Columbia's BEST Downtown Hotel? Fairfield Inn & Suites Review!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the Fairfield Inn & Suites in downtown Columbia. They say it's the "BEST Downtown Hotel?" Well, I've got my own two cents (and a whole lot more) to throw into the ring. This ain't your beige, cookie-cutter hotel review; this is a experience.
First Impressions (and My Grumbling Stomach)
So, I arrive. After a brutal drive (traffic, you know how it is), the Fairfield Inn & Suites actually looks… decent. Not the Taj Mahal, mind you, but clean. The lobby is… standard. Air conditioning blasts a welcome hug. More importantly? Where's the coffee? (Turns out, it's right there, waiting for me. Bless.)
Accessibility & Getting Around - My Leg Itched Just a Little
Okay, let's talk real talk: Accessibility. This is HUGE for me, and for a lot of people. I'm happy to report, the Fairfield seems to have made a genuine effort. Elevators are a must (duh), and they are there. There are definitely facilities for disabled guests - ramps are visible. The front desk is accessible. And, hey, they have parking right there (big plus if you want to avoid that downtown meter madness). I didn't personally use a wheelchair, so I can't give a full deep dive on every single aspect, but from what I saw, it looked promising.
The Room: A Fortress of Solitude (and Free Wi-Fi!)
Alright, let's dissect the room, shall we? Air conditioning? Check. Blackout curtains? Double check! (I'm a light sleeper, so this is key.) The bed? Comfortable, though I'd maybe prefer a feather top. Now, the Wi-Fi… glorious. FREE Wi-Fi. In all rooms! No annoying password prompts or hourly fees. This is a huge selling point, people, especially if you plan on doing some serious binge-watching in bed. (I may or may not have spent an entire afternoon in mine, catching up on The Great British Baking Show…don't judge.)
The rooms also have:
- Alarm clock.
- Bathroom phone.
- Bathtub (YES!).
- Closet.
- Coffee/tea maker.
- Complimentary tea.
- Desk (helpful if you're trying to get a little work done).
- Free bottled water.
- Hair dryer.
- In-room safe box.
- Ironing facilities.
- Laptop workspace.
- Linens.
- Mini bar.
- Mirror.
- Satellite/cable channels.
- Seating area.
- Separate shower/bathtub.
- Shower.
- Smoke detector.
- Socket near the bed.
- Soundproofing.
- Telephone.
- Toiletries.
- Towels.
- Wake-up service.
- Window that opens.
Cleanliness and Safety – Did They Really Sanitize?
Okay, in the age of COVID, this is paramount. I'm not gonna lie, I was a little paranoid. But, the Fairfield Inn & Suites seemed to take this seriously. Hand sanitizer everywhere, staff in masks, and what seemed like a constant army of folks wiping things down. They claim to use anti-viral cleaning products and they do room sanitization between stays. I'm not a scientist, so I can't guarantee everything was sterile, but I felt a reasonable level of comfort. This is huge these days, seriously.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – My Stomach Has Thoughts
This is where things get… interesting. The Fairfield Inn offers a "Breakfast [buffet]". Now, I'm a buffet snob. I went in with low expectations, and… well, it wasn't a disaster. The usual suspects were there: scrambled eggs, some kind of breakfast meat (a little questionable), and a waffle station (thank God). The coffee wasn't terrible. They also offer breakfast takeout service, which is a win if you're in a rush.
- A la carte in restaurant
- Asian breakfast
- Bar
- Breakfast service
- Coffee/tea in restaurant
- Desserts in restaurant
- Restaurants
- Room service [24-hour]
- Snack bar
- Buffet in restaurant
- Asian cuisine in restaurant
- Poolside bar
Things to Do - Beyond the Bedroom
Look, the big draw downtown is obviously going to be things to do. The hotel gives you a base of operations to do it from.
- Access
- Bicycle parking
- Car park [free of charge]
- Car park [on-site]
- Car power charging station
- Taxi service
- Valet parking
- Meeting/banquet facilities
- Outdoor venue for special events
Services and Conveniences – Do Not Disturb, Unless There’s Coffee
- Air conditioning in public area (thank god!)
- Cash withdrawal.
- Concierge.
- Contactless check-in/out.
- Convenience store.
- Currency exchange.
- Daily housekeeping (bless you, kind people).
- Doorman.
