The Best Hotels Closest to South Carolina State Fairgrounds in Columbia for 2026

Change your mind
Book hotels with free cancellation
Treat yourself
Sign in to save 10% or more on thousands of hotels
Sign in
Be picky
Search almost a million properties worldwide

Check prices for these dates

Tonight

Tomorrow

This weekend

Next weekend

Our top choices for South Carolina State Fairgrounds hotels

A spacious indoor area with a long table, multiple chairs, and a seating area with sofas and a TV.

A hotel room with a bed, a nightstand, a lamp, and a view of the outside.

A modern building with a brick facade, large windows, and outdoor exercise equipment.

A modern living room with a fireplace, comfortable seating, and large windows.

1. The Lantern Hotel Columbia

The Vista, 2.5 km from South Carolina State Fairgrounds

Theresa

SAR 608

SAR 681 total

includes taxes & fees

4 Oct - 5 Oct

A modern hotel room with a large bed, a seating area, and a TV.

A modern kitchen with a central island, wooden cabinets, a built-in washer and dryer, and a view of the city.

A multi-story hotel with a modern design, featuring a prominent vertical stripe pattern on the facade.

A pool table with balls, a bar area, and a large TV screen.

2. Homewood Suites By Hilton Columbia Downtown

The Vista, 3 km from South Carolina State Fairgrounds

Brian

SAR 474

SAR 531 total

includes taxes & fees

11 Oct - 12 Oct

A modern bar area with a long counter, multiple bar stools, and a decorative wall with geometric patterns.

An outdoor patio with a bar area, seating, and a grill station.

A modern lounge area with a sectional sofa, two armchairs, a coffee table, and a wall-mounted TV.

A modern retail space with shelves stocked with beverages, snacks, and other items.

3. Tru By Hilton Columbia Downtown

The Vista, 3 km from South Carolina State Fairgrounds

Laurel

SAR 443

SAR 496 total

includes taxes & fees

18 Oct - 19 Oct

A two-story brick house with a porch, a flag, and a well-maintained lawn.

A traditional library with a fireplace, leather seating, and a patterned rug.

A bar area with a coffee machine, stools, and a menu board.

An outdoor patio area with brick buildings, tables, chairs, and umbrellas.

4. Graduate by Hilton Columbia SC

University Hill, 2.3 km from South Carolina State Fairgrounds

Linda

SAR 540

SAR 616 total

includes taxes & fees

8 Oct - 9 Oct

A modern bar area with a central island, bar stools, and a television.

A hotel room with two beds, a sofa, a desk, and a large window.

A spacious lobby with a reception desk, seating area, and large windows allowing natural light.

A modern dining area with marble tables and cushioned chairs, a central chandelier, and large windows providing natural light.

5. Cambria Hotel Columbia Downtown The Vista

The Vista, 2.8 km from South Carolina State Fairgrounds

Jeanne

SAR 491

SAR 550 total

includes taxes & fees

18 Oct - 19 Oct

A modern bar area with a bar counter, seating, and a variety of bottles.

A pool table in a modern indoor setting with large windows, a patterned rug, and bar stools.

A modern hotel building with a prominent sign, multiple floors, and a well-lit entrance.

A modern lounge area with a blue sofa, round tables, and artwork on the walls.

6. Aloft by Marriott Columbia Downtown

The Vista, 2.9 km from South Carolina State Fairgrounds

Robert

SAR 460

SAR 524 total

includes taxes & fees

11 Oct - 12 Oct

An outdoor seating area with a stone fireplace, a flat-screen TV mounted above it, and a view of the cityscape in the background.

A modern building entrance with a geometric ceiling design, large glass doors, and a sign reading "COURTYARD."

A modern bar area with a long counter, multiple bar stools, and a television screen above the bar.

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, and a chair.

7. Courtyard by Marriott Columbia Downtown at USC

Downtown Columbia, 1.8 km from South Carolina State Fairgrounds

CHRISTINE

SAR 507

SAR 568 total

includes taxes & fees

4 Oct - 5 Oct

A modern kitchen with wooden cabinetry, a dining table with chairs, a microwave, and a blackboard on the wall.

A modern hotel lobby with a brick accent wall, a sofa with colorful cushions, a table with a lamp, and a reception desk in the background.

A multi-story hotel with a covered entrance and a brick facade.

A modern hotel lobby with a seating area, a wooden reception desk, and a large wall art piece.

8. Hyatt Place Columbia/Downtown/The Vista

The Vista, 2.7 km from South Carolina State Fairgrounds

Sandra

SAR 484

SAR 542 total

includes taxes & fees

6 Oct - 7 Oct

A multi-story hotel with a prominent Hilton sign, featuring a brick facade and multiple windows.

A spacious lobby with high ceilings, marble flooring, and elegant furniture.

