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DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Columbia — Downtown Location, Amenities, and What to Expect

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

What the DoubleTree by Hilton Offers in Downtown Columbia

The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Columbia sits in the heart of downtown, within walking distance of the South Carolina State House, the Columbia Museum of Art, and the Congaree River. The hotel has 214 rooms across 16 floors, with a restaurant and bar on-site, a fitness center, and a business center. Rooms include work desks, flat-screen televisions, and marble bathrooms; suites add separate living areas and soaking tubs.

The location puts you near the Main Street entertainment district, where restaurants, galleries, and live music venues cluster within a few blocks. If you're visiting for business, the hotel is a short drive from the University of South Carolina campus and the state government offices. For leisure travelers, the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is about ten minutes away by car, and the historic neighborhoods of Rosewood and Five Points are accessible on foot or a quick ride.

Key Takeaways

  • The hotel occupies a downtown location with direct access to museums, government buildings, and the Main Street dining and entertainment corridor.
  • Room types range from standard doubles to one-bedroom suites, all with work desks and modern bathroom fixtures.
  • On-site dining includes a restaurant and bar; the surrounding blocks offer dozens of additional restaurants within a five-minute walk.
  • Parking is available on-site; the hotel can provide information about rates and reserved spaces when you book or call ahead.
  • The hotel is pet-friendly, though pet policies and any associated fees should be confirmed directly with the front desk before arrival.

Room Types and What Each Includes

Standard rooms are the baseline option and come with one king bed or two double beds, depending on your preference at booking. All standard rooms have a work desk with an ergonomic chair, a flat-screen television with cable channels, a coffeemaker, and a marble bathroom with a walk-in shower or tub-shower combination. Wi-Fi is included in the room rate.

Suite rooms add a separate living area with a sofa, additional seating, and a second television. Suites typically include a king bed in the bedroom, a soaking tub in the bathroom, and more storage space. Some suites have a wet bar or kitchenette; confirm the specific layout when you book, as suite configurations vary.

The hotel does not publish a detailed rate sheet online, so pricing depends on the date, day of the week, and how far in advance you book. Rates are typically lower for weekday stays and higher during university events, state legislative sessions, and summer weekends. Contact the hotel directly or check major booking sites to compare current rates for your specific dates.

Dining, Fitness, and Business Amenities

The on-site restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and includes a bar with cocktails and local beers. The menu focuses on American fare with regional touches. Hours and specific offerings change seasonally, so check the hotel's website or call ahead if you have dietary restrictions or want to know what's available on the day you arrive.

The fitness center is open 24 hours and includes cardio equipment, free weights, and weight machines. The hotel also has a business center with computers, printers, and private meeting spaces available by reservation. If you're attending a conference or meeting in Columbia, ask the front desk whether the hotel offers group rates or can coordinate transportation to nearby venues.

Parking, Transportation, and Getting Around Downtown

Parking is available in an on-site garage. The hotel charges a daily rate for parking; the exact amount varies and should be confirmed when you book or by calling the front desk. If you're driving, the downtown location means you can park once and walk to most attractions, restaurants, and shops within a ten-block radius.

Public transportation in Columbia is provided by COMET, the city's bus system. The downtown area is well-served by multiple routes, and the DoubleTree is near several stops. If you don't have a car, COMET is a practical way to reach the Riverbanks Zoo, the South Carolina State Museum, and neighborhoods like Five Points. Rideshare services operate throughout Columbia and are another option for getting around.

Nearby Attractions and Dining Within Walking Distance

The Columbia Museum of Art is two blocks away and features American art, contemporary installations, and rotating exhibitions. The South Carolina State House, an 1870s Romanesque Revival building, is one block away and offers guided tours on weekdays. The Congaree River runs along the eastern edge of downtown, with a riverwalk path that connects to parks and scenic overlooks.

Main Street and the surrounding blocks hold dozens of restaurants ranging from casual to upscale: barbecue joints, farm-to-table spots, sushi bars, and breweries. The Five Points neighborhood, a short walk or drive away, is known for independent shops, coffee roasters, and live music venues. Rosewood, another historic neighborhood nearby, has galleries, vintage stores, and weekend farmers markets.

Booking Information and Contact Details

You can book through the DoubleTree website, major hotel booking platforms, or by calling the hotel directly. The front desk can answer questions about room types, current rates, parking fees, and pet policies. If you're planning a group stay or need multiple rooms, ask about group rates when you contact the hotel.

The hotel's address is 1615 Gervais Street, Columbia, SC 29201. The phone number is available through the Hilton website or a standard web search. If you're arriving by air, Columbia Metropolitan Airport is about 15 minutes away by car; the hotel can provide information about airport shuttle services or rideshare pickup locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the DoubleTree pet-friendly?

The hotel does allow pets, but policies regarding pet size, breed, and any associated fees vary. Contact the front desk directly before booking to confirm current pet policies and any charges that may apply to your stay.

Does the hotel offer breakfast?

The on-site restaurant serves breakfast daily, though it is not included in all room rates. Some packages or loyalty program members may receive complimentary breakfast; ask when you book whether breakfast is included in your rate or available for an additional charge.

Can I walk to restaurants and shops from the hotel?

Yes. The hotel is in downtown Columbia's main entertainment and dining corridor. Main Street restaurants, galleries, and shops are within a five-minute walk, and the Five Points neighborhood is about a 15-minute walk or a short ride away.

What is the parking situation?

Parking is available in an on-site garage at a daily rate. Confirm the current parking fee when you book. Once parked, you can walk to most downtown attractions, so you may not need your car during your stay.

How far is the hotel from Riverbanks Zoo and Garden?

Riverbanks Zoo is about ten minutes away by car or a 20-minute COMET bus ride. The hotel can provide directions or information about public transit routes if you prefer not to drive.