Situated in the historic district and financial center of Columbia, Hilton Columbia Center offers Southern charm and hospitality in South Carolina. Hilton Columbia Center is a good fit for business travelers, parents visiting students at the University of South Carolina or tourists like me. This was my first time visiting South Carolina and I was blown away by the amount of activities offered in this vibrant university city. If you are not familiar with Columbia, I’ve put together a guide of insider tips to experience Columbia SC that will leave you feeling like a local.
It’s easy to pack on the pounds when traveling in the south – all that good food – but Hilton hotels in general offer stay fit options with a fitness center that’s open 24/7. The outdoor saltwater pool was still open during my stay, but it’s only available in season. My best advice when visiting Columbia is to get outside and walk this city! The hotel is conveniently located near the state capitol building and plenty of good restaurants; there’s a Farmers’ Market, too.
The hotel offers 222 guest rooms. My room #436, rented for $119 this particular night and was a standard double queen with two beds on the fourth floor. As a Hilton Honors member I received daily complimentary bottled water and I had my choice of Planters salted peanuts or a bag of goldfish baked snacks, in addition to complimentary wi fi. If you like local southern snacks, pick up some fresh boiled peanuts or stop in at Blue Flour Bakery and order the mini sugar cookies. I could do some serious damage in this bakery if left to my own devices.
Need to know:
Check in: 4:00 PM Check out: 11:00 AM
Rates range from $189.00-$429.00 depending on the season. The hotel offers military, AARP, AAA and senior discounts, in addition to package deals.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House is located on the main floor within Hilton Columbia Center, however, the restaurant is not affiliated with Hilton Hotels. Breakfast is offered on site, but I did not dine at the restaurant. Operating hours on my visit: Monday – Friday 6:30AM-10AM, Saturday and Sunday 7AM-10:30AM, Lunch 11AM-3PM, Dinner Sunday – Thursday 3PM-10PM, Friday and Saturday 3-11PM. Ruth’s Hour Monday – Sunday 5-6PM.
Unfortunately, Hilton Columbia Center is not pet-friendly. While there is no hotel fee, Columbia Destination Marketing tacks on a small 2% fee to your hotel stay. Hilton Columbia Center is a member of S.C. Hotel & Restaurant Association.
Insider tip: When you stay at this hotel you’ll see Adluh Flour Company, an old brick building in the “Vista” area. Stop in the office and pick up some fresh milled flour for your biscuits or grits. If you don’t have the patience to make your own grits, stop in at Cafe Strudel for breakfast – they make the best grits using Adluh Flour, of course! For additional insider tips follow luxury travel writer @Nancydbrown on Twitter or Instagram @Nancydbrown and @Hiltonhotels on Twitter or Instagram.
If You Go:
Hilton Columbia Center (803) 744-7800
924 Senate Street
Columbia, South Carolina 29201
Hilton Columbia Center hotel review and all photography by travel writer Nancy D. Brown. I was a guest of Experience South Carolina, however, all opinions are my own.