A hotel room with a large TV, a glass desk, a sofa, and a view of a building through the window.

A bar area with multiple stools, a marble countertop, and a well-stocked liquor shelf.

9. Hilton Columbia Center

The Vista, 2.5 km from South Carolina State Fairgrounds

ryan

SAR 582

SAR 652 total

includes taxes & fees

30 Oct - 31 Oct

A modern room with large windows, a green armchair, a brown chair, a small round table, and a potted plant.

A hotel room with a large bed, a desk with a TV, and a view of buildings through the windows.

A modern hotel entrance with a green sign, outdoor seating, and planters.

10. Holiday Inn Columbia - Downtown by IHG

Downtown Columbia, 3 km from South Carolina State Fairgrounds

jennifer

SAR 458

SAR 513 total

includes taxes & fees

11 Oct - 12 Oct

A spacious indoor area with wooden flooring, multiple seating arrangements including tables and chairs, and large windows providing natural light.

A brick wall with a plaque reading "University of South Carolina" and a pathway leading through a landscaped area with trees.

A modern hotel lobby with large windows, a patterned carpet, and a seating area with sofas and chairs.

A modern building with large glass windows and a brick facade.

11. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Columbia Downtown - The Vista by IHG

The Vista, 3 km from South Carolina State Fairgrounds

Karla

SAR 477

SAR 598 total

includes taxes & fees

18 Oct - 19 Oct

A modern restaurant with a bar area, wooden stools, and a curved seating arrangement.

A modern hotel with a brick facade, large windows, and a covered entrance area.

A spacious lobby with a central seating area, a reception desk, and a modern ceiling design.

A hotel room with a desk, two beds, a TV, and a large mirror.

12. SpringHill Suites by Marriott Columbia Downtown/The Vista

The Vista, 3.1 km from South Carolina State Fairgrounds

James

SAR 507

SAR 579 total

includes taxes & fees

4 Oct - 5 Oct

An outdoor patio area with brick walls, a covered seating area, and a fire pit.

A modern breakfast area with a long counter, two hanging pendant lights, and a view of the outdoors through large windows.

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, a chair, a lamp, and artwork on the wall.

A modern bar area with a high ceiling, bar stools, and a central bar counter.

13. Hampton Inn Columbia-Downtown Historic District

The Vista, 2.8 km from South Carolina State Fairgrounds

Diana

SAR 459

SAR 514 total

includes taxes & fees

18 Oct - 19 Oct

A rooftop lounge with a fire pit, seating area, and a view of the cityscape at sunset.

A modern interior with a bar area, seating, and a mural of a cityscape.

A cozy room with a brick wall, a brown leather sofa, and shelves with various items.

A modern living room with a sofa, armchair, and coffee table, featuring a large window, decorative wall art, and a lamp.

14. Moxy Columbia Downtown

Downtown Columbia, 2.6 km from South Carolina State Fairgrounds

mario

SAR 466

SAR 522 total

includes taxes & fees

18 Oct - 19 Oct

A spacious lobby with high ceilings, large columns, and a patterned carpet.

A modern restaurant with multiple dining areas, including booths and tables, and a central seating area with a blue sofa.

A hotel entrance with a wooden facade, a reception desk, and a sign reading "TWELVE HUNDRED".

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, a chair, a TV, and a large window with curtains.

15. Marriott Columbia

Downtown Columbia, 3 km from South Carolina State Fairgrounds

Winona

SAR 785

SAR 879 total

includes taxes & fees

30 Oct - 31 Oct

A bedroom with a bed, a ceiling fan, a nightstand, a lamp, a window with curtains, and a brick wall.

A modern kitchen with red cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and a bar area with stools.

A modern kitchen with a built-in oven, a coffee maker, and a sink. There is a sliding glass door leading to a balcony with a blue chair and a table.

A modern kitchen with a central island, bar stools, and a dining area with a glass table.

16. The Hangar Lofts Hotel

Rosewood, 1 km from South Carolina State Fairgrounds

Brent

SAR 587

SAR 657 total

includes taxes & fees

4 Oct - 5 Oct

A rooftop bar with tables and chairs, overlooking a cityscape at dusk.

An outdoor seating area with wicker tables and chairs, a bar counter, and a ceiling fan.

A historic building with ornate architectural details, a prominent entrance, and flags.

A bar area with a long counter, multiple bar stools, and a variety of bottles and glasses.

17. Sheraton Columbia Downtown Hotel

Downtown Columbia, 3 km from South Carolina State Fairgrounds

Bobby

SAR 413

SAR 463 total

includes taxes & fees

25 Oct - 26 Oct

An outdoor seating area with a fire pit, white sofas, and red umbrellas.

An indoor swimming pool with clear water, surrounded by tiled walls and benches.

