Graduate by Hilton Columbia, S.C.

Hotel · University Hill

Graduate by Hilton Columbia, S.C.

Hotel · University Hill

1

1619 Pendleton St, Columbia, SC 29201

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Graduate by Hilton Columbia, S.C. by null
Graduate by Hilton Columbia, S.C. by null
Graduate by Hilton Columbia, S.C. by null
Graduate by Hilton Columbia, S.C. by null
Graduate by Hilton Columbia, S.C. by null
Graduate by Hilton Columbia, S.C. by null
Graduate by Hilton Columbia, S.C. by null
Graduate by Hilton Columbia, S.C. by null
Graduate by Hilton Columbia, S.C. by null
Graduate by Hilton Columbia, S.C. by null
Graduate by Hilton Columbia, S.C. by null
Graduate by Hilton Columbia, S.C. by null
Graduate by Hilton Columbia, S.C. by null
Graduate by Hilton Columbia, S.C. by null
Graduate by Hilton Columbia, S.C. by null
Graduate by Hilton Columbia, S.C. by null
Graduate by Hilton Columbia, S.C. by null
Graduate by Hilton Columbia, S.C. by null
Graduate by Hilton Columbia, S.C. by null
Graduate by Hilton Columbia, S.C. by null
Graduate by Hilton Columbia, S.C. by null
Graduate by Hilton Columbia, S.C. by null
Graduate by Hilton Columbia, S.C. by null
Graduate by Hilton Columbia, S.C. by null
Graduate by Hilton Columbia, S.C. by null
Graduate by Hilton Columbia, S.C. by null
Graduate by Hilton Columbia, S.C. by null
Graduate by Hilton Columbia, S.C. by null
Graduate by Hilton Columbia, S.C. by null
Graduate by Hilton Columbia, S.C. by null
Graduate by Hilton Columbia, S.C. by null
Graduate by Hilton Columbia, S.C. by null
Graduate by Hilton Columbia, S.C. by null
Graduate by Hilton Columbia, S.C. by null
Graduate by Hilton Columbia, S.C. by null
Graduate by Hilton Columbia, S.C. by null
Graduate by Hilton Columbia, S.C. by null
Graduate by Hilton Columbia, S.C. by null
Graduate by Hilton Columbia, S.C. by null
Graduate by Hilton Columbia, S.C. by null
Graduate by Hilton Columbia, S.C. by null
Graduate by Hilton Columbia, S.C. by null
Graduate by Hilton Columbia, S.C. by null
Graduate by Hilton Columbia, S.C. by null

Highlights

In a charming federal-style building near the University of South Carolina, this vibrant hotel offers eclectic decor, cozy rooms, and a lively café/bar.  

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1619 Pendleton St, Columbia, SC 29201 Get directions

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1619 Pendleton St, Columbia, SC 29201 Get directions

+1 803 779 7779
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Jul 10, 2025

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"Graduate Columbia offers Southern hospitality with 119 guest rooms featuring Gamecock-inspired decor. The on-site restaurant, the Trophy Room, serves American comfort food and fun cocktails." - Alexandra Cheney

5 Luxury Hotels Located Near U.S. National Parks - AFAR
View Postcard for Graduate Columbia, S.C.

robert joyce

Google
Enjoyed my 2 night stay here. The rooms are clean and comfortable. The hotel is conveniently located so I could walk to all area attractions. The staff is extremely friendly and helpful. I loved the Trophy room and its staff. Good food and drinks offered throughout the day and night.

Beka Stafford

Google
This charming hotel perfectly blends Southern hospitality with unique, collegiate-inspired decor, making it a standout destination for visitors. The Graduate has a rich history, as it’s situated near the University of South Carolina, with its design thoughtfully incorporating nods to the school’s spirit and local traditions. From the vibrant lobby wallpaper to the quirky yet elegant furnishings, every detail feels carefully curated to celebrate the area’s culture. The staff at were incredibly friendly and welcoming, parking is very reasonable at $10 per night, the bed and pillows are super comfy, and the shower products smell amazing! The restaurant area is really cozy. I found the breakfast menu to be quite small, but the dinner menu fit our needs well. The club sandwich was a hit! Overall, the Graduate is a fantastic choice for anyone visiting the city. Its convenient location, historical charm, and warm hospitality make it a memorable experience.

