What can I expect from a motel trip to Columbia?

If you can't find a motel in Columbia, consider some of the motels we suggest around the area or let us help you find a similar property from more than 312 hotels and other lodging options. Just use our search tools to filter by nightly room rate or cost-effective amenities such as free breakfast and free airport transportation.

What's it like to stay in a motel?

Motel properties often offer free parking, and many have outdoor pools. Often one or two stories tall, motel properties usually have outdoor access to guestrooms from the parking lot. The first motels popped up in the 1920s as a convenient place to stay for the tired traveler taking a road trip along the major roadways of America.

How many motels will I be able to find in Columbia?

Expedia has 12 motels in Columbia.

What's the seasonal weather like in Columbia?

Weather can make or break a roadtrip, so we've gathered some data about year-round temperatures in Columbia to help you plan yours. The hottest months are usually July and August with an average temp of 80°F, while the coldest months are January and December with an average of 50°F. Average annual precipitation for Columbia is 45 inches.

What are my options for getting around Columbia when staying in a motel?

We’ve gathered some information about local transportation options in Columbia to help you navigate your stay: Fly into Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE), which is located 6.5 mi (10.5 km) away from the heart of the city. If you want to venture outside of the area, hop aboard a train at Columbia Station.

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Other property types in Columbia

Hilton Garden Inn Columbia/Harbison

434 Columbiana Dr, Columbia, SC

4.5/5 Wonderful! (885 reviews)

"Clean, food available in restaurant in lobby"

Reviewed on Oct 14, 2021

Baymont by Wyndham Columbia Northwest

347 Zimalcrest Drive, Columbia, SC

3.1/5 (1,181 reviews)

"LaShea at checkin desk very polite and so friendly and helpful! Very refreshing after a long drive and I know she also has a long day-:)."

Reviewed on Oct 11, 2021

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Columbia, SC

220 E Exchange Blvd, Columbia, SC

3.5/5 Good! (984 reviews)

"Was too close to major rosd ways backed up traffic. Felt it was unsafe to cross street on foot. Was not able to get a rental car in advance due to military graduation in Fort Jackson. Had to use taxi service which was fantastic never got lost had front door srevice."

Reviewed on Oct 16, 2021

Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Columbia Motels for the Frugal Traveler

There are 30 affordable motels in Columbia among the more than 217 hotels and other accommodations. These less expensive accommodations can help you save some cash when compared with traditional hotels, which have more amenities but ones you may never use.

When you save on your room price, you can enjoy all that Columbia has to offer. Not-to-be-missed sights include South Carolina State House, Colonial Life Arena, and Fort Jackson.

Fun fact: In the U.S., motels became more commonplace after World War II with the appeal of road trip vacations, peaking in the 1960s with over 60,000 properties. When you stay at a motel property, you'll often have access to your room directly from the parking lot.

Below are a few of our customers' best-rated Columbia motels to choose from:

Red Roof Inn Columbia West, SC

Stay within a quick 5-minute drive of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.
Enjoy access to the 24-hour front desk, and freebies including WiFi and parking.

Red Roof Inn Columbia East - Ft Jackson

Free WiFi and free parking are available during your stay, along with room amenities like a flat-screen TV.
It's located within a 10-minute drive of Fort Jackson and Township Auditorium.

Super 8 by Wyndham Columbia/Ft. Jackson SC

Enjoy access to the 24-hour front desk, and freebies including breakfast, WiFi, and parking.
Stay within a quick 1-minute drive of Fort Jackson.

Motel 6 Columbia West

It's located within a quick 5-minute drive of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.
An outdoor pool and free WiFi are available during your stay, along with room amenities like cable TV.

Quality Inn & Suites

Stay within a 20-minute drive of South Carolina State House and Colonial Life Arena.
Enjoy access to the spa tub, and freebies including breakfast, WiFi, and parking.

What to Do in Columbia

As you explore the area, you can check out the well-known zoo and take time to enjoy the top-notch restaurants. People who've visited Columbia love its university life, shops, and theater scene.

Here are some popular places:

South Carolina State House
Colonial Life Arena
Fort Jackson

These are some of the parks and outdoorsy places:

Finlay Park
Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park
West Columbia Riverwalk

You'll find these family-friendly attractions:

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
South Carolina State Fairgrounds
Frankie's Fun Park

Columbia is also known for its:

Sports
Live music
Flowers

Best Time to Visit Columbia

Decide when you'd like to visit Columbia by checking the seasonal weather details below:

The hottest months are typically July and August, while January and December are the coldest months
January-March: Daytime temperatures average 73° F and nighttime temperatures average 35° F
April-June: 92° F is the daytime average and 49° F is the nighttime average
July-September: Daytime averages are around 93° F and nighttime averages are around 61° F
October-December: The average temperatures are 81° F during the day and 35° F at night
Average rainfall is 45.39 inches in a year

How to Get to Columbia and Around the Area

Columbia Transportation
Name	Type	Distance
Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan)	Airport	6.5 mi (10.5 km)
Columbia Station	Train Station	0.8 mi (1.3 km)
Camden Station	Train Station	28.8 mi (46.4 km)

Read travel guides and advice about Columbia

10 national parks to visit in the fall

As temperatures cool and leaves change colors for the fall here are the best national parks to visit in September, October, and November.

Frequently asked questions

Super 8 by Wyndham Columbia SC / Ft. Jackson: Enjoy access to the 24-hour front desk, and freebies including breakfast, WiFi, and parking. Motel 6 Columbia, SC - Fort Jackson Area: Free WiFi, free parking, and a snack bar/deli are available during your stay. Days Inn by Wyndham Columbia: Enjoy access to the seasonal outdoor pool, and freebies including breakfast and WiFi. Rodeway Inn & Suites Fort Jackson: A 24-hour front desk along with freebies like breakfast, WiFi, and parking are available during your stay. Super 8 by Wyndham Columbia: Enjoy access to the laundry facilities, and freebies including breakfast, WiFi, and parking.

Check out the well-known zoo and college campus while you’re sightseeing. Those who’ve visited Columbia speak highly of its shops, theater scene, and restaurants. These are some of the parks and outdoorsy places: Finlay Park, Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens, and Robert Mills Historic House and Park. You’ll find these family-friendly attractions: EdVenture Children’s Museum, South Carolina State Museum, and South Carolina State Fairgrounds. Some historical places you might want to see include Columbia NAACP, The Big Apple, and Nathaniel J. Frederick House.

More trip options

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