A modern bar area with high stools, a long counter, and a large TV screen.

A modern bar area with a long counter, multiple seating options, and a large window providing a view.

18. Hilton Garden Inn Columbia Downtown, SC

Downtown Columbia, 2.7 km from South Carolina State Fairgrounds

melvina

SAR 428

SAR 479 total

includes taxes & fees

12 Oct - 13 Oct

A modern bar area with a long counter, multiple seating options, and a large window offering a view.

A modern hotel lobby with multiple seating areas, including round tables and chairs, and a large central pillar.

A modern hotel reception area with a wooden reception desk, a bright yellow accent wall, and a visible Hilton sign.

19. Home2 Suites by Hilton Columbia Downtown

Downtown Columbia, 2.7 km from South Carolina State Fairgrounds

Tara

SAR 428

SAR 479 total

includes taxes & fees

14 Oct - 15 Oct

A hotel room with a large bed, two bedside tables, a nightstand, a wall-mounted lamp, and a window with curtains.

A multi-story building with a modern architectural design, featuring a mix of stone and concrete facades, large windows, and a parking area with yellow curbs and red bollards.

A reception desk with a black counter, a glass partition, and a view of the city through the glass. There are chairs, a small plant, and a bulletin board with notices.

A bathroom with a large mirror, a sink, and a framed picture on the wall.

20. Gallus Stadium Park Inn, an Ascend Collection Hotel

Downtown Columbia, 0.3 km from South Carolina State Fairgrounds

Brian

SAR 256

SAR 286 total

includes taxes & fees

25 Oct - 26 Oct

View all properties

Compare popular hotels close to South Carolina State Fairgrounds

Property	Property class	Guest rating
The Lantern Hotel Columbia	9.8 Exceptional 207 reviews	View
Homewood Suites By Hilton Columbia Downtown	9.6 Exceptional 159 reviews	View
Tru By Hilton Columbia Downtown	9.4 Exceptional 923 reviews	View
Graduate by Hilton Columbia SC	9.4 Exceptional 1,003 reviews	View
Cambria Hotel Columbia Downtown The Vista	9.4 Exceptional 1,272 reviews	View

Top South Carolina State Fairgrounds Hotel Reviews

The Lantern Hotel Columbia

10/10 Excellent

"The whole experience from checking in to checking out was positive. The staff was excellent, room was clean and the bedding made for a few comfortable nights away from home."

Hilton Columbia Center

10/10 Excellent

"We really enjoyed our stay at the Hilton Columbia Center. Awesome location the hotel is just beautiful and clean. My fiancee and I enjoyed dining at Ruth’s Chris Steak house. The hotel staff were awesome. They made us feel comfortable from the first day we arrive which really set the tone for our stay everyone’s very helpful and friendly, especially Kat and Le these ladies really highlight I stay for the weekend very pleasant very professional very helpful. Can’t wait to stay there again."

Moxy Columbia Downtown

10/10 Excellent

"Great staff and lovely environment"

Cambria Hotel Columbia Downtown The Vista

10/10 Excellent

"Comfortable clean rooms. Delicious breakfast buffet. Beautiful decor and very friendly staff. Will definitely stay again."

Gallus Stadium Park Inn, an Ascend Collection Hotel

8/10 Good

"It’s only a 16 minute walk to the Williams Bryce Stadium"

Renovated 1 BR, 1 BA in the Heart of USC Campus

10/10 Excellent

"Great location and the host was extremely responsive to questions before and during our stay. It worked perfectly for visiting University of South Carolina for the weekend!"

Large 3000 sqft Home near USC/Downtown/Tennis

10/10 Excellent

"Juri was amazing! House was perfect for what it was needed for. Highly recommend!!"

The Rose Door Retreat w/ Huge King Bedroom Suite

8/10 Good

"Good communication with the host and was very accommodating. House was bigger than anticipated, could use a little tlc on some cosmetics but overall very well prepped and budget friendly. Would recommend a stay if stopping by the area short term."

Stadium View Stay | 2BR 1 BA in Rosewood

10/10 Excellent

"This is the second time I've stayed here. The hosts are great the place is perfect for what I needed. If you stay there definitely walk up to Q's on the corner and get a breakfast sandwich. "

Other attractions near South Carolina State Fairgrounds

University of South Carolina

9.0/10 (2,467 reviews)

Walk around the campus of University of South Carolina, a top university in Columbia. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene or attend a sporting event.

See properties

Williams Brice Stadium

8.8/10 (938 reviews)

Catch an event at Williams Brice Stadium during your trip to Columbia. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.

See properties

South Carolina Military Museum

You can spend time exploring the galleries in South Carolina Military Museum in Columbia. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.

