The Lantern Columbia

2.0 star property
Hotel near University of South Carolina in Columbia

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Lantern Columbia

Lobby lounge
Exterior
Lobby sitting area
Lobby
Lobby

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Breakfast available
  • Parking available

Explore the area

View in a map
1001 Senate St, Columbia, SC, 29201
  • Place, Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, University of South Carolina
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Colonial Life Arena
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Airport, Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan)
    ‪13 min drive‬

Room options

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Mobility Accessible

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

Deluxe Room, 2 Queen Beds

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

Premium Room, 1 King Bed

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

Premium Room, 2 Queen Beds

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

Premium Room, 2 Queen Beds, Mobility Accessible

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

Premium Room, 1 King Bed, Terrace

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

Suite, Mobility Accessible, Terrace

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

Suite, Multiple Bedrooms, Tower

  • City view
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

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About the area

Columbia

Downtown Columbia stay.Within a 10-minute walk of this Downtown Columbia hotel, you'll find University of South Carolina and Columbia Regional Visitors Center. Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center and South Carolina State House are also within half a mile (1 km).

What's nearby

  • Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • University of South Carolina - 5 min walk - 0.4 km
  • South Carolina State House - 6 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Colonial Life Arena - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Koger Center for the Arts - 8 min walk - 0.7 km

Getting around

  • Columbia Station - 18 min walk
  • Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) - 19 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Hickory Tavern - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Cola's Restaurant - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Tin Roof - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Ruth's Chris Steak House - ‬2 min walk

About this property

The Lantern Columbia

Hotel near University of South Carolina in Columbia
There's a restaurant on site. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. Public spaces have free WiFi. The Lantern Columbia also features a fireplace in the lobby, shopping on site, and an elevator. Parking is available for a fee.

This Columbia hotel is smoke free.

  • 59 guestrooms or units
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Fireplace in lobby
  • Television in lobby
  • Onsite shopping
  • Elevator
  • No smoking on site
  • Water dispenser
  • Bar or lounge
  • Dining venue
The Lantern Columbia offers 59 accommodations with hair dryers. Beds feature Egyptian cotton sheets and premium bedding. 55-inch Smart televisions come with satellite channels and Netflix.

Bathrooms include showers. This Columbia hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access, with a speed of 50+ Mbps. Housekeeping is provided daily.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • Mini-fridge

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 50+ Mbps
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Valet parking on site (USD 30 per day)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking available

Food and drink

  • Daily cooked-to-order breakfast available 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM for a fee: USD 15 per person
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant

Things to do

  • Shopping
  • TV in common areas

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 4 accessible parking spaces
  • Assistive listening devices
  • Elevator (36 inch wide door)
  • Handrails in stairways (34 inches high)
  • Phone accessibility kit
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Valet for wheelchair-equipped vehicles
  • Visual fire alarm
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible lounge
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path to elevator
  • Wheelchair-accessible public washroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk (30 inches high)
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant
  • Wheelchair-accessible van parking
  • Wheelchairs on site

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • 55-inch smart TV with satellite channels
  • Hulu
  • Netflix
  • Streaming services

Bedroom

  • Egyptian cotton sheets

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Mini-fridge

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Heating (climate-controlled)

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • Pets: USD 150 per accommodation, per day
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Fee for cooked-to-order breakfast: approximately USD 15.00 per person
  • Valet parking fee: USD 30 per day
  • Pet fee: USD 150 per accommodation, per day
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A credit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher in each accommodation.

Frequently asked questions

How close is The Lantern Columbia to the airport?

The Lantern Columbia is 7.2 mi (19-min drive) away from the Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at The Lantern Columbia?

As of May 28, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Lantern Columbia on May 29, 2026 start from CA $230, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does The Lantern Columbia have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at The Lantern Columbia.

Does The Lantern Columbia offer free breakfast?

Free breakfast isn’t provided at The Lantern Columbia, but cooked-to-order breakfast is offered for a fee of USD 15.00 per person. It's available every day from 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

Is there a casino at The Lantern Columbia?

No, there is no casino at this hotel.

What time is check-in at The Lantern Columbia?

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime.

Is there free parking at The Lantern Columbia?

Free parking is not available at this hotel. Valet parking is available for USD 30 per day.

Does The Lantern Columbia have a pool?

The Lantern Columbia does not have a pool.

Does The Lantern Columbia have a restaurant?

Yes, there is a restaurant on site.

Does The Lantern Columbia have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this hotel.

How close is The Lantern Columbia to downtown Columbia?

The Lantern Columbia is 0.4 mi away from Columbia.

The Lantern Columbia Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 89 out of 97 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 8 out of 97 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 97 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 97 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 97 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

9.6/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

John-David

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Rooms were fantastic...service was top notch...location was perfect and every thing about this place is 5-star. STRONGLY recommend The Lantern...amazing from top to bottom!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Bob

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean room , staff was on spot and location was perfect
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Aaron

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
1st of all…1500 characters is not enough characters to leave this place the review it deserves. I am so thankful hotels.com suggested this stay. We flew into CAE to watch a loved one graduate from Ft. Jackson. This was a 15 minute drive from the airport and approximately 15 minutes to Fort Jackson. From the moment we arrived at the hotel Quinton who checked us in made us feel like family. Our room was perfect, the beds and pillows were so comfortable. We had plenty of towels a bathrobe and everything we needed for our stay. This hotel works closely with the LIFE program and employees young adults with special needs. THEY truly made our stay pure perfection. I am always so thankful for places and programs like this. This hotel is in a great location within walking distance to USC, and SO many wonderful restaurants. They DO have a fabulous restaurant a bar there as well. If you are in the area, this is a MUST stay!!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Weston

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Nice Hotel! Will stay here again
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Christopher

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
EVERYTHING about this place was amazing. Can’t recommend The Lantern enough. The staff is so hospitable, the room was excellent, and our entire experience was perfect. Thank you to everyone. We will definitely be back to stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Patrick

Travelled with family, Business traveller, Travelled with pets
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Courteous and helpful staff in person and via text. Location was great and VERY pet friendly!
Winston loved The Lantern!
Plenty of spaces to walk nearby - and all around!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Dennis, Boiling Springs

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
EVERYTHING was great! Check-in was easy. Staff was super nice and helpful. Location was easy to get in and out of. The room was immaculate. I especially loved the shower!!!!! The bed felt like sleeping on a cloud.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Andrea

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Kelly

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Brand new hotel! Super clean. Think we were the second people to have stayed in the room.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Oded

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

mike

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Joshua

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Mark

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
It was a great location for a visit to the capitol. The room was large, comfortable, and clean. I'll definitely be back.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Lauren

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026