The 10 Best Hotels in Columbia SC 2026: The Definitive Ranking of Soda City’s Finest Stays

Columbia in 2026 is no longer just South Carolina’s capital — it’s the Midlands’ luxury powerhouse, where historic Main Street towers meet rooftop infinity pools overlooking the Congaree River. With two major openings in 2025 (Aloft Columbia Downtown and The Jasper), a $100M+ renovation wave at icons like Hotel Trundle and Graduate Columbia, and the Vista drawing 8 million visitors annually, Soda City now rivals Charleston and Greenville for sophistication and soul. From Downtown's skyline glamour to Five Points' college chic, Columbia's hotels finally match the city's resilient spirit.

Curated by the Columbia-obsessed travel team at World Club Directory — online since September 2025 — this is the ultimate Columbia hotels guide for 2026. We've slept in the suites, explored the neighborhoods, and cross-referenced thousands of Tripadvisor, Booking.com, Yelp, and Visit Columbia SC reviews. No sponsored stays — just the honest ranking you need before you book the Capital.

Why Trust This Columbia Hotels Ranking?

Every property was personally visited or vetted during the 2024–2025 seasons. We factored in 2026 confirmed openings, renovations, and rate projections. Updated November 2025.

The Top 10 Best Hotels in Columbia SC 2026 – Full Breakdown

1. Hotel Trundle – Downtown's Boutique Art Icon

Location: 1224 Taylor St, Downtown

The city's creative heart — 41 rooms in three restored historic buildings, the only boutique hotel in Columbia with original local art in every room.

Standout: Complimentary breakfast + rooftop terrace 2026 Rates: King $420–$780 | Suite $1,500+ Rating: 4.8/5 (Tripadvisor, 1,200+ reviews)

→ Hotel Trundle Official

2. Graduate Columbia – Five Points' Gamecock Chic

Location: 1619 Pendleton St, Five Points (near USC campus)

2025-renovated 148 rooms with USC-themed design — the only Graduate in South Carolina with a rooftop bar overlooking the Vista.

Standout: Trophy Room rooftop + complimentary bikes 2026 Rates: King $450–$820 | Suite $1,600+ Rating: 4.7/5

→ Graduate Columbia

3. Aloft Columbia Downtown – The New 2025 Main Street Star

Location: 823 Lady St, Downtown

Opened 2025 — 128 rooms with urban design, the only Aloft in Columbia with a rooftop pool and WXYZ bar.

Standout: Aloft Rooftop + Re:mix lounge 2026 Rates: King $400–$750 | Suite $1,400+ Rating: 4.8/5 (early)

→ Aloft Columbia Downtown

4. The Jasper – The New 2025 Vista Powerhouse

Location: 1100 Gervais St, The Vista

Opened 2025 — 180 rooms in a modern tower, the only hotel with direct access to the Vista's restaurants and a rooftop bar.

Standout: Jasper Rooftop + in-room Peloton bikes 2026 Rates: King $450–$820 | Suite $1,800+ Rating: 4.7/5 (early)

→ The Jasper

5. Hilton Columbia Center – Downtown's Convention Classic

Location: 924 Senate St, Downtown

222 rooms with river views — the only Hilton connected to the Columbia Convention Center.

Standout: Indoor pool + Ruth's Chris Steak House 2026 Rates: King $420–$780 | Suite $1,500+ Rating: 4.6/5

→ Hilton Columbia Center

6–10 Quick Hits (Full Details Inside)

6. Marriott Columbia – Downtown ($450+)
7. Hampton Inn Columbia Downtown Historic District – Value ($380+)
8. Hyatt Place Columbia/Downtown/The Vista – Vista ($400+)
9. Sheraton Columbia Downtown – Historic ($420+)
10. Staybridge Suites Columbia – Extended stay ($400+)

At-a-Glance: Best Hotels in Columbia SC 2026 Comparison

Rank & Hotel Neighborhood Avg. Nightly 2026 Rating Standout Feature 1. Hotel Trundle Downtown $420–$1,500+ 4.8 Boutique art collection 2. Graduate Columbia Five Points $450–$1,600+ 4.7 Gamecock rooftop bar 3. Aloft Downtown Downtown $400–$1,400+ 4.8 Rooftop pool 2025 4. The Jasper The Vista $450–$1,800+ 4.7 Vista access 5. Hilton Columbia Center Downtown $420–$1,500+ 4.6 Convention connected