Are you wondering what the closest hotels are to the University of South Carolina campus in Columbia? This list will help! We have pulled together our top picks for where to stay when visiting USC.
Whether you are in town for a Gamecocks event, a USC graduation ceremony or maybe a campus tour, let our local knowledge point you in the right direction.
What You’ll Find In This Article
Map of Hotels Near The USC Campus
Other articles on places to stay in Columbia, SC
Hotels near The University of South Carolina campus
Below you’ll find our top picks of where to stay when visiting USC in Columbia. This list highlights hotels both on the Carolina campus as well as those that are close by. You’ll also see our recommendations for nearby restaurants.
Gorgeous hotel on Carolina’s campus
The Graduate is by far the most beautifully designed hotel in all of Columbia. And it happens to be located on the University of South Carolina’s campus! It’s the former home of the The Inn at USC, just a block from The Horseshoe.
The Graduate will provide an unforgettable stay as one of only two 4-star hotels in the city. We like that it’s close to Five Points because there are so many great restaurants in the area. Our must-visits include Mr. Friendly’s, Gourmet Shop and Drip. Five Points is about a 15 minute walk from the Graduate.
One of the highest-rated hotels near USC, the Courtyard By Marriot is ideally located if you’re visiting the west end of campus. They have ample amenities including a bistro and bar as well as an outdoor pool.
The hotel is located on Assembly Street which a great starting point to walk all over campus. It’s across the street from the Darla Moore School of Business, Carolina Coliseum and the Koger Center.
It’s a great pick if you are looking for a hotel in downtown Columbia but still want to be near Carolina’s campus. And by “near” we mean practically on campus!
Stellar hotel in the Vista
Located near the Columbia Convention Center, the Hilton Columbia Center is a bit further from USC’s campus but still only about a 10-minute walk (1/2 mile) to The Horseshoe in the heart of USC’s Campus. The second of two 4-star hotels, this hotel will keep you comfortable away from home
The Hilton Columbia Center is located in The Vista, home to one of Columbia’s most popular dining and nightlife districts. This makes it a great place to stay if you are looking for plenty of dining and entertainment options to choose from.
There are several other great hotels in The Vista a little further from USC’s campus but still great options if you’re visiting USC.
Closest hotel to the USC Law School in downtown Columbia
Located near the USC Law School, The Hilton Garden Inn is ideally situated for access to the northeast end of USC’s campus and is just four blocks from the USC horseshoe. The hotel offers comfortable rooms and ample amenities including exercise equipment and an indoor pool.
Hilton Garden Inn is only four blocks from Main Street, which is home to some of Columbia’s best dining. We love Cantina 76 for a casual dinner, Lula Drake’s for a date night and Hall’s Chop House for the best fine dining in Columbia. While it’s close to Main Street, we’d recommend walking during daylight but maybe taking a ride share back just to be safe!
Suites with separate living and sleeping spaces
The Home2 Suites is co-located in the same building as the Hilton Garden Inn listed above. While the Hilton Garden Inn has traditional hotel rooms, Home2 Suites offers suite-style hotel rooms that are more budget-friendly and better suited for long stays.
Each suite has separate living and sleeping spaces and a kitchen.
The location is great for accessing USC’s campus near the USC Law School and is just a few blocks away from the popular Main Street District.