Located in Columbia, this beautiful lake is going to be a family favourite for decades to come. Nothing says vacation like kicking your heels up in your new favourite vacation spot, with a tranquil lake right in your backyard. In Columbia, you will get to have starry nights, be surrounded by nature, and spend afternoons at the lake. You can do any activities you can name such as swimming and fishing. During warm months, you can add water skiing, kneeboarding, jet skiing, wakeboarding, and even scuba diving to the list. Near the lake are plenty of vendors that offer tours and equipment rentals that you can use for all the activities you can dream of. If this sounds like the perfect vacation for you, scroll down to check out the best hotels near Lake Murray, South Carolina.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and location near a lake. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 11, 2024.
1. Residence Inn by Marriott Columbia (from USD 249)
Residence Inn by Marriott Columbia is a cosy hotel with all the amenities guests will need for their vacation. It is only a 12-minute drive away from the lake. Guests can look forward to a seasonal outdoor pool and barbecue facilities on the premises, which are perfect for days when they don’t want to leave the comforts of such a delightful hotel. Should you want to take in the sights, the property is a stone’s throw away from Frankie’s Fun Park, Spirit of Lake Murray, as well as Riverbanks Zoo & Garden.
Residence Inn by Marriott Columbia Northwest/Harbison
Address: 944 Lake Murray Boulevard
12.9 km (8.1 mi) from Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
2. Home2 Suites By Hilton Columbia Harbison (from USD 137)
Home2 Suites By Hilton Columbia Harbison is a fresh, modern hotel that is perfect for families. If you’re travelling with family, you can request for a family room for your utmost comfort. The hotel is a mere 13-minute drive away from Lake Murray. Nearby attractions include South Carolina State Museum and EdVenture Children’s Museum, which make the hotel perfect for guests planning to have a few educational days with the whole family. For more getaways in nature, the hotel is only 18 kilometres (11.2 miles) away from Robert Mills House and Gardens, a place where you can spend a great day of exploration.
Home2 Suites By Hilton Columbia Harbison
Address: 550 Columbia Drive
12.63 km (7.9 mi) from Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
3. Sleep Inn at Bush River Road (from USD 81)
Sleep Inn at Bush River Road is a 20-minute drive away from Lake Murray, and it is also a short drive away from Riverbanks Zoo & Botanical Gardens. It’s a 15-minute drive away from the Columbia city centre. It is the perfect hotel for family and friends visiting their loved ones in the city, as it is close to University of South Carolina. Before you head out for the day, indulge in a full, hot breakfast, which is available daily.
Sleep Inn Columbia
Address: 1901 Rockland Road
4.83 km (3.1 mi) from Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
4. Comfort Inn Columbia -Bush River (from USD 89)
This hotel is the ideal vacation spot for travellers looking to experience Columbia with their four-legged friend. Located in a central location and just a 21-minute drive away from Lake Murray, it is near a wide variety of attractions and activity venues where you can try boating, fishing, hiking, biking, or golfing. Drop in for a quick check-in with the activity organisers and strap your furry friend in for an adventure.
Comfort Inn Columbia -Bush River
Address: 911 Bush River Road
3.66 km (2.3 mi) from Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
5. Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Lexington (from USD 88)
This modern South Carolina hotel is close to Lake Murray, which is just a fifteen-minute drive away, and Lexington Place, which is a ten-minute walk away. It is perfect for travellers looking to balance their adventures with nature and modern amenities of the city. For more fun in the sun and for travellers who like to keep active, there is a seasonal outdoor pool and a small gym available for guests’ enjoyment.
Lexington Inn and Suites
Address: 131 Inn Keeper Drive
13.83 km (8.6 mi) from Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
6. Aloft Columbia Harbison (from USD 229)
Only a 17-minute drive away from Lake Murray, Aloft Columbia Harbison is close to all tourist destinations you and all your travel companions could hope for. Surrounding this hotel are Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, as well as Fort Jackson, which make the hotel perfect for travellers with a penchant for sightseeing. For your fitness and work needs, the hotel has both fitness and business centres at your disposal.
