HAMPTON INN & SUITES COLUMBIA/SOUTHEAST-FORT JACKSON, Columbia

The hotel sits off Interstate 77 at exit 9A, putting Fort Jackson just one exit away. The University of South Carolina is 8 km away, and the Riverbanks Botanical Gardens are 15 km away. The location is convenient for highway access, but road-facing rooms can hear traffic noise. The area has plenty of fast-food and casual dining options within 2 km-including Domino's, KFC, and a Waffle House-but no sit-down restaurant is on property. The parking lot is well-lit and allows easy access to the building. For downtown Columbia activities or Congaree National Park, a car is necessary as public transport is limited. The hotel is not on the military base, but its proximity makes it popular for graduations and family visits.

Rooms include a microwave, small refrigerator, and tea- and coffee-making facilities. A flat-screen cable TV and free Wi-Fi are provided in all rooms. The Wi-Fi supports online gaming such as PS4. Room types range from quadruple rooms with two beds to spacious suites with sleeper sofas (QXTO room type). Some rooms are designated accessible with a roll-in shower. Connecting and adjoining rooms are available. A few rooms have balconies, but most do not. The decor is contemporary but some rooms show wear such as sticky floors, worn furniture, and doors that are difficult to open. Road-facing rooms can experience traffic noise; higher floors away from the highway are quieter. Air conditioning is available and can be noisy in some units. Soundproofing in the rooms varies; some are quiet while others hear hallway noise. The beds are consistently described as comfortable, with clean bedding.

The daily breakfast buffet is included with the room and features scrambled eggs, link sausage, turkey and chicken sausage, potatoes, grits, bagels, fresh fruit, and coffee. The breakfast area is kept clean by attentive staff, and the hot cocoa bar is a popular touch. Breakfast service ends at 9:00 AM during some periods, so early risers should plan accordingly. Coffee quality is generally good, but occasional reports mention grounds in the cup. The hotel does not have a restaurant, so no dinner service is available. Several quick-service restaurants-KFC, Hardee's, Rush's, Domino's-are within 2 km for lunch or dinner. A snack bar on site offers limited items for purchase.

The indoor heated pool is open daily from 10:00-22:00, with sun loungers and beach chairs around the pool area. The pool is regularly cleaned, though some have noted the room can become warm like a sauna. A fitness centre with gym equipment is available free of charge. Outdoors, there is a terrace with an outdoor fireplace, BBQ facilities, and garden furniture, offering a comfortable space for relaxation. There is no spa or hot tub on site. The pool and fitness areas are well-maintained but can be crowded during busy periods such as graduation weekends.

Wi-Fi is free in all areas and supports streaming and gaming. Free private parking is available on-site with no reservation needed, though a $6.00 parking charge has been applied to some bills-verify at check-in. The 24-hour front desk offers express check-in/check-out and luggage storage. A business centre, fax/photocopying, and meeting/banquet facilities are available for a charge. Guest laundry (coin-operated) and a launderette are on site. Pets are allowed with a $75.00 fee and advance notice. Accessibility features include wheelchair-accessible rooms, a roll-in shower, visual fire alarm, and accessible parking. The hotel has a lift, but some reports note the elevators can make jerky movements. Safety features include CCTV, smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and key card access. A safety deposit box is available. Room cleaning is on request-only unless arranged in advance. The front desk staff is generally friendly and helpful, though some have experienced slow service during peak hours.