Where To Stay In Columbia, SC: 12 Hotels & Vacation Rentals - Updated 2024

Where to stay in Columbia, SC
Kit
Kit 
Updated
| 4 min read

The Carolinas really have it all, don’t they? From rolling hills, to spectacular mountain towns, to tranquil islands and beaches, there’s nothing missing. Each state has a long list of cities and towns worth exploring. Columbia, SC is definitely a chart-topper. There will be no shortage of delicious restaurants to dine in and you’ll have a multitude of beautiful places to lay your head at night. Let’s have a look, shall we?

We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on March 04, 2024.

1. Gorgeous apartment in the middle of downtown (from USD 166)

If you want to book a rental in the heart of Columbia, then this rental is the best choice for you. This 1,022-square-foot (94.95-square-meter) apartment is situated smack dab in the middle of downtown. It’s above Mast General Store, an old-school general store that’s one of Columbia’s beloved tourist destinations. There are other tourist sites that are near this rental — the Columbia Museum of Art, Finlay Park, Mann-Simons Cottage, and Robert Mills Historic House and Park.

This apartment is also beautifully adorned. It comes with a king-size bed and two twin-size beds, fitted with memory foam mattresses. If you have an extra guest and you need more space, there’s a queen-size sleeper sofa in the living room. The kitchen is also fully furnished, so you won’t be tempted to eat out — you can just prepare meals yourself.

Stayed at this property?

1.36 km (0.9 mi) from South Carolina State Museum
16 reviews   Wifi Available
Apartment 6 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 6
Minimum Nights: 1
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 5 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
very clean and had everything we needed
apartment was cute clean and spacious
Location:
the location of this property is good
fantastic location right in the heart of columbia
terrific central location looking over historic columbia
the actual place is pretty
Read more reviews
Earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands.

2. Spacious house located in a historic neighborhood (from USD 254)

With roughly 2,000 square feet (185.81 square meters) of space, The Garnet Door Bungalow features 4 bedrooms that can sleep 8 people, a bright and airy kitchen with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops, and a cozy living area. Outside, you can find a spacious fenced-in backyard, where you can lounge and your children can play.

This house is situated in Elmwood Park, which is one of Columbia’s most desirable historic neighborhoods. Because of this, you can find several historical attractions, such as Robert Mills Historic House and Park. Other attractions that you might be interested in visiting are Earlewood Park, Tunnel Vision Mural, and the Columbia Museum of Art.

Stayed at this property?

2.19 km (1.4 mi) from South Carolina State Museum
15 reviews   Wifi Available
bungalow 8 Guests 4 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 8
Minimum Nights: 2
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 60 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
terrific layout clean and clutter free
Host:
awesome hosts and location was perfect
Location:
it is a great place to stay at when visiting your child at the university of south carolina
it looked like there were about 4 newer homes on the street right by each other
Read more reviews
Earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands.

3. Aloft Columbia Downtown (from USD 173)

Aloft truly reserves the right to stand a little aloof. It’s absolutely stunning. Aloft perfectly blends contemporary decor with warmth. Its clean lines and vibrant splashes of color invite guests in, and they always want to stay a while. Guest rooms here are spacious and many of them offer panoramic views of downtown. Likewise, the bathrooms are perfectly modern and clean.

All the public spaces in Aloft are equally delightful, from the bright and colorful bar and restaurant, to the mini pool hall, to, of course, that warm welcome you’ll receive upon arrival. If your travel dates are available and there’s room in your budget, don’t think twice about a stay here.

Stayed at this property?

Aloft Columbia Downtown

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible Visual Aid: Braille Visual Aid: Tactile

Address: 823 Lady Street
850 meters (0.6 ft) from South Carolina State Museum

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Terrace

4. Hilton Columbia Center (from USD 212)

When you check into a Hilton, you’re pretty sure to receive top-rated service. Hilton Columbia Center does not disappoint. This property is meticulously maintained, reaching a supreme level of cleanliness while offering some of the coziest suites this side of Heaven.

There’s a Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse downstairs, for any evening you’d like to stay close by. Take a dip in their sumptuous pool and drink in their gorgeous bar/lounge area. If you get what you pay for, then you’re going to get a healthy slice of serendipity during your stay at this Hilton property.

Stayed at this property?

Hilton Columbia Center

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 924 Senate Street
1.05 km (0.7 mi) from South Carolina State Museum

Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Garden

5. Industrial loft (from USD 196)

Fun. Gorgeous. Eclectic. Artful. These are just a few words that come to mind. This loft is located in an old dairy farm warehouse and was even featured on HGTV!

