Where do I start with this property?

I had to go to Columbia for a trade show. Stayed at the Hilton as I am an honors member and I stay at their family hotels when I can. This hotel was very nice, up to hilton standards if you will, but very frustrating at the same time.

I'll start with the good. Check in was fast and easy. The front desk staff was very nice and it was well staffed, better staffed even than most in much larger complexes. I was put on the third floor with a King size bed. The room was very nice and spacious. Flat screen TV with some HD TV. HIlton bed is always great. Bathroom was up to date and clean. The free Wi-Fi worked very well and it was very fast.

Now the frustrating (not so much bad but made you scratch your head). Some of these sound petty but they are the last things you want to deal with on a trip. Website stated $10 to park per day. No big deal. It was $12. OK, fair enough...if this were a downtown hotel. Columbia doesn't really have a downtown area to speak of. It's as if the Hilton had room so they constructed a garage just so they can charge you for parking. May even be city run, I don't know I don't care. There is plenty of space to have a lot for your guests. It's Columbia, not NY. As i stated before, the bathrooms were nice and very clean. The shampoo, conditioner and body was was all Thomas Roth, very nice. But where should I put them in the shower? On the small ledge for that...oh wait...there wasn't one. Just the ridged bar soap holder that they kept falling off of. I shouldn't have to bend over 15 times while taking a shower. It was petty, but infuriating. Lastly, I had to leave the hotel everytime I wanted something to eat. Sure they have a restaurant, a Ruth Chris Steakhouse. Very nice...very out of my work budget.

This was a very nice property but a frustrating stay. It's like they were building for a large downtown city and forgot they were in Columbia, SC. Last year I stayed at the Holiday Inn around the corner. Rooms were just as nice, parking was free and they had a free breakfast (not very good, but free). And it was about $20 per night cheaper. If you are on an unlimited budget, choose the Hilton. Otherwise, there are better options.

Great experience staying here, looked like a new hotel. At check in the women was quick and had all my preferences in order and even game us an upgraded room. The staff was friendly and professional. Loved the room, very clean and modern. Got room service from Ruth's Chris and it was top shelf, the price was much cheaper than RC's in other parts of the country. Nice area, great for a walk around town. Just there for one night and it was a seemless experience.

Had a bridal shower at the Hilton Columbia Center and we had an amazing time. Holly Boozer is the perfect person to contact if you have an idea and need help planning. The room was PERFECT, the bed was like sleeping on a cloud and I did not want to wake up. We had a wonderful time and will go back!! Thank you Hilton - - Thank you Holly!!

Have stayed here for business travel numerous times as well as for USC football games. The rooms are very large and the onsite Ruth Chris is a plus as well. The hotel staff is always very nice as well.