Aloft Columbia Harbison
Address: 217 Lanneau Court
10.9 km (6.8 mi) from Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
7. Hilton Garden Inn Columbia/Harbison (from USD 131)
A classic hotel that is more than conveniently located, Hilton Garden Inn Columbia/Harbison is easily accessible to Interstate 26 and is only a short drive away from tourist sites of Downtown Columbia. Not only is it in close proximity to Lake Murray, which is only a 14-minute drive away, but it is also within driving distance of Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, South Carolina State Museum, and the rest of the downtown area. When you and your travelling companions are done exploring nature, there is always nearby shopping malls to indulge in some well-deserved retail therapy. If you’re hungry for a meal after your shopping, grab a bite at the on-site Great American Grill restaurant or get something quick to eat at the 24-hour convenience store.
Hilton Garden Inn Columbia/Harbison
Address: 434 Columbiana Drive
12.04 km (7.5 mi) from Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
8. Relax lakeside and enjoy nature
Nothing says vacation like kicking back at Lake Murray and being surrounded by friends and family. You can enjoy many activities, such as fishing, swimming, and boating; you can even hike or a bike around the lake. We hope that with our list of the best hotels near the lake, you will find the perfect vacation spot to kick up your heels and relax.
9. Quality Inn & Suites Lexington (from USD 85)
A beautiful hotel built like a modern mansion, this establishment is located in the heart of the city. It is just an 18-minute drive away from Lake Murray, Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, University of South Carolina, and Columbia Museum of Art. Staying here will have you spoilt for choices and activities to fill up your vacation. Perfect for the more adventurous travellers, the hotel puts you in close proximity to all the activities you’ve been dying to try, such as golfing, tennis, fishing, boating, water skiing, and horseback riding. It’s now your chance to engage in activities you’ve never tried before. You can also enjoy the complimentary Q Corner Café Breakfast, as well as the seasonal outdoor pool, if you choose to stay in for the day and if the weather permits.
Quality Inn & Suites Lexington
Address: 328 West Main Street
15.8 km (9.9 mi) from Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
10. Gallus Stadium Park Inn, Ascend Hotel Collection (from USD 121)
Reasonable pricing for a convenient location near William Brice Stadium.
Clean rooms, comfortable beds, and modern appliances. Limited parking and noise from trains and nearby bars.
Convenient location for events at William Brice Stadium and the University of South Carolina, but the neighborhood may feel sketchy to some guests.
Limited breakfast options with no hot food and minimal seating. Some complaints about the quality and availability of breakfast items.
A modern hotel that is more than ready to welcome you in for your stay, Gallus Stadium Park Inn is just a five-minute drive away from central Columbia and all it has to offer. It is also just a 30-minute drive away from Lake Murray. It is a great time for you to enjoy a scenic route and take in the sights while you embark on your trip to the lake. If you need a quick dose of caffeine before you start your travels, you don’t have to worry, as all rooms are equipped with tea- and coffee making facilities. Rooms also include a desk and ironing facilities.
Gallus Stadium Park Inn, Ascend Hotel Collection
Address: 621 South Assembly Street
5.43 km (3.4 mi) from Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
Comfort Suites Lexington (from USD 149)
A modern hotel situated in the western part of Columbia, Comfort Suite Lexington is just a short drive away from most of Columbia’s attractions. Less than 20 minutes away from Lake Murray by car, it is a suitable place for those who want to stay close to nature, as well as places where thrilling activities are offered. For a day at the hotel, guests can go for a quick workout at the fitness centre or a relaxing swim in the heated indoor pool. If luxurious baths are your thing, you can request for a room with a whirlpool bathtub to level up your relaxation.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lexington, an IHG Hotel
Address: 325 West Main Street
15.84 km (9.9 mi) from Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
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