Here, you’ll find two bedrooms and two full baths. The exposed brick walls and Baltic birch frames dance neatly around a modern, fully-equipped kitchen, gorgeous bathrooms, and exceptionally comfortable bedrooms. With a long list of positive reviews and a superbly attentive host, if urban loft living is your style, then this is your future home away from home.

Stayed at this property?
Columbia, South Carolina, United States
4.17 km (2.6 mi) from South Carolina State Museum
444 reviews   Wifi Available
Entire loft 2 Beds 6 Guests 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 6

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the 2nd floor’s mattress wasn’t comfortable
the couches were comfy and the tv was huge
i wish there were tvs in the bedrooms
this place is very spacious and comfortable with a beautiful set up that you would love
beautiful space i’ve had my eye on this apartment and so glad i booked it for accepted students day
Cleanliness:
it was clean and stylish
it was clean and cared for
very clean easy check in and very cool place
very clean and convenient to downtown
this hanger loft is clean well designed and very functional
Host:
great hospitality from the host
the host was kind and helpful
joab our host was friendly and hospitable
the owner did a great job renovating this once airplane hangar
great host great place everything was as it should be
Location:
great location as well
super cool place so close to usc
super close to 5 points and super spacious
within close proximity of usc and many bars and great restaurants
great place super unique and cool
Read more reviews

6. Quiet condo (from USD 126)

Here, we have a well-appointed and clean two bedroom, two bath condo convenient to downtown Columbia. Feel free to enjoy the pool and the quiet serenity of this building. Your kitchen is fully equipped, and both your living room and bedroom are spacious. If your goals are quiet, cozy, and convenient, then book today!

Stayed at this property?

4.64 km (2.9 mi) from South Carolina State Museum
51 reviews  
condo 4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 4
Minimum Nights: 2
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 30 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
the condo was very clean and comfortable
beds were comfortable and condo was clean
it was clean and enough space to relax and unwind
it is so clean cozy safe and just overall enjoyable
the condo was very clean and the people were extremely helpful and friendly
Host:
rebekah and kevin were very responsive to our questions and the facilities were the best
owners helpful with area resources
the security officers are super friendly and willing to answer your questions
Location:
good central location for us
this property is in a great location
all we were looking for was a place that was comfortable and close to downtown and family
the location was great and the people in the community were so warm and welcoming
the unit is in the 5 points area and close to usc and many other attractions
Read more reviews
Earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands.

7. Clean and comfy condo (from USD 90)

Clean, pretty, and spacious come to mind. This is a lovely two bedroom, two bathroom condo with every modern convenience and even a few extras like that oasis of a pool downstairs.

If you’re in town for a college tour or game, this is your spot. Of course, you’re also a hop and a skip from downtown, too. This lovely condo will serve you well and make you feel comfortably at home.

Stayed at this property?
Columbia, SC, US
4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms
Earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands.

8. Hangar loft (from USD 207)

This loft was also featured on HGTV and it’s just as spectacular as you’d imagine. With the same urban decor as our industrial loft above, you’ll be delighted to stay in such a well-designed space. Although this is a one bedroom, one bathroom loft, you can comfortably sleep four.

The pictures really do all the talking here. Know you’ll be comfortable, full of artistic joy, and dreaming about this fully-equipped, centrally-located space well after you’re gone!​

Stayed at this property?

4.52 km (2.9 mi) from South Carolina State Museum
5 reviews  
townhome 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2
Minimum Nights: 1
Refund Policy :

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
kitchen amenities were nice and well appointed and the bed and bedding were very comfortable
in fact what’s in the apartment is pretty uniformly terrific but what’s not there is a problem
Host:
the owner was very nice and accommodating when we reached out for information or had questions
Location:
located in a quiet area which was nice
Read more reviews
Earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands.

9. Small flat near Brice Stadium (from USD 140)

Here comes one more flat that’s so fantastic, I’m not sure where to start. This offers the same kind of modern, artistic flair that’s going to stick in your memory for a long, long time.

Prepare to be colorfully delighted in this one bedroom, one bathroom space. The bathroom is the epitome of luxury, the kitchen is fully equipped, and the bedroom is just – cool! Take a closer look​ at these photos and you’ll instantly be sold. Have some fun here. It’s truly one-of-a-kind.

Stayed at this property?

4.32 km (2.7 mi) from South Carolina State Museum
4 reviews  
guest house 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2
Minimum Nights: 1
Refund Policy :

Top guest reviews
Location:
i absolutely loved staying here great location in the heart of downtown not far from stadium or fairgrounds
Read more reviews
Earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands.