See properties

McKissick Museum

You can spend time browsing the exhibits at McKissick Museum during your travels in Columbia. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene or attend a sporting event.

See properties

Carolina Coliseum

9.4/10 (23 reviews)

Catch an event at Carolina Coliseum during your trip to Columbia. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene or attend a sporting event.

See properties

Koger Center for the Arts

8.2/10 (134 reviews)

Get tickets for a show at Koger Center for the Arts, a theater with a story to tell in Columbia. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene or attend a sporting event.

See properties

Colonial Life Arena

8.8/10 (1,029 reviews)

Catch an event at Colonial Life Arena during your trip to Columbia. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene or attend a sporting event.

See properties

Founders Park

Catch an event at Founders Park during your trip to Columbia. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene or attend a sporting event.

See properties

Frequently asked questions

What's the area like around South Carolina State Fairgrounds?

South Carolina State Fairgrounds is located in a welcoming area of Columbia that travelers like for its riverfront and sporting events. If you're looking for a convenient place to stay, check out the 37 hotels and other accommodations you'll find within a mile.

What's the best hotel to stay near South Carolina State Fairgrounds?

Adjacent to South Carolina State Fairgrounds, Gallus Stadium Park Inn, an Ascend Collection Hotel is one of the top choices for your stay based on our traveler data, and this hotel offers free parking and free WiFi. Another good option is The Hangar Lofts Hotel, located just 0.6 mi (1 km) away.

How many hotels are there near South Carolina State Fairgrounds?

Expedia has 37 hotels and other accommodations within a mile from South Carolina State Fairgrounds.

If I need to cancel the hotel reservation for my stay near South Carolina State Fairgrounds, will I receive a refund?

Yes! The majority of hotel room reservations are fully refundable if you cancel prior to the accommodation's cancellation deadline, which is usually within 24-48 hours of the scheduled arrival. If you have a non-refundable reservation, you may still be able to cancel and receive a refund within a 24-hour period of your booking. Put your dates in and click on "Search", then you can use the "fully refundable" filter to view the top deals on offer near South Carolina State Fairgrounds.

Where can I learn more about changing or cancelling my trip in the area near South Carolina State Fairgrounds?

For more information about picking new dates or cancelling your stay near South Carolina State Fairgrounds, go to https://www.expedia.com/service/.

What can I see and do near South Carolina State Fairgrounds?

You'll want to browse the collections at South Carolina State Museum, Columbia Museum of Art, and South Carolina Military Museum. Explore notable local landmarks like Williams Brice Stadium, South Carolina State House, and First Baptist Church. You can check out the local talent at Koger Center for the Arts, Township Auditorium, and Town Theatre.

Find hotels near South Carolina State Fairgrounds, Columbia from SAR 286

Change your mind

Treat yourself

Be picky

Check prices for these dates

Filter by

Star rating

Guest rating

Our top choices for South Carolina State Fairgrounds hotels

1. The Lantern Hotel Columbia

2. Homewood Suites By Hilton Columbia Downtown

3. Tru By Hilton Columbia Downtown

4. Graduate by Hilton Columbia SC

5. Cambria Hotel Columbia Downtown The Vista

6. Aloft by Marriott Columbia Downtown

7. Courtyard by Marriott Columbia Downtown at USC

8. Hyatt Place Columbia/Downtown/The Vista

9. Hilton Columbia Center

10. Holiday Inn Columbia - Downtown by IHG

11. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Columbia Downtown - The Vista by IHG

12. SpringHill Suites by Marriott Columbia Downtown/The Vista

13. Hampton Inn Columbia-Downtown Historic District

14. Moxy Columbia Downtown

15. Marriott Columbia

16. The Hangar Lofts Hotel

17. Sheraton Columbia Downtown Hotel

18. Hilton Garden Inn Columbia Downtown, SC

19. Home2 Suites by Hilton Columbia Downtown

20. Gallus Stadium Park Inn, an Ascend Collection Hotel

Compare popular hotels close to South Carolina State Fairgrounds

Top South Carolina State Fairgrounds Hotel Reviews

The Lantern Hotel Columbia

Hilton Columbia Center

Moxy Columbia Downtown

Cambria Hotel Columbia Downtown The Vista

Gallus Stadium Park Inn, an Ascend Collection Hotel

Renovated 1 BR, 1 BA in the Heart of USC Campus

Large 3000 sqft Home near USC/Downtown/Tennis

The Rose Door Retreat w/ Huge King Bedroom Suite

Stadium View Stay | 2BR 1 BA in Rosewood

Other attractions near South Carolina State Fairgrounds

University of South Carolina

Williams Brice Stadium

South Carolina Military Museum

McKissick Museum

Carolina Coliseum

Koger Center for the Arts

Colonial Life Arena

Founders Park

Frequently asked questions