HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS & SUITES COLUMBIA-I-26 @ HARBISON BLVD BY IHG, Columbia

The hotel is right off I-26, making it convenient for travelers heading through or to Columbia. Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) is about 19 km away, with ride-shares like Uber or Lyft being the main option as no airport shuttle is available. The property sits directly across from the Columbiana Centre shopping mall and is within walking distance of several restaurants including Flaming Grill Supreme Buffet, Don Tequilas Mexican Grill, Dave & Buster's, and Sarku Japan. Other attractions such as Riverbanks Zoo & Garden (12 km) and the South Carolina State Museum (15 km) are a short drive. The neighborhood is busy near the mall corridor, and traffic can be heavy during peak hours.

Breakfast is included in the stay and served each morning. The buffet includes pancakes instead of waffles, fresh fruit, pastries, cereals, and a rotating hot selection such as scrambled eggs and turkey sausage. The hotel also offers a kid-friendly buffet and breakfast-to-go bags for early departures. There is no on-site restaurant for lunch or dinner, but the surrounding area has numerous dining options within walking distance, including Flaming Grill Supreme Buffet, Don Tequilas Mexican Grill, Dave & Buster's, and several other casual spots. A minimarket on site sells snacks and drinks, and the front desk has free bottled water available.

The property has a fitness centre with free access for guests, though air conditioning and towel stock in the gym have been noted as inconsistent. There is no spa on site. For those wanting a swim, the sister hotel next door, Aloft Columbia Harbison, has an outdoor Splash pool available to Holiday Inn Express guests at no charge, operating seasonally from March to October. This is a useful option for families or anyone wanting to cool off during warmer months.

Free public parking is available on site with no reservation needed, including spaces marked for accessible parking. All areas have free Wi-Fi. The hotel has a 24-hour front desk with express check-in/check-out and private check-in/check-out. Daily housekeeping is included; additional laundry and dry cleaning services are available for a fee. A business centre with free fax/photocopying is also on site. The property is accessible with a lift, rooms with grab rails in the toilet, lower bathroom sinks, and wheelchair access. Key card access, smoke alarms, and fire extinguishers are in place. Rooms are non-smoking throughout, with a designated smoking area outside. Cots are available on request.