José Manuel Lorenzo

Google
I had the pleasure of staying at Graduate by Hilton, and it was truly an exceptional experience. From the moment I arrived, the staff's attention to detail and genuine hospitality stood out. The service was flawless—every team member went above and beyond to ensure every aspect of my stay was perfect. Whether it was a warm greeting, personalized recommendations, or the prompt handling of any requests, the staff truly made me feel valued. The accommodations were immaculate and thoughtfully designed, reflecting a keen eye for detail and comfort. Every corner of the property exuded elegance and care, from the beautifully maintained common areas to the well-appointed rooms.

Jan Hrivnak

Google
Graduate by Hilton is a nice place to stay with its unique charm and interior decor that is one of a kind, if you are into that type of a design. Beds are super comfortable and staff is very kind and attentive. The only surprise for me was the shower which is not matching the rest of the experience. Important detail to overlook for me but I don’t want it to take away from the overall positive experience. Maybe it was my room only.

KISS

Google
I wasn’t aware that Hilton had acquired the Graduate hotels. They really offer some of the most impressive facilities, all filled with unique charm and character. The Trophy Room is a historic treasure in its own right. Make sure to try the Old Fashioned, and take the opportunity to speak with Tom about the fascinating history of the Cola Graduate.

Paul Padovani

Google
Great location for school visits and overall. Clean eclectic rooms and the main level has a nice little bar and multiple seating areas. Would definitely go back. The elevator was broken and is the only reason for 3 star service

Sheri Andro

Google
The hotel itself presents as very fun and it is decorated very nicely. The details is where this hotel fails. My daughter and I checked in on Friday for a bridal shower we were helping with and attending on Saturday. My daughter had her own reservation (or so she thought, she had her own confirmation number) under her own name for one night. When I checked in they gave me her reservation and her mine...that started a series of mishaps that the hotel could not seem to get straight. I was supposed to be in a king room for two nights but they gave me her double queen room for one night. We were supposed to be close together (something we confirmed the day before) and we were on different floors. We went back down to the desk and they switched it for us but they still have me the double queens and her the King. And the rooms were a block apart. Back down we went to the desk and they told us they corrected it but on Saturday I was locked out of my room and they had to work through it again. When we got home my daughter had three pending charges on her credit card and I had two on mine and not for small amounts. When I finally got in my room there was garbage left in the trash can from the last guest and zero water in the refrigerator even though the sign on the frig said there was complimentary water for the guests. It was late at night and I had to go all the way down to the desk to find water. When I spoke with the hotel they offered a very weak apology and nothing else. The manager was not available (again) and the supervisor I spoke with didn't seem to be concerned with the series of failures we were put through. We spent the entire evening setting up in their event space for the bridal shower and the room was set up incorrectly so we had to move all the furniture on our own...the person that worked for the hotel that takes care of that had gone home for the evening. The event space was dirty and we ended up cleaning it ourselves. When my daughter, who is the maid of honor and was working with the mother of the bride for the shower, voiced her concerns to the person she was to work with at the hotel, Tyler, he didn't bother to call her, he high-lighted in red his excuses and no apologies for the state of the room - very poor service recovery on an email. He said that he didn't know we were setting up on Friday night even thought the event specialist for the hotel, Krystie told my daughter that we could set up the night before. They told us the wrong size tables so the table cloths we bought were too long and we were concerned people would trip on them. The room was so dirty we ended up cleaning the counters and wiping down the front of the cabinets as there was coffee and tea spilled down the front of the cabinets. My daughter ended up vacuuming the entire space - again - Tyler argued that it was a mess we created so ..... really, paying a large sum of money to use the space and no one is on site to help with the event. So basically, we paid them to clean their space. You need a fair amount of time to set up there as they don't offer table cloths, silverware or the basic things that most event spaces have available - we had to bring it all. When the event was over we bussed all the tables cleaning up all the dirty plates, cups and serving platers. It seems like there is a disconnect between Krystie and Tyler. Tyler's arguing with paying customers is just poor customer service. You might think that this doesn't matter to your business but over time if things continue to be this difficult for your paying customers word will get out. A simple apology goes a long way. Arguing as to why you are right and it is okay to cause your paying customers to run all over the hotel trying to fix their reservations and getting them incorrect time after time after time and then offering them zero for their wasted time and energy is very poor service recovery. We will be traveling back to the area for the wedding in the spring and we will not be staying with The Graduate Hotel. What a disappointing experience.

