton Garden Inn Columbia Downtown is 2 kilometres or so from this sight. Business travellers tend to choose 3-star option as their base for exploring both this area and the wider city.
When to go to Columbia
Travel demand is especially high in October. If you like to keep your itinerary full and your days busy, this is the ideal time to book a hotel in Columbia.
Take things at a slower pace by locking in a Columbia hotel in March. This is the quietest time to visit and prices are often cheaper too.
Good weather can make all the difference. If you prefer warmer conditions, July tends to deliver with a maximum high temperature of 35ºC (95ºF).
The coolest month is January. You can expect lows of 0ºC (32ºF).
For the best chance of sunshine, search for Columbia hotels during October. With an average of four days of rain, this is the driest month.
The wettest time of year is July. Go then and you'll likely get around 13 days of rainfall.
Best hotels in Columbia
Best budget hotels
Make your money go further by choosing from around 100 budget Columbia hotels. Perfect for when you want to spend less on check-in and more on checking things out, these stays come with essentials like fresh linens and towels, and simple breakfasts.
InTown Suites Extended Stay Columbia SC - Two Notch offers comfort that's easy on the wallet. Make use of parking, air conditioning and more at this 2-star accommodation option.
Lexington Expo Hotel by IHG delivers 3-star value. Conveniences including a cash machine and accessible parking are there to make your Columbia hotel stay more enjoyable.
Heating and a lobby bar are only a sample of what's offered at Holiday Inn Columbia - Downtown by IHG. Another win for your travel budget, this place is rated 3 stars.
Best 4-star hotels in Columbia
Get a little luxury without the big spend at one of the 4-star hotels in Columbia. Take your pick of around three of these stays, many of which come with perks like fitness centres, guest lounges, and on-site restaurants. From the rooms to the amenities and service, it's all about extra attention to detail.
Choose DoubleTree by Hilton Columbia and experience the elevated standards that come with this 4-star stay. Take advantage of concierge assistance and a pool here.
Best hotels in Columbia for families
Finding the right hotel can be a game changer when travelling with kids. With things like games rooms, play areas, and large suites, family-friendly hotels in Columbia are packed with perks that just make life easier. Choose from around ten of these stays that come both adult- and kid-approved.
Enjoy family time without stretching your budget at Rodeway Inn & Suites Fort Jackson. Air conditioning and room service are among the amenities you'll find at this affordable 2-star option.
Best hotels with a spa
Add some self-care to your travel plans. Book one of the five or so Columbia hotels with a spa and schedule in time to truly relax. Steam rooms, saunas, and beauty treatments are the types of features they come with.
Get some much-needed "me time" at Extended Stay America Suites - Columbia - West - Interstate 126. This 2-star option comes with all the right perks, including room service and a lobby bar.
Best hotels with a pool
Turn up the fun on your trip with a pool. If you pick a city hotel, expect rooftop and indoor options. Resorts? They usually go big with sprawling outdoor setups and maybe even a swim-up bar. There are at least 60 pool hotels in Columbia perfect for your next adventure.
Hampton Inn and Suites by Hilton Lexington Columbia offers an outdoor swimming pool, a laundry and accessible parking. You'll have the right mix of features for a memorable stay at this Columbia hotel.
Make the most of every minute at Lexington Expo Hotel by IHG. This popular option features an outdoor swimming pool, accessible parking and a bar.
Hampton Inn Columbia-I-26/Harbison Blvd. (Mall Area) is one more stay with the highlights you want. This hotel offers an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre and express check-out.
Best pet-friendly hotels
With around 50 pet-friendly Columbia hotels, your best buddy can travel with you. Many have outdoor areas or nearby trails to run around in, and some even offer extras like grooming or pet-friendly menus. A few conditions might apply, but most places go out of their way to make your furry friend feel at home.
You pack the toys, The Lantern Columbia will take care of everything else. Amenities like a fitness centre and parking add to the experience of this pet-friendly hotel in Columbia.
There's also room for you and your little buddy at Hilton Garden Inn Columbia/Northeast. It includes luggage storage, a fitness centre and more.
Tru By Hilton Columbia Downtown is one more place that gets what pet owners need. Amenities here include wake-up call services and express check-in.
Flying to Columbia
Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE)
Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) is the main airport for this city. Once your flight to Columbia lands, it's about 10 kilometres to the centre.
It takes about 20 minutes to reach the centre of Columbia by ride-share or taxi. The journey by public transport is roughly 45 minutes.
Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Cayce I-26 Airport is the perfect base for the night if you're flying in after dark. Not far from the runway, guests speak highly of this 2-star option's service.
Sleep Inn Columbia Airport is a trusted stay that's also near CAE. It comes with a 24-hour front desk and a teahouse.
Especially popular with families, Clarion Inn Columbia Airport is another smart pick. This 2-star hotel is a welcome pit stop before your next leg.
Columbia Owens Field Airport (CUB)
Make your way to Columbia through Columbia Owens Field Airport (CUB). About 5 kilometres from the centre, the city's it's another key airport for the city.
A short distance from CUB, Moxy Columbia Downtown is a convenient place to recharge before heading to your next stop. You'll have the essentials covered at this 3-star Columbia hotel, including a restaurant and valet parking.
Or get comfortable at Graduate by Hilton Columbia SC. Popular with business travellers in particular, this 4-star option will get you settled in quickly.
You can also take a well-earned pause at Hampton Inn & Suites Columbia Southeast Ft. Jackson. This 3-star stay is close to CUB and has overall guest ratings above 4 out of 5.
Columbia Mc Entire ANG Base Airport (MMT)
Columbia Mc Entire ANG Base Airport (MMT) adds to the main connections to Columbia. The city centre is about 10 kilometres away.
Spend a quiet night at Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Cayce I-26 Airport before heading into the city. Not far from MMT, this Columbia hotel has a 2-star rating. Guest reviews often mention its cleanliness as a standout feature.
Another recommendation is Sleep Inn Columbia Airport. Backed by overall guest feedback above 4 out of 5, this 2-star option is a steady favourite.
With a 3-star rating, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Columbia Airport, SC gets the convenience part right as well. A fitness centre and parking are just two of its amenities.
