Conveniently Located Hotel Close to State Forest and Lake Murray
Native Americans and later European settlers frequently passed through South Carolina’s Harbison State Forest to get to an ancient spot where it was possible to ford the Broad River. Today, you can travel through here without getting wet—the hardwood forest has more than 12 miles of hiking trails and a landing with access to the river for canoes and kayaks. The varied outdoor pursuits at Harbison helped garner some recognition for the nearby city of Columbia on Outside magazine’s 2012 list of The Best ‘Outside’ Towns. Located just minutes away, Comfort Suites at Harbison provides easy access to the state forest.
The conveniently located hotel also sits in the heart of Columbia’s shopping and dining district, just down the access road from the Columbiana Centre shopping mall. A short drive east will take you downtown, where you can find the major convention center and the University of South Carolina. From this point, you’re also only 2 miles from boating, fishing, and water skiing in Lake Murray.
Comfort Suites serves a free hot breakfast featuring waffles, eggs, and cereal every morning. Monday–Thursday, guests can also enjoy free light meals in the evenings during the manager’s reception. If you want to unwind, grab a cocktail in the onsite lounge or take a dip in the indoor pool or hot tub. Some king suites even feature whirlpool bathtubs.
Columbia, South Carolina: Capital City with Small-Town Charm
Columbia, located just 3 miles from South Carolina’s exact geographic center, was founded as a compromise capital in 1786 to satisfy factions in the Lowcountry and upstate. Although much of the city was destroyed in 1865 during General Sherman's March to the Sea, Columbia was re-built and thrives today as a historic state capital. Its wide streets are fringed with abundant greenery, thanks to its location near the confluence of three rivers and the massive Lake Murray.
In downtown Columbia, the Congaree Vista district centers around the old Adluh Flour Mill. Nearby warehouses and railroad stations have been repurposed as restaurants, galleries, and boutiques in a thriving arts community.
About 10 minutes from Comfort Suites, the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden houses more than 2,000 animals from across the world, including lions, siamang apes, and ring-tailed lemurs. There, zebras and giraffes roam 2 acres of simulated African savannah, and reptiles and sharks live in the 20,000-square-foot Aquarium Reptile Complex. At the kangaroo walkabout, you can observe marsupials and discover the many uses for their pouches besides shoplifting.
Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.