Keith Pohl

Google
This quirky, colorful hotel is a wonderful break from the "typical" hotel. In addition, the on site restaurant has great wings and drinks for a quick lunch.

A J.

Yelp
Great location if visiting campus as you can walk a couple blocks to Russell House and other main attractions on campus. The suite was nice for my son and I as the sofa pulled out and we only needed that for the one night before orientation. Parking is plentiful and adjacent to the front entrance with a couple spots by the door. My only complaint here is the service in the bar/restaurant. Service is slow due to one bar tender taking orders and one making drinks. My food arrived with no utensils or accompaniments. I was directed to come back to the bar for that. For the price the location was good. However now that we know the lay of the land, a bigger chain or Airbnb would be a more economical choice

Jessica H.

Yelp
I have never stayed here, but their restaurant area, called The Trophy Room is always good. The service is friendly and fast, and I usually get the Chicken Caesar Salad, which is one of the best that I have ever had. It's huge too, I usually can only eat half! I love the ambiance. It's got a nice cozy feel and there is so much to look at. It's very eclectic and a definite must see!

Nicholas D.

Yelp
The restaurant for breakfast is just terrible. Assuming you are willing to wait 20 minutes for a cup of coffee then you might be ok. Understaffed Under trained Sloppy service and attention to detail Where is management? Does anyone care? Simple changes needed but no one seems motivated. Just horrendous

Ami A.

Yelp
This is a boutique hotel with a restaurant/bar located on the university of South Carolina campus in downtown Columbia. The decor is heavily curated to fit into the Carolina's Gamecock theme. The hotel has lots of small rooms and lounge areas in the lobby as well as areas on patios outside. We ordered drinks and deserts and enjoyed the beautifully decorated lobby as well as creative cocktails and strawberry shortcake. What a fabulous hotel concept~ can't wait to explore other Graduate hotels in iconic college towns!

Aaron S.

Yelp
I will first state my visit here was not an overnight stay, but for a one day training conference. But the ambiance and decor of this place was so impressive that I would be remiss if I did not give it a proper review. This place is hidden in the heart of Columbia. You will take more turns than imaginable to get here and you'll be surprised how close it is to the USC campus. When I arrived the waves of students were walking en masse to their respective buildings. The exterior blends right in with the historical architecture and might make you wonder what awaits inside. But there is no possible way of fully preparing your imagination for the visually wonderland within. The designs, pops of color, just simply gorgeous decor is mesmerizing. You will want to come here just for that reason, but there's still more. The team here exemplify hospitality. They also have a answer, suggestion, and a smile. Then there's the Trophy Room. There is no better name because you will feel like a winner the moment you walk in. The setting; low lights, warm colors, tall windows, and a bar stock deep as the ocean. This is where you come to end the day-week-whatever you want to set aside for awhile. But again, I was here for a day so my experience was limited. But I do want to come back and stay. One key factor in this is they are pet friendly. Gotta have my furry family members with me.

Melissa E.

Yelp
I want to love Graduate Hotels SO BAD. Their decor is so charming and the locations are convenient to campuses. All the properties I have been to are older buildings converted into a hotel. I don't mind the quirks that come with that which others might complain about (small bathrooms, poor lighting, etc). I have stayed at Evanston, IL, Knoxville, TN, been to Stanford for cocktails and most recently stayed at this property. A couple things ALL have a common are being operated somewhat inefficiently and that they are DOWN RIGHT DIRTY. This property was no exception. The fact that my 16 year old son points out all the "body hair" in the shower says it all. Grimy surfaces galore.....often these are things that can be missed (or not part of the regular cleaning regime) such as the doors and light switches, but more than that this includes other places. For this Graduate experience it was the toilet tank cover, toilet seat and bathroom floor. It was so disgusting that I had to use hand sanitizing wipes to clean the bathroom. One time in Knoxville we found the previous guest's (or perhaps the one before that OR before that who knows) under garments in a drawer. I am hoping that Hilton can turn these properties around. So much potential here.

Shannon D.

