I actually live in Columbia, but live on the other side of town and booked this hotel because it is close to downtown where we would be out partying. The hotel is in great shape inside and out. We actually got a good price by booking on priceline, but I've been to different events at this hotel and have always had great service. The rooms are quiet and comfy and the parking garage has always allowed us free parking here on the weekends. Cab rides from this hotel to the vista are about $5, and the front desk staff can very quickly call you a cab to take you wherever you'd like to go. There are a few restaurants in walking distance around the corner, as well as other little shops on Sumter street and Main street, but not much in the way of night life until you head towards the vista or 5 Points.

We didn't really encounter any problems while we were here. Someone made a negative review mentioning the hotel isn't secure, but there were no odd people hanging around and I never felt unsafe here. Just remember to put your "do not disturb" tag on the door or the maid service will be knocking bright and early! The hotel does have a bar, restaurant as well as an exercise center and indoor pool. If we want another quick downtown getaway we might take advantage of these!

I have stayed at this hotel about 6 different nights now and the amount of service shown by the staff is amazing. Everyone I met, was extremely friendly. Even the housekeeping staff always smile and wish you a good day. An operation that keeps the housekeeping staff happy is a place I want to stay. Beds are extremely comfortable. TV has BBCAmerica but sometimes the channels are not correct on the list. Pillows are great. Bathrooms are comfortable and there is always enough water pressure, no matter the floor.
Now for the food. This Marriott has a great restaurant and bar. The food is excellent, staff is friendly and attentive. The second time i was there, the morning waiter remembered what I wanted to drink from the last time. Prices are normal for a hotel. Allen, the omelet chef, will make your morning with one of his omelets.
I stayed at this hotel for South Carolina National Guard Yellow Ribbon events.( If you don't know about these look them up.) I also stayed for a USO event. The events were well done and the hotel showed a great deal of support for our returning military members and their families.

Came down with a good friend for a Women's Conference at a local church. Check in went smoothly as we were allowed to check in before check-in time. Staff was very courteous and accommodating. No problems with room (2nd floor). Comfortable beds. A/C worked great. Would recommend.

I just returned from Columbia, S.C. and a stay at the Marriott on Hampton Street in downtown Columbia. My husband was staying at the property for the S.C. Primary and my daughter (age 5) and I met up with him for the weekend there. We were enjoying our stay until we returned from an outing and entered the hotel around 5 pm. It wasn't quite dark yet. We entered from the parking deck (a self park deck for Marriott guests) into the Marriott. We used our guest key to enter the pool area right off this entrance because my little girl wanted to see the pool. As we walked through the so-called "secure" pool entrance, a man was sitting at a poolside table and he began speaking to us. I couldn't tell what he was asking - It was inaudible b/c the pool area has a lot of echo. As I reached the second door to enter into the guest room area on floor 2 by the pool, the man got up and began following us into the hotel. We ran down to the elevator. My little girl pushed the up button but I pushed the down button, knowing it was not safe to be going up. I made sure to secure my purse and put my room key in my pocket b/c I heard the man approach us from behind. By some miracle, the elevator doors opened. I noticed the elevator was going up and I decided to make a move to see if anyone was in the elevator b/c we needed to move or do something to get away from this stranger. Thankfully, a woman and a man were in the elevator so we got in. I couldn't believe it but the strange man followed us into the up elevator. I don't think he saw the people in there until he got close. The lady could tell we were terrified of this man by the look in my eyes. She mouthed the words, "follow me." We got off on the 10th floor and as all of us exited, the strange man in the elevator said, "oh man, you're all getting off??!!" After the coast seemed clear, the lady came with us and we all went to the lobby to speak to the manager. I believe the other man called the manager to alert him immediately of this incident so when we got there he was already around the hotel looking for the perpetrator. In the meantime, the guest agent told us that homeless people sometimes make their way into the hotel by the pool b/c the door doesn't always shut properly. The manager then came back and he did not find this stranger. I just want to WARN all who stay at this hotel to beware that this hotel is NOT SECURE. The manager and the worker behind the desk talked with us as we explained the incident. But in the end, I left feeling dissatisfied that they did enough to ensure the safety of other guests. I was really shaken by this, even though I consider myself pretty street smart, having lived in medium sized to large cities all my life. So I just want to send the warning to all others contemplating a stay at this property. It's horrible. They not only need to fix the door by the pool to ensure safety of guests but also keep security cameras in the area.