STAYBRIDGE SUITES COLUMBIA BY IHG, Columbia

The hotel sits off Huger Street and I-126, placing downtown Columbia, the University of South Carolina (3 km), and the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Centre (5-minute drive) within easy reach. Fort Jackson is a 25-30 minute drive. The immediate area includes major roads, so road-facing rooms experience traffic noise. The location is well-suited for car travel; on-site parking costs US$10 per day but is compact, which can be challenging for larger vehicles. There is no covered area for loading or unloading.

All suites feature a full kitchen with an oven, full-size refrigerator, dishwasher, cookware, and dishware. The one-bedroom king suite has the living room separated from the bedroom plus a dining area and guest toilet. Two-bedroom suites provide a private bathroom in each sleeping area. Studio and suite layouts include a sofa bed. Rooms are spacious, with hardwood-style furniture, soundproof walls, air conditioning, a washing machine dryer, and a flat-screen TV. Some rooms have a roll-in shower. The hotel has no balcony rooms.

The breakfast buffet offers a hot selection including eggs, omelettes, bacon, fresh fruit, waffles, grits, and pastries. It is served daily, though weekend hours (07:30-10:00) differ from weekday hours listed on the app. There is no on-site restaurant, but a convenience store sells snacks, drinks, and wine. The Monday-Wednesday evening social (5:30 PM - 7:30 PM) provides complimentary food and drinks. A kid-friendly buffet is available during breakfast.

The indoor saltwater pool features a shallow end, swimming pool toys, and pool towels. It is open from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Sun loungers are available. The fitness centre is free. Both facilities are operational but the pool has been subject to unannounced maintenance closures, so it is wise to confirm availability before your stay.

Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. The 24-hour front desk can assist with express check-in/check-out and luggage storage. A business centre is off the lobby, and free fax/photocopying is available. Pets are allowed on request: US$50 plus tax for stays up to 7 nights, US$150 plus tax for longer stays; a limit of one pet applies. Daily housekeeping is complimentary. Free guest laundry (one washer and dryer) is available. The hotel features designated smoking areas, non-smoking rooms, soundproof rooms, a lift, accessible parking, and key card access. The parking lot has compact spaces; recreational vehicle or trailer parking is not available.