Yelp
We hosted my sisters baby shower at Graduate. It was a stellar experience and the price was reasonable. We opted to serve cold appetizers and did not use their catering service. I'm not sure if this is the norm... There is a bar on site that was easily accessible from our reserved space. We did not have alcohol at the shower, but it was refreshing to grab a drink during set up and clean up! The staff went above and beyond to assist us in unloading our cars, set up the tables how we envisioned them and bring extra trash cans/chairs as needed. Everyone was so friendly and kind!! My sister had such an amazing time!!! Plenty of beautiful spots to snap photos as the decor all about is gorgeous. Highly recommend for event planning purposes. We had roughly 25 people at our shower and it was very comfortable. I'm sure the room can hold much more...

Sarah C.

Yelp
The artsy, colorful decor and rooms are what make this hotel a really unique experience. We stayed in the Bridal Suite, which was gorgeous. I especially loved the bathroom with its bright white floors and modern floral wallpaper. It was also quiet, we didn't hear any noise from the hallway or other rooms.

Della L.

Yelp
I was surprised with a birthday stay here and it was absolutely phenomenal. The property is absolutely beautiful with lots of eclectic design. Everything was absolutely beautiful from the decor of the rooms to the decor at the bar and the guest services desk. Everyone was extremely helpful and I most definitely enjoy this day. I look forward to returning.

Jeffrey G.

Yelp
Great hotel. Very accommodating. The staff was friendly from the time arrived to the time I checked out. Stayed here for a few nights due to work. Room was clean and decorated in everything UofSC-related. Walkable distance to the university as well as main street. If I ever come back to Columbia for work, I'll make sure I stay here again.

David C.

Yelp
Old furniture , old carpet , no smart TVs , no coffee service ... place felt runned down

Serena E.

Yelp
Love that the place has been renovated since I stayed there a few years back but the service had gone seriously downhill. There was an overnight manager, Black man in maybe his forties, who gave such piss poor service I genuinely wondered how much business he alone has cost this place. If a server gave me that level of service I'd leave no tip, and this is someone you have in a role of responsibility, not only managing guests, but monitoring how the employees treat guests. Invest a bit in training and this place could be a true gem again.

Vanessa E.

Yelp
I stayed at the graduate Columbia for several nights in June and had a wonderful experience. The staff was very friendly and personable.. many students! The room was very colorful, a nice change from the typical hotel room. We had a porch, my boyfriend would buy a beer from the front desk & we would enjoy relaxing on the deck. The bathroom was spacious and clean. Great spot!

Jacqui P.

Yelp
Mkay, let's start with the good things. The hotel is IMPECCABLY decorated. From the wallpaper to the toilet paper (literally), there is SO much attention to detail. Additionally, the room was VERY clean when we arrived. I also appreciate the fact that the hotel is dog friendly. This short list is mostly what you're paying for. Here is a list of the reasons I don't think the hotel is worth the price: - Front desk rarely answers the phone (This is not their fault. It is management's fault. The front desk person should not be on phones, desk, AND acting as a runner. It means that a basic request like towels takes somewhere between 30-45 minutes AFTER you finally get someone on the phone.) - There was no shuttle driver on a Saturday night???! - The restaurant is barely open, and when it is open the menu is limited. All in all, I could have stayed at the Home2Suites down the road for a cheaper price and the same (if not a better) experience. I won't stay here again. Maybe it was better pre-covid. IDK. Not a fan.

Sarah B.

Yelp
We stayed here while evacuating during a hurricane (so they became booked with short notice) AND they had just opened so maybe they were still getting the kinks out. Everyone at the front desk was super kind and responsive but there were also some basic issues that make me think the company does not have an extensive employee training program (like many hotel chains do). Housekeeping did not seem to have a checklist or a supervisor. When we checked into our room, toilet paper was missing. After the first day of having our room cleaned, soap and towels were missing. We asked for towels and we were given bath matts. The tissues on the bathroom counter were (very) wet. There is a coffee shop downstairs that sells three meals (essentially prepackaged and heated up) and on our second day the person behind the counter had been there 12 hours because their relief never arrived. You can sit at the counter or at one of the living room-type low tables (which is odd when you are having dinner with your family). On the positive side, the people are super nice- shout out to Kimberly at the front desk! The decorating is fresh and happy, and the rooms were very reasonably priced for the neighborhood. I am guessing once they have been up and running a few months they will get out the kinks. I will likely give them another try.