- Dry cleaning.
- Elevator.
- Facilities for disabled guests.
- Food delivery.
- Gift/souvenir shop.
- Invoice provided.
- Ironing service.
- Laundry service.
- Luggage storage.
- Safety deposit boxes.
- Smoking area.
- Terrace.
- Xerox/fax in business center.
For the Kids - Not My Area, But Important
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal
Wellness - I Need a Sauna!
- Gym/fitness
- Swimming pool
- Spa/Sauna
The Big Question: Is it Worth It?
Look, the Fairfield Inn & Suites isn't going to win any design awards. It's not the Ritz. But it's clean, comfortable, has genuinely good Wi-Fi, and seems to takes safety seriously. And honestly, the price feels right. It's a solid choice for a downtown stay - if you're after a hotel that meets it's primary goals , then book!
My Quirky Addendum (And Why I'll Probably Be Back)
Here's the thing: I am a worrier. I overthink. I stress-eat. I get twitchy when things aren't just so. And you know what? Despite myself, I had a pretty darn good time. I watched too much TV in my room, ate more waffles than I care to admit, and got some actual work done. The staff were friendly and helpful. The location was perfect for my needs. And that free Wi-Fi… pure bliss. Will I go back? Yeah, probably. Because sometimes, you just need a clean, reliable, caffeine-fueled home base to explore a city. And hey, maybe I'll finally try that mini-bar next time. (Or maybe just grab another coffee… decisions, decisions.)
A Compelling Offer for Columbia's BEST Downtown Hotel? Fairfield Inn & Suites Review!
Tired of Beige Hotels? Craving a Downtown Getaway? (And Seriously Good Wi-Fi?)
This is for you.
Escape the ordinary and experience the Fairfield Inn & Suites in downtown Columbia – a hotel that delivers on comfort, convenience, and peace of mind.
Here's the Deal:
- Ultra-Fast, Free Wi-Fi: Stream your shows, get your work done, or just browse the web without any annoying fees or passwords.
- Sparkling Clean & Safe: We're taking cleanliness seriously, with rigorous cleaning protocols and hand sanitizer everywhere.
- Central Location: Step outside and explore Columbia's vibrant downtown area – restaurants, shops, and attractions are at your doorstep.
- Comfy Rooms: Blackout curtains, comfortable beds, and all the essentials you need for a relaxing stay.
- Breakfast – Waffles, Coffee and all the usual suspects you need to start your day!
But wait, there's MORE!
- Accessibility Features: We're committed to making every guest feel welcome and comfortable.
- Fitness Center & Outdoor Pool: Need to unwind? Use our gym or take a dip!
- On-Site Parking: (Because downtown parking can be a nightmare!)
Book Now and Get:
- Exclusive Discount: Use code "COLUMBIABEST" at checkout for a special rate.
- Free Breakfast: Start your day with a delicious buffet.
Don't settle for an average hotel. Choose the Fairfield Inn & Suites – your gateway to an unforgettable Columbia experience.
Click Here to Book Your Stay! (Link to booking website)
Limited Availability – Book Now Before Prices Go Up!
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Alright, buckle up buttercup, because we're about to dive headfirst into my chaotic, probably-off-schedule, but utterly real adventure at the Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites in Columbia, South Carolina. Forget perfectly curated Insta-stories, this is the raw, unfiltered truth.
Day 1: Arrival, Anticipation, and a Fight with the Coffee Maker (Probably)
- 1:00 PM - Travel & Arrival: Lord have mercy, getting here was an ordeal. Let's just say GPS lied to me at least three times, and my car, bless its rusty soul, coughed its way across the state line. Found the hotel, though! The Fairfield - seems clean enough. Lobby looks… well, like any other lobby, bless its heart. Check-in was painless, thank goodness. I really need a vacation. Already battling the urge to raid the complimentary snack basket.
- 1:30 PM - Room Chaos: Oh, the room! Standard fare. Queen bed, tiny desk, questionable artwork. My first job: finding the damn coffee maker. Seriously, why are these things so complicated? I swear, I saw a blinking light staring back at me, judging my ineptitude. (It took seven minutes and a muttered stream of insults, but success!)