10. Large Estate Home (from USD 1500)

If you’re looking to do something really spectacular in Columbia, then you should pair your vision with a large estate. This home features ten-bedrooms, seven-and-a-half baths, a library, home theatre, and game room. You can sleep upwards of 20 people here!

Consistently receiving five-star reviews, this might serve you well for a graduation party, birthday bash, or family reunion. The estate’s central location to downtown is surely one of its many hallmarks, but so is land it’s situated on. Recently renovated and full of charm, perhaps this is just what you’ve been looking for all along!

Stayed at this property?
Columbia, South Carolina, United States
4.98 km (3.1 mi) from South Carolina State Museum
PRIVATE VACATION HOME 21 Guests 10 Bedrooms 10 Bathrooms

Top guest reviews
Host:
the staff was awesome
Location:
truly an outstanding location to house a large group where everyone can be together
we couldn't have asked for a better place to stay
this is a wonderful place to stay
Read more reviews
Earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands.

11. Waterfront studio apartment

How about a perfectly private stay at a riverside retreat that just so happens to be five minutes from all the downtown action? Featuring a cool cabin vibe, this studio apartment will provide all the comforts of home in the epitome of serenity.

All the basics are included, including a microwave and mini-fridge. If you bring any takeout food home from the plethora of sumptuous restaurants downtown, you can enjoy a nice evening meal on your picnic table overlooking the river. Believe it or not, everything here is as perfect as it sounds. With an outpouring of positive reviews, you’ll see that some things in life are as good as they seem. An affordable price tag backed by nearly 200 favorable reviews is just the ticket to a delightful Columbia stay.

Stayed at this property?
Cayce, South Carolina, United States
4.14 km (2.6 mi) from South Carolina State Museum
642 reviews  
Entire apartment 1 Bed 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
adorable little one bedroom apartment with a great view of the river
a cozy apartment with a great view
it's great and cozy with a wonderful view
very cute tucked away space in cayce the king bed is very comfortable as are the pillows
the bed was super comfortable
Cleanliness:
it was very clean and smelled clean and fresh
inside was very clean and cozy
he keeps his place clean and the communication was open although we had plenty of privacy
it's very clean and the bed is so comfortable
paul's place was spotless cozy and full of charming touches
Host:
paul was an amazing host
paul is very quick with responses and quite friendly
thank you paul for being a great host
great place with very attentive host
the host is very respectful and has a lot of great recommendations around the area
Location:
really cool location on congaree river
the location was also not far from downtown which i liked
the location of his place was perfectly suited to our ventures
the walking trails close by were wonderful
nearby is a wonderful park with a walking path beside the congaree river
Read more reviews

12. Chic loft with a view

This loft has it all. It’s sky-high, panoramic views of downtown Columbia are as advertised. Likewise, the nearly 100 positive reviews are accurate. Your host here is not just friendly and quick to reply, she also dishes on the best places to dine downtown.

This is an open, airy space with all the creature comforts required for a pleasant stay in Columbia. Your fully equipped kitchen will provide everything you need and the open floor plan​ allows you to relax with ease.

Stayed at this property?
Columbia, South Carolina, United States
1.45 km (0.9 mi) from South Carolina State Museum
250 reviews  
Entire loft 2 Beds 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
it also has great amenities like phone chargers and tea/coffee
nice apartment with great views of the city
it has all the space one would need as well as good wifi connection and privacy
view is great and access to apartment was easy
the space is very comfortable and has everything you need
Cleanliness:
amazing house clean quiet and convenient
verify fridge is clean and shower fixture is repaired
the apartment was clean and spacious enough for 5 people
easy check-in friendly and timely communication and a clean space with great views of the city
Host:
lovely place and great host
host was very responsive and thoughtful
the host was very accommodating and the space was excellent
thank you for hosting us
amyth was also very responsive when contacted with questions
Location:
great location right in downtown
the location is great
great location downtown on main
great apt close to everything downtown
great location quiet and close to many restaurants
Read more reviews

Carolina comforts

One thing’s plain to see - South Carolina is chock full of notoriety for a reason. Its down home cooking and fantastic rentals are right up there with some of the most metropolitan cities in the US!

When you come to visit, I hope you’re able to stay awhile.

Stayed at this property?
Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Kit Kittelstad is a Freelance Writer who specializes in higher education and lifestyle articles, with a focus on travel pieces. She also serves as an Adjunct Communications Professor at Pace...Read more

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