When to Visit Columbia, Maryland
With its humid subtropical climate, Columbia has hot summers and cool winters. In July and August, the humid summer temperatures top out in the upper 80s or low 90s. In the winter, temperatures reach the low 40s.
Due to its proximity to Washington, D.C., Columbia's annual tourism timeline tends to match that of the national capital. Despite the hot, sticky weather, summer is high season, with the largest crowds and highest hotel prices. Spring and fall tend to be the ideal seasons to plan a visit, thanks to mild weather and moderate crowds. Winter is low season and a smart time to visit for those looking for affordable rates.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Columbia, MD:
Averate Rates by Star Rating
Below we've posted 3 graphs displaying average price patterns by star rating class in Columbia, MD. Analyze these line graphs to calculate the most cost effective time period to book in Columbia for your upcoming travels.
Luxury Hotels in Columbia, Maryland
4 Star Average Prices: $153.04
If you're looking for a high-end stay and a seamless experience, set your sights on these upscale properties in the Columbia area.
Just a short drive from the African Art Museum of Maryland and the Merriweather Post Pavilion, the Sonesta ES Suites Columbia Baltimore is convenient to major attractions in Columbia and beyond. This upscale property's 118 rooms boast kitchens with stovetops and full-sized refrigerators, making meal preparation easy during longer stays. With LCD TVs and complimentary Wi-Fi, staying connected is a breeze. Start each day with a complimentary hot and cold breakfast buffet, and work off your meal at the health club or in the outdoor pool. When you're ready to explore Columbia, hop on the complimentary area shuttle.
If you're looking for a comfortable stay in the heart of the action, set your sights on the DoubleTree by Hilton Columbia. Stay in a double, queen, or king room, or upgrade to a deluxe suite. After indulging in a welcome cookie, enjoy the complimentary Wi-Fi, make a splash in the indoor pool, or relax in the sauna. Start your day with breakfast at the hotel restaurant, and end your evening with a drink at the bar.
Book a studio room at the Homewood Suites by Hilton Columbia, or give yourself plenty of space with a queen or king one-bedroom suite. All rooms and suites at this upscale hotel are equipped with a full range of homelike amenities like a kitchenette with refrigerator and stovetop. Catch a movie on the 27-inch flat screen TV, and rely on the complimentary Wi-Fi for work or staying in touch with family and friends. Start your day with a complimentary hot and cold buffet, and finish with a drink or a snack at the evening reception held on select days.
Spread out in a one- or two-bedroom suite at the Residence Inn by Marriott Columbia, a smart choice for families looking for extra space. Rooms include kitchenettes with refrigerators and microwaves, which makes meals easy. Video game consoles, premium TV channels, and free internet keep the whole family entertained. A complimentary buffet breakfast ensures that everyone gets a healthy start in the morning. With a 24-hour fitness center and a seasonal outdoor pool, you'll have no problem staying in shape during your stay at the Residence Inn.
Best Budget-Friendly Hotels in Columbia, Maryland
3 Star Average Prices: $116.04
As a relatively upscale community, Columbia doesn't have many budget-friendly properties. If you know where to look, however, you'll find some great options both within the community proper as well as a short drive away.
Located on the southeast side of Columbia, the Extended Stay America Columbia — Gateway Drive offers a range of affordable rooms. Save big on a studio room with a queen bed, or upgrade to a spacious deluxe studio. All of the hotel's 95 rooms include homelike amenities like kitchens with refrigerators, stovetops, and microwaves. Rooms also have 32-inch flat-screen TVs so you can stay up-to-date on your favorite shows, as well as desks so you can catch up on work. Take advantage of the daily free breakfast and the laundry facilities during longer stays.
For personal service that fits into just about any traveler budget, plan your stay at The Columbia Inn at Peralynna. This small inn offers 16 rooms that range in size from studios to Jacuzzi suites to the Luxury Peacock Suite. All rooms have comfortable TempurPedic beds, DVD players, and plasma TVs. Don't miss the complimentary breakfast in the morning before taking a leisurely stroll through the inn's garden.
Just northeast of Columbia, the Days Inn Baltimore West, Security Blvd is only a short drive away and offers some of the lowest rates around. You'll save the most on a standard double or king room, especially when you book a non-refundable rate. All of the hotel's rooms and suites include basics like coffee makers, cable programming, and cribs on request. Rely on the hotel's free Wi-Fi to plan your stay in Columbia, and start your day with a meal at the hotel restaurant. Cool off on a summer day at the seasonal outdoor pool, a Days Inn highlight.
2 Star Average Prices: $98.51
Best Value Options in Columbia, Maryland
Value is what Columbia does best. Stay at these four properties, and you'll strike the ideal balance between amenities and price.
Get a great deal on a standard room at the Hampton Inn & Suites Columbia/South, and you'll be near the Robinson Nature Center and the Merriweather Post Pavilion. All 124 rooms include desks and free Wi-Fi, making them ideal for business travelers. Start your day on the right foot with a workout in the 24-hour fitness center, and fuel up with a complimentary buffet breakfast.
Just a short drive east of Columbia, the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Columbia East — Elkridge offers well-appointed rooms and suites. Whether you choose a standard double room or a king suite, you'll have amenities like a refrigerator, a desk, and an LCD TV. Start your day with a workout or a swim, and grab a snack at the on-site market before heading out for the day. Make your stay an even better deal by taking advantage of the free self-parking and complimentary Wi-Fi.
For a great stay in the center of town, book a double or king room at the Sheraton Columbia Town Center Hotel. After a great night's sleep on a pillow-top bed, you'll wake up refreshed and ready for breakfast at the hotel restaurant. Squeeze in a workout at the 24-hour fitness center, and use the complimentary Wi-Fi to plan the day's itinerary. Business travelers will appreciate the hotel's 24-hour business center and 16,000 square feet of conference and meeting space. Seeing Columbia's sights is easy with the hotel's complimentary area shuttle.
