If you are visiting Columbia soon you may be wondering about the best hotels near Riverbanks Zoo. We actually get asked about it so much that we wrote up this quick guide to help with your decision. So, if you are looking for a hotel close by for your next visit to Riverbanks Zoo, start here!
Each of these hotels has something different to offer. Whether you are looking for extreme proximity to the zoo, a hotel near other popular kid-friendly Columbia attractions or a hotel near shopping, dining and nightlife we’ve got you covered.
Map of Hotels Near Riverbanks Zoo
Recommended Hotels Near Riverbanks Zoo
This list covers some of our favorite hotels near Riverbanks Zoo that will make your visit all the more enjoyable.
The Aloft Hotel in The Vista is a great place for families to stay when visiting the Riverbanks Zoo. Aloft’s casual family-friendly atmosphere makes families traveling with kids feel welcome.
Situated in the heart of The Vista it is just a quick 3-mile drive to Riverbanks Zoo. The hotel’s location offers the widest range of dining and entertainment that Columbia has to offer.
If you’re looking for the perfect location to stay when visiting kid-friendly attractions in Columbia, look no further than SpringHill Suites in The Vista. It offers easy access to multiple attractions and is conveniently located near the dining and shopping in the Vista.
Located on the western edge of The Vista, it is just across Huger Street from the SC State Museum and Edventure Children’s Museum. You can easily walk to the two museums from the hotel property. On top of that, SpringHill Suites is under 3 miles from Riverbanks Zoo!
Hotel Trundle is a boutique hotel in downtown Columbia’s Main Street District. It’s a fun art deco gem with character and attention to detail. We definitely think this locally-owned hotel is worth splurging on.
Though it’s not at the doorstep of the zoo, Hotel Trundle is a great home base for exploring all that Downtown Columbia has to offer. And don’t worry, the drive to Riverbanks Zoo is a straightforward 3-mile trip!
If you’re in search of a large full-service hotel in Columbia with all the bells and whistles, the Marriott Hotel on Main Street is the place for you. This Marriot has everything you would expect including a restaurant and indoor pool.
The short 3-mile drive to Riverbanks Zoo is easy and you’ll be able to stroll down Main Street after you return.
185 Stoneridge Drive | near West Columbia
If you are looking for a hotel that is as close to Riverbanks Zoo as it gets, then look no further than Tru by Hilton. Located just off Greystone Boulevard, this is our recommendation out of the handful of hotels located just across I-126 from the zoo entrance.
Located just 1/2 mile from Riverbanks Zoo, it is only a two-minute drive. Although not a long distance, we don’t recommend walking as it is not particularly pedestrian-friendly.
While Tru by Hilton offers close proximity to the zoo the surrounding area doesn’t have much to offer in the way of dining and attractions as some of the other downtown hotels on our list.
We hope this article on hotels near Riverbanks helps with planning your trip to Columbia. If you haven’t been to the zoo yet, make sure to check out our complete guide to Riverbanks.