- 2:00 PM - Downtown Stroll (Attempted): Okay, game face on! Columbia here I come! I'm hitting the streets, armed with… well, a general sense of direction. I’m looking for this Soda City Market I heard about. Wish me luck; I'm notoriously bad at walking and reading maps. Lost. Already. Ended up in front of the State House. Pretty impressive. Even I, the map-challenged, can't deny its majesty. Made a mental note to return when I have some proper coffee.
- 4:00 PM - Back to the Room - The Real Meal: I attempted to go to the market, but the heat and my lack of direction got the better of me. Back at the hotel, and I've made my own little feast with the leftovers from my drive. The vending machine has blessed me with a bag of chips and a questionable candy bar. I do love a good snack. This is the real deal. Alone, happy, and in comfy clothes.
- 6:00 PM - Pool Time…Maybe?: There's a pool at this hotel. The thought of lounging by it is… appealing. But the thought of putting on a swimsuit… less so. I'm wrestling with it. It also looks like a gaggle of kids is currently owning it. Pass.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner - The Search Continues: Alright, hunger pangs are real. Time to venture out again, this time with purpose! I’m thinking… barbeque? Something…Southern. I consulted Yelp, but honestly, those reviews are a minefield of opinions. (Side note: why does EVERYONE think they're a food critic these days?) I hear it's difficult to find good bbq in South Carolina. My mouth is watery.
Day 2: Historic Procrastination and the Accidental Discovery
- 8:00 AM - Coffee, Contemplation, and the Bathroom: I woke up and made the coffee. I felt like I was finally getting good at it. Maybe the hotel coffee maker isn't so bad? Either way, the caffeine is kicking in. I'll have to make a trip to the bathroom after I get a little more awake.
- 9:00 AM - The SC State Museum - A Plan and A Failure: Today, I'm going to embrace some culture. Or, at least, attempt to. The South Carolina State Museum is on the agenda. It's supposed to be pretty cool. History, science, art… all the things I pretend to care about. I'm already half-hearted about the idea. My brain screams 'avoid' and urges for a nap. I'll get there eventually, I swear.
- 10:00 AM - Procrastination Station: So, the museum… Still haven't left the hotel. Watching reruns of a sitcom I barely like. I've also spent an embarrassingly long time online; shopping for things I don't need. Okay, fine, guilty! I’m a professional procrastinator.
- 11:00 AM - The Accidental Discovery: I'm finally out of the hotel. And I found this little place called "Drip Coffee". It sounds like exactly what I needed. So, for the time being, I think I'll get to the museum later.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch - Not So Southern: This place called "New York Bagel Co." was right next to the coffee place. Why not? Bagels are good, right? And so I had a tasty bagel. No southern food for me.
- 1:00 PM - Museum - Part 2?: I'll try to make it to the museum, maybe?
- 3:00 PM - The Musem. Alright, I gave in and went to the museum. It was very boring. The things I "pretend" to care about aren't that fun. But, I did learn something about the Civil War, or something. It was okay. I don't think I'll come back.
- 5:00 PM - Regret & Bed: Back at the hotel. I kinda wish I did something else… the bed is calling…
Day 3: Departure & Reflections (Maybe)
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast, Briefly: The hotel's free breakfast is… well, it's there. Waffles! (At least the waffle machine is user-friendly.) Devoured a waffle, barely looked up to the rest of the food, and called it a day.
- 10:00 PM - Pack, Panic, Depart: Packing is my arch enemy. Always has been, always will be. Where's my phone charger? Did I leave my toothbrush? This is like the hotel room is a bomb and I have to be in and out of the room in 5 minutes. It was close, but I did it. Good.
- 11:00 AM - Reflections (Kind of): Columbia, South Carolina, you were… an experience. The city has potential. Did I see it all? Absolutely not. Did I eat the best Southern food? Doubtful. Did I relax? Well, I tried. The trip has plenty of mistakes, and I'm sure you'll have a lot of fun laughing at it.
And with that, I'm hitting the road. Until next time, Columbia! And, Fairfield, thanks for the (mostly) clean bed and the (eventually successful) coffee maker. I'll be back… maybe. (Probably not.)
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So, what *is* this whole "FAQ" thing, anyway? Sounds boring.
Ugh, I get it. "Frequently Asked Questions" – sounds like something your accountant would write. But honestly? It's just a fancy way of saying, "Hey, we know you're probably wondering about this stuff, so here's the lowdown." Think of it as the CliffsNotes to life, minus the existential dread of failing a test. It's supposed to save me time (and you, hopefully) by putting all the answers upfront. Do I always succeed? Absolutely not. Sometimes I still have to chase answers down the rabbit hole. But the *idea* is good.