One of the top-rated properties in the Columbia area, The Wayside Inn Bed & Breakfast provides several individually decorated rooms, ranging from the budget-friendly Bettys Suite to the mid-range Banneker Room to the high-end Pierpoint Suite. No matter which of the six rooms you book, you'll enjoy the unique décor, flat-screen TV, jetted bathtub, and plush bathrobes. In the morning, get ready for a day of fun with a complimentary continental breakfast and a walk through the Wayside Inn's charming grounds. In the evening, make use of the barbecue grills or relax by the lobby fireplace.
Best Hotel Discounts in Columbia, Maryland
In addition to low room rates, select Columbia hotels also offer discounts for certain groups. AAA members save about 10 percent on rooms at the Sheraton Columbia Town Center Hotel, while AARP members and seniors save 20 percent at the Residence Inn by Marriott Columbia. Members of the military and government employees get guaranteed rates at the Days Inn Baltimore West, Security Blvd.
Can’t-Miss Attractions in Columbia, Maryland
For many Columbia visitors, the Merriweather Post Pavilion is a top destination. This outdoor amphitheater is located in the midst of 40 acres of forested land, making it the perfect place for summer performances. Whether you're a fan of rock, jazz, country, hip hop, or classical music, you'll find a concert here to pique your interest.
If performing arts are more your speed, head to Toby's Dinner Theater, a local favorite that hosts both Broadway and original musicals and plays. Tickets typically include dinner, so you'll enjoy both dinner and a show. Since this theater is so small, just about every spot feels like a front-row seat.
See some of the best art in the area with a visit to the African Art Museum of Maryland in nearby Fulton. With a full schedule of exhibitions, research, and activities for all ages, this is a fun family friendly destination. In Columbia, the Columbia Art Center offers workshops and classes for students young and old.
Get outdoors with a visit to Columbia SportsPark, a complex that boasts a 15,000-square-foot skate park, an 18-hole mini golf course, batting cages, a playground, and much more. Fun for families, this is also the ideal setting for birthday parties.
Whether you're stopping by for a short trip or you're planning to stay awhile, Columbia has something for everyone. Start planning your visit today, and find the right hotel for your budget.
FAQs about hotels in Columbia
How much does a cheap hotel in Columbia cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel in Columbia can be as cheap as $98.51 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel in Columbia cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel in Columbia has been $116.04 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 4-5 star hotel in Columbia cost?
In the last year, the average 4 star hotel in Columbia has been $153.04 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
Verified reviews of the city of Columbia
Below are reviews of the city of Columbia, MD from an actual visitor's perspective.
"Nice!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Nice!
Phil B., from 19-Oct-2024
"Clean"
Score
4.0 / 5
The streets were clean.
Shaun T., from 13-Aug-2024
"Shopping, restaurants, beautiful scenery and homes!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Shopping, restaurants, beautiful scenery and homes!
Kimberly A., from 30-Apr-2024
"Great location near excellent restaurants and fun places!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Hotel is located close to three excellent restaurants and a large mall. There are a LOT of fun places to visit and activities in which to participate. You just need enough time and resources to take advantage of them. Columbia is also one of the most culturally diverse communities in Maryland. Plan extra time to enjoy this community!
Jean W., from 24-Jan-2024
"Good Parking & Staff"
Score
4.0 / 5
It was pretty easy to find parking and the staff was nice.
Kyle M., from 31-Oct-2023
"Beautiful area and nice restaurants."
Score
5.0 / 5
The beautiful trees and flowers. Nice restaurants in the area.
Aline W., from 08-Oct-2023
"Clean & Safe"
Score
5.0 / 5
Clean and safe.
Pasquale D., from 14-Sep-2023
"Room was very clean and comfortable. Staff was friendly and helpful."
Score
5.0 / 5
Room was very clean and comfortable. Staff was friendly and helpful. Breakfast staff was very nice and professional.
Alexander R., from 17-Jul-2023
"Very Good!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Very good!
Larry H., from 02-Jun-2023
"Room and property were very clean"
Score
5.0 / 5
Very nice area....there for a wedding
Bryon R., from 30-Oct-2022
"Columbia is a nice, cool place and I love it!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Columbia is a nice, cool place and I love it!
Dr I., from 08-Sep-2022
"Hotel has easy access to soccer fields and plenty of places to eat."
Score
4.0 / 5
Easy access to soccer fields and plenty of places to eat in the area.
Luigi M., from 28-Apr-2022
"Convenient location."
Score
5.0 / 5
Lots of nearby options for eating and supermarket is close by. Easy access to highways
Nancy D., from 29-Mar-2022
"Awesome Sports Complex "
Score
4.0 / 5
Blandair park was very nice sports complex.
Amy M., from 21-Jul-2019
"Great Hotel and Staff!"
Score
5.0 / 5
The location on central lake and the proximity of the mall and Merriweather pavilion was very helpful.
Niru J., from 15-Aug-2017
"Great hotel!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Dinner/shops were close by where we needed to be.
Lisa S., from 24-Jul-2017
"Great hotel and city!"
Score
5.0 / 5
I love it it quite comfortable and good staff.
Marquis M M., from 26-Jun-2017
"Great hotel and location!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Location: easy access to expressways, nearby stores, restaurants
Tony T., from 11-Jun-2017
"Love Columbia"
Score
5.0 / 5
A great city just outside of Baltimore. The best part is just taking a walk or bike ride along the lake.
Unknown U., from 10-Oct-2015
The average traveler rating of the city of Columbia, MD shown above is
4.7 out of 5 based on 19 reviews