Staybridge Suites Columbia by IHG — Hotel in Columbia

We were in town for a concert & specifically chose this hotel bc it advertised an indoor heated pool. We were originally told we could have a late checkout (reward members). Our plan was to hang out in the pool for a while before driving back. Was really anticipating a warm pool to offset the cold February temperatures! Again, my sole reason for choosing this hotel!

Staff at checkin was nice but it would have been nice to know a few things upfront- like construction going on & the pool being broke. During our stay we made it our task to pick up random sharp screws left all around the property floors. Obviously its the construction crew that dropped them (which btw were not actively working while we were there, just lots of equipment, storage containers taking 1/3 of the parking and boxes everywhere in the lobby) but i feel like IF the halls were vacuumed properly, that would have been taking care of. On day 2 we learned that they're waiting on a part to fix the pool heater. Again, the pool why my #1 reason for choosing this hotel, as compared to comparable hotels that were cheaper but had outdoor pools. I would not have stayed here otherwise. Staff didnt care & said the water is lukewarm... it was ice cold and the thermostat in the pool room was locked on 72°. If you know that the water is freezing, bump up the temp in the room! Nonetheless, we had packed for swimming & took the polar plunge challenge. 10 miserable minutes. Got back to the room & our door cards didn't work- even though we had late checkout at 2pm (normally 12p). It was just passed noon & now having to deal with this, cold and wet. Now we're told that we have to leave by 1pm bc they're fully booked that night too. I understand. But, again, communication would have been nice. Overall, the staff was nice when you could find someone. The only time we seen someone at the front desk was when we checked in. I went a few times with questions but no one was there. I also tried calling down several times throughout our stay, no answer on each attempt except the last one. Normally hotel rooms have papers in the room to inform you of various things, ie: check in/out times, tv guide/channels, emergency exits, where to find things like ice, laundry, food reccomendations, a bible, etc. This room had nothing! Im pretty sure the exit map is a legal requirement. Not a complaint, just saying. Did see the "manager" making his rounds around the property shortly after checkin. He never introduced himself, but you could tell he was in charge by his dress & mannerism. He always smiled & said hello, appeared professional & seemed to care about his work.

Room 507 was nice (top floor). Newly remodeled & stocked dishes for 3 people. Ice maker didn't work even. Room had 2 windows but 1 was missing the sheer curtains. There were SEVERAL trains that come by but they're only noticeable when sleeping. Beds were comfy. It had the longest sofa that I'd ever seen! The shower was cold on the first night, but hot the next day... which was great after the cold pool.

LOVED the shower head & water pressure was great! Loved that they provide full sized toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, bodywash, lotion, handsoap) instead of mini bottles. Labels said Dove, but it didn't smell like Dove. Still good though. The hairdryer was impressively strong.

The location was good. Right off the exit and close to everything downtown. While there we visited the Colonial Life Center, Botanical Gardens. Riverbank Zoo and the River Walk Park, in addition to a few great restaurants. Everything within a quick drive. Due to heavy traffic and no red-light, it is rather difficult to make a left hand turn into the hotels driveway.

For this particular visit, considering construction, lacking of adjacent parking due to construction and lack of advertised amenities. I feel that we over paid. Its typical for hotels to offer discounted rates when they know these things and should warn guests ahead of time. Having said that, assuming the above items are completed and/or repaired... I'd...

There are not enough words to express how thankful my family and I are for the Huger St. Staybridge Suites. But I can come up with several!

Our family has had to find a temporary place to live while we had some repairs on our home. We have been displaced for about 3 mos... I must tell you that this time has flown by because it has been so enjoyable! Firstly, our "room" is not a room but a 2 bedroom and 2 bathroom suite that has comfortably housed myself, my husband, our toddler, and MIL. Ms. Flor and the other housekeeping staff keep us stocked with towels and help us keep our space clean. Not to mention they adore our toddler. He has autism and we are so thankful for the interaction from a variety of people that he has been blessed with during our stay.

I work 12+ hour shifts at my job and sometimes I'm still at work and not able to make breakfast or dinner. Staybridge has a full breakfast with high quality foods every morning and a small dinner M-W. Ms. Kiki personally cooks and her food is delicious.

It can be challenging to get out onto Huger St when attempting to drive to other places. But it's located in the heart of downtown so once you do, it's easily accessible to West Columbia, Forest Acres, Lexington and Irmo.

The best part of our stay has been the hospitality. Everyone is friendly, seems to enjoy their jobs, and never mind helping. And we have needed a range of help from needing new room keys to one night needing help getting my MIL up after a fall. They have also had some fun activities during the holiday season including a cookie decorating night and a Polar Express movie night for the kids.

Thanks to the management team, the housekeeping team, Amanda, Hannah, Julianne, Marissa and Sherri with the front desk, Kiki, Jorge, and Kevin, our stay has felt less like we're in a hotel and more like we are staying in an apartment and they are our neighbors: Happy to help or chat, visit with your kids, and even save you some dinner when you're running late. Please forgive me if I've left anyone out.

I work in healthcare and regularly work with people that are temporarily working in the area; I continue to recommend this Staybridge whenever possible. I would stay here again and would aim to stay at other Staybridge suites whenever we travel. We are so grateful for everyone for helping us make what could be a major inconvenience a great...

A reservation does not guarantee a room! Confirm your reservation. Multiple times!

My wife and I were thrilled when we found a two bedroom suite that would accommodate us, our two year old toddler, and our dog. We accepted the elevated price, acknowledging the elevated price to ensure a comfortable and restful night's sleep for all. It was quite a shock and disappointment for us to discover the day of our arrival that our reservation had been altered our reservation to two separate, non-adjoined rooms, all without any attempt to contact us to alert us of the change.

Since we arrived late in the evening, we were unable to speak to a manager until the next day (Friday) in an attempt to resolve the issue. Upon doing so, we were offered a partial refund on the room. However, when we were contacted towards the end of the day we were informed that the refund would be a small fraction of what was originally offered and, to receive the full amount, we would need to contact the site we booked through. After doing so, the booking site informed us that the hotel would not approve the refund and our attempt to contact the hotel directly has resulted in no response.

While it can be expected that unforeseen circumstances will arise which require both business and customer to adjust, the failure to communicate these changes and the blatant refusal to follow through with the offered partial refund is absolutely unacceptable.

On top of this, the indoor pool on premises, which our daughter was very excited about, had an Out of Order sign up all weekend. Even when we were assured by the front desk that we were allowed to go in, the pool was so heavily chlorinated that it was uncomfortable to stay for more than 15 minutes.

The saving graces for all of this, and the only reasons why this receives a two star review, is that the rooms themselves were very well kept and the beds were comfortable.

I will not be doing business with this company again in the future based on these...