But why would *anyone* bother reading these things? Aren't websites supposed to be sleek and sexy?
Sleek and sexy? Ha! Let's be real. Most websites are about as sexy as a tax form. But FAQs? They're the quirky friend who spills all the tea. They're the antidote to the sterile, information-vomit websites that try to impress you to death with jargon. Also, let's face it – if you're here, you've probably hit a snag, right? Maybe something broke. Maybe you are completely and totally at odds with the whole thing. And that's perfectly okay! We've all been there. So yeah, read on - I'm right here with you!
Okay, okay, you've got my attention. But what do *you* even do? And why should I trust you?
Alright, so, I'm... Well, let's just say I try to make things make sense. I'm not a doctor, a lawyer, or a rocket scientist (though I *do* binge-watch space documentaries). I'm more of a... well, a translator. I take complicated things and try to boil them down. You know, the kind of stuff you'd ask someone at the coffee shop while waiting for your latte. Can you trust me? Look, I'm not going to lie to you. I make mistakes. I waffle. I sometimes confuse "there," "their," and "they're." But I promise to be honest and, hopefully, help you understand something. Sometimes, I'll give my *opinion*, and you might not agree! And that is perfectly ok, I'm pretty sure I have a thick skin.
Let's get to some specifics! How often are these FAQs updated? Because I *hate* outdated info.
Ugh, outdated info is the WORST. It's like finding a spider in your cereal but worse. (Okay, maybe not *worse*, but you get the idea). I *try* to keep this stuff fresh. I swear I do. But life happens. Updates can take time. In a perfect world, it'd be every single day, but I'm sometimes busy with other things, like, you know, eating. So, let's say "as often as possible." Check the date at the end of the doc, and use your own brain. If something's confusing, or you KNOW it's wrong, SPEAK UP!
What if I have a question that's *not* answered here? Do I have to suffer in silence?
Absolutely not! That's the whole point! This is a conversation, not a lecture. If you're stuck, confused, or just plain curious, PLEASE ask! I'm here to help. I'm not always perfect, but I'll do my best. Plus, your question could help someone else, too! Don't be shy! Please! I love getting new questions. That's how I learn, too! Don't be afraid to ask anything!
Okay, let's test my patience here - What's the most frustrating experience *you've* had with a FAQ?
Oh, man. Where do I even begin? Okay, I'll never forget this one time, I was trying to return a blender. A BLENDER! It was a perfectly good blender, actually, it just wasn't the right one for MY purposes. So I went to the FAQ on their website, right? Expecting the usual "blah blah, follow these steps." I actually found it to be a labyrinth of cryptic pages that went on and on! No simple answer! I swear, it was more complicated than applying for a mortgage! I scrolled and scrolled, and all I found was vague language, obscure legal jargon, and links that led me further and further down the rabbit hole. It was like they were *trying* to make it hard. After an hour, I wanted to throw that blender, the website, and my computer out the window. If I had the energy to throw my computer I probably wouldn't been angry in the first place. Eventually - *eventually* - I ended up just calling customer service. Guess what? The return was easy. Go figure. Pure insanity, I say! That's the main thing I'm trying to avoid here.
Wait, is there anything you *hate* talking about? Anything you'd rather skip?
Mmm, this is a good question. Look, I'll talk about almost anything. But I do have a small, petty dislike for overly long legal disclaimers and technical jargon. They make my eyes glaze over. Anything that sounds like someone's trying to hide something is a bit of a turn-off. It should all be simple!
Final question: How do you stay motivated? This has to be boring sometimes, right?
That's a REALLY good question. Honestly? Sometimes, it *is* a bit tedious. But the thing is, I truly love helping people. Especially when I can help people! Knowing I can solve a problem or clarify some head-scratcher? That's huge! Also, I get ridiculously excited when I find a great explanation, or when someone actually *gets* what I'm saying. I'm powered by that. And the occasional coffee. And sometimes, a truly epic rant. And the knowledge that, hey, everything is a little bit messy. Sometimes it is the messy that is more real.
Last updated: October 26, 2023. (Things change, so don't hold me to it!)
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