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3-star hotel Check-in 03:00 · Check-out 12:00

Aloft Columbia Downtown

Warm, contemporary rooms at Aloft Columbia Downtown in Columbia, SC. Enjoy a colorful bar, fitness room, and walk to museums, restaurants, and Columbia Metro Airport.

823 Lady St, Columbia, SC 29201 View on map
8.6/10
Very Good Based on 904 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Paid breakfast Paid parking Accessible Air-conditioned
What recent guests emphasize

A lively stay with attentive service in downtown Columbia

Guests frequently highlight the hotel’s modern vibe, friendly staff, and convenient location near vibrant dining and entertainment options. Practical notes include parking arrangements and some minor room features. Ideal for visitors seeking comfort and connectivity within Columbia’s downtown scene.

Guests often praise

  • Friendly, professional, and helpful staff, especially at the front desk and bar.
  • Clean, modern, and comfortable rooms with spacious layouts and pleasant amenities.
  • Excellent central location within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions.
  • Welcoming atmosphere with thoughtful touches for special occasions and repeat guests.
  • Well-maintained public areas including a lively bar and recreational spaces.

Worth knowing

  • Parking can be challenging downtown; valet and street options are available but advance planning is recommended.
  • Some rooms have unusual bathroom layouts, such as towels stored above the toilet and no toilet seat lid.
  • Pre-paid parking and food credit policies may require clarification at check-in to avoid confusion.
  • Pet-friendly with convenient access to walkable downtown areas, and electric car charging available.
  • Staff responsiveness to issues is generally quick and accommodating, even during busy periods.

Best for

  • Travelers wanting a modern, vibrant hotel experience in the heart of Columbia.
  • Visitors interested in exploring downtown’s dining, shopping, and art scenes on foot.
  • LGBTQ+ friendly guests seeking an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere.
  • Guests traveling with pets or requiring electric car charging facilities.
  • Anyone valuing attentive service combined with a social, contemporary hotel environment.
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About this property

Welcome to Aloft Columbia Downtown

Aloft Columbia Downtown offers a contemporary lodging experience with a vibrant, modern atmosphere. The hotel features warm, comfortable rooms complemented by a colorful bar, a terrace, and a fitness room. This property is recognized for its friendly and professional staff, contributing to smooth check-in and check-out procedures as noted by many guests.

Conveniently situated at 823 Lady Street in downtown Columbia, this hotel places guests within walking distance of numerous restaurants, bars, and art galleries. It is a short stroll from notable attractions like the South Carolina State Museum, Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park, and approximately a 16-minute drive from Columbia Metropolitan Airport. The location makes it well suited for visitors looking to explore downtown Columbia with ease.

Facilities and amenities include an LGBTQ+ friendly environment, making it welcoming to a diverse crowd. While parking can sometimes be a challenge due to its downtown location, valet and street parking options are available. Guests have praised the cleanliness of the property and highlighted the attentive service from front desk and bar staff, though a few practical details such as parking procedures and room layouts have required some adjustment.

With a rating of 4.3 from 888 reviews, this hotel appeals to travelers seeking a hip, practical stay in the heart of Columbia. It is especially convenient for those attending events or meetings nearby, thanks to its meeting planning service. The Aloft offers a balanced mix of contemporary style and comfort without unnecessary embellishments, making it suitable for both business and leisure stays.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Paid breakfast
Paid parking
Accessible
Air-conditioned
Business center
Pet-friendly
Kid-friendly
Restaurant
Fitness center
Smoke-free

Not available at this property

Pool
Airport shuttle
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

JD
James D Apr 02, 2026
8.0

I would stay here again. I stayed for a weekend. Relocating for work. Enjoyed my stay. The only thing I did not like was that the towels are located above the toilet. There is no toilet seat lid. The staff was very pleasant, welcoming and professional. Like any other downtown, the parking can be interesting. I was glad to be here on the weekend. I only paid to park on the street Friday evening. I am grateful to see a diverse staff since I am new to the area and to the south.