Geno C.

Yelp
I booked for the weekend of September 6&7 using the no cancellation pricing. We were put in a room that clearly had an ongoing leak in the air return, so much so that we had to "jump" over the wet carpet to get to the bathroom. We were offered a new room the next day but didn't want to gather our things and move with only one more night in our stay. I didn't think about the mold concern until Sunday after we had checked out. Also, not needing a shower until Sunday, as we got in that morning we noticed a huge pile of dried hair that was stuck on the wall by the shower head, gag worthy. My gripe is that if they had a room to move us to then why were we put in that particular room to begin with, because we had the no cancellation deal!!! And please, clean the shower!! I was going to book again for our extended stay in November but not now. I would like to give the hotel bar and grill a 5 star rating. The drinks and food were exceptional!!!

Tim W.

Yelp
Come on guys! If you are going to charge usurious rates, you really should take care of the small stuff. This is a $300 a night boutique-ish hotel which was jacked up to $1000 / night because it's graduation weekend. I'll give them "location", they have that in spades, but I'll always have a bad impression of The Graduate because they jacked up the room rate and seemingly have done nothing compensatory. If I am going to stay at hotels charging this sort of rate, and I have, there are a few "price of poker" sort of things that should be descriptive of the stay. First, the housekeeping staff shouldn't be flopped in chairs at the elevator watching YouTube videos! Second, there should be something other than instant coffee in the room. They have snacks downstairs, which they are happy to sell at rates similarly as ridiculous as the room charge. Third, have a restaurant at which I want to eat with a wine list containing at least something I can't pronounce. Fourth, have room service! Fifth, make sure the a/c doesn't make some sort of "self destruct mode" noise every few minutes...all through the night. Good lord...this list isn't all inclusive, but it could start to sound like I'm piling on! Ok, one more thing...a bathroom bigger than a phone booth doesn't seem unreasonable at this price. I'm a big believer in the free market. I know that graduation weekend is a supply and demand sort of thing. I just got the feeling that The Graduate was sort of like some neighborhood kid selling lemonade at some ridiculous price with absolutely no justification, looking at me like I should be thankful for the opportunity to drink Country Time from Dixie cups he took from his parents' bathroom!

Regina S.

Yelp
We like this franchise as they offer unique lodgings that cater to whatever college town the properties are located in. We booked a King suite with balcony and we're very pleased with our accommodations. Everything was clean, the standard kitschy decor created a fun and pleasant atmosphere, the bed was super comfortable and the balcony was awesome. The bathroom not only had a tub/shower combo, but also a walk in shower, which I look for when traveling as it is a much safer option. Location was excellent, the staff interactions (which were minimal) were pleasant and friendly. Biggest gripe was the lighting. I just don't understand why hotels don't put more emphasis on ambient lighting. Once the sun set, the suite almost turned gloomy due to the inefficient and unpleasant light sources. Unlike a previous poster, we had no issues with bringing our two senior Labrador Retrievers. They were even gifted two cute bandannas. Going out to do "the business" was so easy. The property had plenty of green space and fencing, which made going out with the "boys" a relatively easy endeavor, even in the middle of the night. Frankly, we were overjoyed that The Graduate accepted our pups. Lately, even hotel chains with the most generous dog policies have switched to incredibly high fees and stupid weight restrictions. Why the discrimination? I can bet our two guys left less of a footprint than some yappy lap dog. No barking, no climbing on furniture, just quiet docile furry family members. We will return, if we venture back to Columbia, but not during peak event weekends. A previous poster who mentioned the price gouging during graduation is just not right and sad when so many folks are struggling.

Jennifer T.

Yelp
First off, NOT pet friendly. Website is truly horrible and doesn't explain that you have to sign a waiver about where you can have your dog and that there are rules to follow. I was told that if my dog barked that it was a noise complaint and we would get kicked out, what?! What happened to giving a dog bag and treats like one reviewer comment? Guess not! Second off, the hotel room is dirty and needs repairs. You shouldn't smell the dogs or dirt from the animal before and we sure did, totally disgusting. The carpets were filthy! The bathroom is so small and the main door has a huge gap in it, you can't sleep in a dark room. Why is there no fan in the bathroom, do they not exist here? The put us in a room by the laundry and the workers were making noise before and after hours, keeping us up. Lastly, the amenities are truly horrible, you get nothing, no pool, no perks, the fitness room is barely a room and the treadmill is facing a wall with no tv. There isn't even any tea or coffee in the room. No free water in the lobby, not a single thing free to speak of here, at all. Parking is almost non existent with no carts to help you carry your bags. Definitely will never stay here again. One of the worst hotels that we have ever stayed in over the years.

