Planning a trip to the Capital City of South Carolina but worried about leaving the furry members of your family behind?
Not to worry!
A lot of hotels in Columbia, South Carolina are pet friendly!
By choosing to stay at one of the pet friendly hotels in Columbia, SC, you can bring your furry loved ones along with you.
Here, I’ll be looking at some options for the best Columbia, SC pet friendly hotels, so read on to learn where you can book a stay in the Soda City that lets you travel with your pets.

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Finding Hotels in Columbia That Are Pet Friendly Tips
So, first off, every hotel discussed on the list below are pet friendly Columbia, SC hotels. Truthfully, there are lots more pet friendly hotels in Columbia, South Carolina too.
However, do keep in mind that pet policies can vary from hotel to hotel. For example, there are some dog friendly hotels in Columbia, SC that are not cat friendly.
I’ve included only hotels friendly to both cats and dogs on this list.
So, you won’t see the Aloft Downtown Columbia hotel on this list even though it’s one of my favorite and top recommendations for Columbia hotels. That’s because it allows dogs but not cats. If you’re only bringing Fido along, it does make a great option though.

Also, different hotels have different size and weight limits as well as different fees, sometimes varying by length of stay.
Wherever possible, I have noted those restrictions below so you can be sure the hotel can accommodate the 4 legged members of your family and know just what to expect fee wise.
I have noticed in researching for this article though that occasionally you’ll find contradictory information between hotel’s official websites and large compilations sites. I’ve noted the information I could find on the actual hotel websites to hopefully give you the most accurate information possible.
When in doubt, though, it’s always best to double check.
When making your reservation at any of these Columbia, SC pet friendly hotels be sure to let them know you’ll be bringing your pet or pets. Some only allow pets in particular rooms or particular floors.
Finally, I’ve tried to include a variety of locations on this list, including some places in downtown Columbia but also some other pet friendly hotels near Columbia, SC that might be the best fit for you depending on your travel purpose.

Best Pet Friendly Hotels in Columbia, SC
Ok, let’s get into this list of the best cat and dog friendly hotels in Columbia, SC.
1. Cambria Hotel – Best Pet Friendly Hotel Downtown
The Cambria Hotel in the Vista is my pick for the overall best pet friendly hotel in Columbia, SC. In fact, it’s one of my top picks for any hotel in Columbia, and one of the best values downtown.
That location is tough to beat, close to Columbia’s top attractions, close to the university, and close to the State House and financial district. Plus, its location in the heart of the Vista means it’s an easy walk to lots of great restaurants and bars (many of them also pet friendly).
Rooms here are very nice and the hotel is known for having exceptional service and has some of the best reviews in all of Columbia, much less reviews for pet friendly hotels in Columbia. It also has the second cheapest fee for pets on this list and among the most flexible policies on size and weight restrictions.
Pet Policies:
- Pet Limit: 2 pets per room (no specification on type of pet)
- Weight/size restriction: None listed
- Fees: $50
2. Graduate Columbia – Best Pet Friendly Hotel Near USC
The Graduate Columbia is such a lovely hotel!
It’s got a neat and creative decor that is colorful yet classic and elegant. It also has the cheapest fees of any hotel on this list, and in a nice touch, their website says they will have some complimentary welcome treats for your pet!
They do have one of the smaller size and weight limits, which is a fair trade off considering the smaller and intimate size of this hotel. Although, if you’re traveling with a larger dog, you might have to pick another dog friendly hotel in Columbia on this list.
It would be my top choice for families visiting USC or parents coming to visit a student since it’s right next to campus. It also remains close to the downtown restaurant district, meaning it’s a great choice even if you’re not coming to visit the university.
Pet Policies:
- Pet Limit: 2 pets per room (no specification on type of pet)
- Weight/size restriction: 35 pounds
- Fees: $35
3. Garden Inn – Best Near Airport or West Columbia and Lexington
If you need a pet friendly hotel in Columbia, SC and need or want to be near the airport, in West Columbia, or with easy access to Lexington, the Garden Inn Columbia Airport should be your top choice.
The location is right next to Lexington Medical Center, just off the interstate and still just a 20 minute or less drive from downtown and USC. The airport is 10 minutes or less away, and downtown Lexington can be reached quickly and easily. So really, the location is the best of all worlds.
Pet Policies:
- Pet Limit: 2 pets per room (no specification on type of pet)
- Weight/size restriction: 75 pounds
- Fees: $75 for 1-4 night stays and $125 for 5+ night stays
4. Hampton Inn – Best for Harbison, Irmo, and I-26 Access
If you need or want to be near the Harbison or Irmo area, the Hampton Inn I-26 at Harbison is a great option for Columbia, SC pet friendly hotel.
This hotel is just off of I-26 and just a short drive from Columbiana Center and all the dining and entertainment options in Harbison while remaining only a short drive from downtown Columbia. It also offers easier access to Lake Murray than the other places on this list.
It’s also got fairly cheap fees for pets, although they do charge more for longer stays.
Pet Policies:
- Pet Limit: 2 pets per room (dogs and cats only)
- Weight/size restriction: none
- Fees: $50 for 1-4 night stays and $75 for 5+ night stays
5. Residence Inn – Best Choice Near Fort Jackson
If you are visiting someone stationed at or have business at or near Fort Jackson, the Residence Inn in the Northeast near Fort Jackson should be your top choice for Columbia, SC pet friendly hotel.
Located just off I-77 and near several other major roads, this hotel is not just very close to the gates of the base, but it also offers easy access to getting around to all the other things to do and see in Columbia.
The suite options here are also a really good choice for longer stays.
Pet Policies:
- Pet Limit: 2 pets per room (no specification on type of pet)
- Weight/size restriction: 75 pounds combined
- Fees: $75 every 7 days

Which pet friendly hotel in Columbia will you book?
Now you’ve got some great options for pet friendly hotels in Columbia, SC.
Whether you’re coming for leisure, for business, to visit USC, or to visit family stationed at Fort Jackson, you should have a good option for a pet friendly hotel in Columbia here.
If you are planning a trip with your furry friends in tow, I hope this list was useful, and, most importantly, you and them have a great and comfortable stay!
Cheers and Happy Exploring!
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