GH
gary harris Mar 23, 2026
10

We travel with our dog so we use Alofts all over the USA, all o can say is that this Aloft is AWESOME! Jimmy and the whole front desk crew were super helpful, the valets very nice and the whole crew took great care of us. Property is super clean, has the traditional Aloft pool table and bar area that were well kept, rooms were all up to date it’s in the heart of downtown. Even after we checked out, there was an error in billing and the GM had it resolved within 24 hours of notification.

NM
Natasha Mayton Mar 02, 2026
10

Very modern hotel with smooth check in and check out procedures. The sleeping rooms were quiet and comfortable. Overall the hotel location was centrally located for all my events during my visit to Columbia.

NF
Neal Foster Feb 28, 2026
10

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I recently stayed at the Aloft hotel in Downtown Columbia, SC, and I had a fantastic experience! The hotel has a modern and vibrant atmosphere, which made my stay feel fresh and exciting. The staff were incredibly friendly and attentive, especially Kayla the bartender, who was awesome and made some great cocktails! Keisha at the front desk was incredibly helpful from the moment I checked in until my checkout, making the entire process smooth and welcoming. The room was spacious, clean, and well-equipped with all the amenities I needed. I especially loved the comfortable bed and the spacious workspace. The hotel's location is perfect for exploring downtown, with plenty of shops and restaurants within walking distance. Overall, I highly recommend Aloft for anyone visiting Columbia. I can’t wait to return!

SL
Sarah Lookabill Feb 21, 2026
10

We stayed at Aloft and had a wonderful experience. We were celebrating my husband’s birthday and the front desk staff had a small welcome bag and card ready for us when we arrived. The staff members were very friendly and professional; the room was well appointed. The location was fantastic! We paid for breakfast, a food credit, and parking to be included, and breakfast was excellent! The only thing that was a bit difficult was figuring out the pre-paid parking situation, so ask about that before you go, but the actual parking itself was super convenient, plus they valet. We also forgot to ask about our food credit, so don’t forget that, but neither of those things were not the fault of the hotel. Overall, highly recommend this for the location and hotel for the close proximity to everything in downtown Columbia and the cleanliness and hospitality of the hotel.

JL
Jessica Lockhart Feb 09, 2026
10

I had a great stay at the Aloft! The rooms are surprisingly nice and comfortable for the price. The location is perfect, just a few blocks from Main Street and surrounded by plenty of restaurants and things to do. Most importantly, Keisha at the front desk is truly top tier. She is incredibly kind, always smiling, and made me feel welcome every time I walked in. She’s the best!

KW
kelly williams Jan 22, 2026
10

We first we first arrived. We had trouble with the bathroom door and immediately they responded and did everything to change rooms even though they were fully booked, they couldn’t have been more accommodating. Manager called the next morning to make sure everything went well and that we were enjoying our stay and everything was great . !!!

C-C
Caitlin - Callie Ferraro Jan 01, 2026
10

Best aloft I’ve been to so far. Free electric car charging in the garage and downtown area walkable with dogs. King room on 5th floor was in good condition. Thank you for a nice stay.

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find Aloft Columbia Downtown

Columbia, South Carolina

Set amid restaurants, bars and art galleries, this trendy, contemporary hotel is 10 minutes' walk from the South Carolina State Museum, a mile from the Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park, and 7 miles from Columbia Metropolitan Airport.

  • Columbia, S.C. 17 min Walk
  • Assembly Washington South 7 min Walk
  • Assembly & Gervais South 7 min Walk
  • Columbia Metropolitan Airport 16 min Car · 27 min Transit
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in South Carolina. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

Riverbanks Zoo & Garden 22,725 reviews

Riverbanks Zoo & Garden

500 Wildlife Pkwy, Columbia, SC 29210, United States

4.7 · Zoo
South Carolina State Museum 4,119 reviews

South Carolina State Museum

301 Gervais St, Columbia, SC 29201, United States

4.7 · Museum
Columbia Museum of Art 1,845 reviews

Columbia Museum of Art

1515 Main St, Columbia, SC 29201, United States

4.6 · Art Museum
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