Kathryn S.

Yelp
We stayed here for a wedding weeekebd for 3 nights. Rooms are very nice size and decorated in Gamecocks everything. Staff are very nice and helpful. Only had issue getting really hot water. Maybe we didn't know how to work faucet. Who knows! Housekeeping came daily. Nice bar on first floor. Would stay here again.

Rick T.

Yelp
A boutique hotel I'm planning on redeeming my stay here in the upcoming months. The Poindexter bar is a coffee shop that doubles as a bar. Nestled in off Pendleton Street minutes from downtown. A lot of money must have went into the remodel I'm betting definitely a upscale place. Will update after my stay.

Shanita F.

Yelp
Very cute theme and rooms! The had "oot" lamps, and I think that's connected to their mascot, the rooster. My room had a king-sized bed, and everything was decorated in the collegiate theme. There was a cute pensil and booklet with facts about the city (I assumed--I didn't actually open the booklet). The key card was something like a student ID, and the housekeeping staff wore shirts that said "Graduate 16" (at least the one I saw..) I didn't like that guests are required to pay for parking ($10), but they do have a parking garage and a small parking lot. Everything was nice and clean. There was so annoying low sounding alarm going off all night that was well, annoying, but not enough for me to figure out how to stop it or figure where it was was coming from. Check in and check out was super simple. I just gave them my ID and credit card, and I was checked in in less than 5 minutes. I did have a short wait during check out since a guest took a while to sort out her payment arrangement. One of the women at the front desk was cold and unfriendly. Didn't necessarily feel "welcomed".

Lisa P.

Yelp
We are traveling cross country and looking for different and unique places to stay. The Graduate was PERFECT! Eclectic and original decor and the staff is so friendly. We could not have asked for a better visit. Thank you Graduate!!!

Abbigail M.

Yelp
This was such a fun and helpful place to stay!! It made my designer heart happy! They just renovated in September so everything is super clean and fresh! The lobby smelled fantastic. Maybe that's wierd to say, but it smelled so good! We stayed in a junior king suite. It was roomy and perfect for us - our toddler stayed in the pack and play (provided by the hotel) in the living room and we slept in the king size bed! The bed was fantastic! Super comfy!! The bathroom was clean and spacious. I'm usually not a fan of hotel soap/shampoo/etc, but I LOVED the Malin+Goetz toiletries! I had a latte and the avocado toast at the Poindexter cafe and they were both good!! The staff was helpful and kind. I'm mom excited to stay here again soon! Im not sure what the mutt cutts van was all about, but it was a fun photo prop and fit right in with their dog friendly policy and fun and funky branding!

Olivia R.

Yelp
Booked this hotel last minute and were not disappointed! It was our first time in Columbia so we wanted to stay somewhere centrally located. Almost everything there is to do is within about 10 minutes driving distance. You can also walk to many attractions from here -- like The Horseshoe. The hotel itself was very nice. Incredibly cute decor (artsy, mid century and gamecock themed all at once!) and rooms. Super comfy beds and clean, nice linens. EXTRA FLUFFY towels -- one thing I really appreciate at a hotel! Toiletries at Malin + Goetz, a favorite of ours so that was nice too. It's always nice to have higher quality (and great smelling) toiletries at a hotel. Hair dryer provided as well. Our room did not have a tub, just a shower -- we got a king room. The price per night is really fair and affordable for this hotel has to offer. We were pleasantly surprised. Parking is $10 a night which isn't bad at all either. We slept really well and comfortably. We even enjoyed great food and coffee from the little den/bar in the hotel. Also reasonably priced. There is a nice fitness room and many common areas with TVs, games and many snacking and drink options. I believe that the Graduate just bought this hotel and converted it. It's very new and stylish, staff was all very kind. A great perk is that dogs stay free, and the hotel gives you a bark box filled with treats and toys for them! Our pup LOVED it! Overall have really enjoyed our stay and we are excited to stay at other Graduate properties now.

Madison M.

Yelp
My family really enjoyed this hotel! I love the way everything is decorated. The decor at each Graduate hotel is themed to the college campus and this hotel truly made me feel like I was staying in my dream USC dorm! The beds were INCREDIBLY comfortable and the location is great for exploring campus or downtown Columbia. I would suggest staying on the first floor to avoid the main issue we had which was that our room on the third floor was as far away from the sole guest elevator as possible. Supposedly this is to keep guests and staff safe by having them use separate elevators (doesn't make a ton of sense to me - both should be plenty safe as long as only one party is in the elevator at a time). Another pro tip - be sure to request a coffee maker in your room AND also request coffee as these items are not standard amenities.

Bratsche N.

Yelp
Mixed. Charming place, but not quite as clean as I'd hoped. I made the mistake of looking behind the night table. No water pressure in the shower, and burrito I ordered at the bar, with about 4 other guests in the in the restaurant area took 35 minutes (!)

NICOLE W.

Yelp
Unfortunately a flat tire gave us reason to find a place to stay for the night. This little hotel is a GEM! I had never heard of it, but decided to take a chance. No regrets!My husband, who rarely has an opinion when tired, even commented how new it looked and how clean it smelled. The room was nicely decorated, though Nothing matched. The colors are bright and festive but not overly so. The beds.... the beds were so comfortable and the pillows were just the right amount of fluff. The bath was a little small but had the required elements and nice, non-scratchy towels. We didn't plan this stay, but we are so pleased with how it worked out! Lemons out of lemonade.

Jamie H.

Yelp
Happened to stay at the Graduate in Chapel Hill last night and thought it was adorable. Then get to Columbia today and I'm blown away. They did a fantastic job with the fabrics and wall paper. Bedding is very comfortable. Conditioner is great. The furniture is just perfect. Everyone has been so helpful and sweet.

William R.

Yelp
This place was pretty cool. Makes you feel as if you were in college again! They even give you a college id for your room key. Gym was nice and had a peloton. It doesn't hurt they had amazing drinks available and the pretty well know Dumb and Dumber dog van! Staff was very friendly and accommodating!

Isadora S.

Yelp
I didn't like this hotel - the decor :/ it feels outdated -- the staff is nice but ;/ this chain feels outdated - bed not comfortable and it's had a little bit of a grimy feel :/ wouldn't return --

Anna G.

Yelp
Is it possible to leave a rating of less than one star? This hotel charges exorbitant rates and is horrible. The bathroom floor was dirty, the safe didn't work, the toilet was running, the lights were out and my feet were sticking to the rug. The management promised to "deep clean" the room and fix the problems, and we returned to a room that wasn't serviced at all. They charge $1850 for 2 nights. So unbelievably disappointing.

nicole c.

Yelp
The dirtiest bathroom I've ever seen. They didn't even try to clean it. That is dirt and someone else's hair.

Daniel S.

Yelp
The man working at the trophy room was extremely kind and helpful. He was attentive and checked in with us several times even though we were sitting out on the porch. I think his name is Matt, he has long blonde hair. The coffee was fantastic, and the setting was perfect. This is an underrated place to sit and relax in the city, and our server should absolutely get a raise! Nothing bad to say--Thanks Matt!

Ash G.

Yelp
Staff is extremely helpful and the hotel is so cute! The beds and pillows are so comfy.

June H.

Yelp
Bed bugs, no food, no staff. Literally just student interns at the desk and they hate their job. No manager, no cleaning staff, no transport. Motel 6 is cleaner

Lynae V.

Yelp
We booked this hotel intending to stay one night, then ended up extending our stay because my flight was canceled due to a snow storm back home. The staff was happy to accommodate our request to stay a little longer, not once but twice. The hotel itself is adorably decorated. The beds were extremely comfortable! Pro tip: if you're staying longer than a day you have to request housekeeping services. If you're checking out at 11, housekeeping will check on you some time after 8 to see if you need anything. ‍

Brooke M.

Yelp
This hotel was very quaint and unique. The lobby and entire first floor was well decorated and like no hotel I had seen before. The restaurant in the lobby had pretty good food and the hummus platter was great. However as our waiter was cleaning our table off he grabbed my AirPods. I am not sure if this was an accident or on purpose but either way I asked for the airpods back and he returned them immediately. This hotel also did not have room service. But our room was cute and our beds were comfortable. Overall I enjoyed my stay.

Charlene K.

Yelp
Great staff and beautiful interior! We enjoyed our relaxing stay at this hotel. It is an extremely clean and beautiful hotel. The front desk staff and bartender were all friendly and polite. We brought our dog, who was welcomed with a bark box - we just had to sign a pet waiver. We enjoyed a few drinks from the bar. We received a complimentary first coffee for the morning (additional coffees and breakfast were available but not free). We had our 9-month old daughter with us so we are very particular about room temperature with the concerning risk of SIDS when the room is too hot or too cold while she sleeps. Unfortunately, the thermostat in the room did not adjust the temperature as there was no individual room unit and the room stayed a little warmer than we are used to (about 71-72). This is my only reason for docking a star, but most others probably wouldn't mind that issue or even that temperature setting. Otherwise, we will be returning (with our own fan haha).

Stacey V.

Yelp
Hello! I was very excited to stay at the Graduate Hotel as I love their aesthetics and they are so clever! Jackie was so awesome and helpful! I was accidentally booked twice through hotelstonight.com and it was quite the conundrum since they are a 3rd party vendor and charge you right away and do not issue refunds. She helped call and talked to them on the phone to figure out the best possible solution! She was calm, cool and collected and oh so kind/sweet! In the morning she had left a little goodie bag for us on the door! Made our day!:) will definitely be coming back and highly recommend! Really appreciate the great customer server! Thanks again to Jackie!!

Heather W.

Yelp
Formally The Inn at USC (a Wyndham property), The Graduate is a comfortable and convenient place to stay while visiting USC. The remodel is fresh and vibrant and the room was very clean. The staff is polite and helpful. I was disappointed to learn that the hotel no longer offers the complimentary breakfast. There is a bar area that offers a lite fare at additional cost, but we did not try it, so I can't comment on the quality of the food. Also, they have not fixed the wide gap between the room doors. If you are a light sleeper, pack a sleep mask to block the bright hall light that filters in at night. Otherwise, the bed, pillows, and linens were quite comfortable.

Sincerely, M.

Yelp
From the chic vibe to the tasteful artistry displayed from the lobby to your room to your cool keycard-- its apparent the owners are intentional about the aesthetics. On top of that, great food and comfort. This is truly your home away from home. Thanks Toby for your five star southern hospitality as well--you've made Graduate Columbia my choice hotel when in Columbia, SC. Until next time!

Rebekah W.

Yelp
We came to Columbia for a college tour, and followed the prompts to this charming hotel! I've never heard of Graduate Hotels, but am now a big fan! The hotel has been completely renovated, the rooms are clean and comfortable (especially the beds!), but the most fun part are the hidden "pearls" of local culture and history incorporated into the entire design. The staff is also very friendly and helpful.

M B.

Yelp
What a refreshing experience! We were greeted with a big smile from Kimberly at the front desk upon check-in. Taylor welcomed us into the bar for dinner and we played a fun game of trivia while we enjoyed our meal and a drink. The room was super comfortable, clean and everything has been freshly renovated. Great place to stay and reasonably priced. Thank you!

Christine B.

Yelp
We stayed for one night on our way to Charleston . Super friendly staff at check in. Complimentary upgrade appreciated! Quiet and clean. Walking distance to restaurants on Main St and Gervais. We will definitely stay here again when stopping through. Impressed by all team members!

Becky C.

Yelp
Stay at this hotel!!! Our quick girls getaway was great and we loved this place. In old historic building on USC campus. Some original interior details remain. Just bought out and remodeled in very colorful funky eclectic decor which we loved. Every detail was perfect with LOTS of USC gamecocks incorporated but in tasteful ways. Rooms immaculate (as was entire property) with super comfy bedding. Still a few kinks with bar/food, but food we had was delicious. Beautiful bar area. In the morning, first cup of coffee is complimentary. A shuttle is available which we took to the downtown area (close by). Who knew downtown Columbia was so beautiful with lots to offer??! Purpose of our trip was to visit the art museum and see the Van Gogh exhibit. Very nice museum. Would definitely recommend and would love to return.