Columbia Metropolitan Airport to Develop New On-Site Hotel for Enhanced Traveler Experience

Columbia’s Airport Set to Welcome New On-Site Hotel for Travelers

WEST COLUMBIA — If you’ve ever found yourself navigating the hustle and bustle of traveling just to find a decent place to stay near the airport, we have some exciting news for you! The Columbia Metropolitan Airport is on the hunt for a developer to build a new hotel right on-site, and it’s shaping up to be a game-changer for travelers in the area.

What’s the Big Idea?

Airport officials have rolled out preliminary plans for a shiny, new 150-room hotel that will sit on a two-acre plot just a hop, skip, and a jump from the terminal. Imagine a cozy spot where you can pop in, grab your bags, return your rental car, and drift into a comfy bed without the hassle of a long trek. The hotel is also set to include a breezeway connecting directly to the terminal and parking garage, making it super convenient for those early morning flights.

A Boost for Travelers and the Community

Lindsay Copelan, the airport’s property manager, shared her enthusiasm about the project: “Being able to provide travelers a place where they can come, return the rental car, have a good night’s sleep, and then just walk right into the terminal is a huge enhancement for the airport and the community.” Sounds like a win-win, right?

What’s Next?

Columbia Metropolitan Airport plans to lease the land to a franchise that will oversee the construction and operation of the hotel. To find the right developer, they’ve enlisted the expertise of Alia Bostaji, a local realtor specializing in hospitality. Bostaji mentioned that major hotel chains like Hilton and Marriott are showing serious interest. Talk about a big name in the hotel scene!

Why Now?

The timing might just be perfect. With federal interest rates decreasing, the project is gaining momentum. Bostaji explains how crucial the hotel will be for weekday business travelers and flight crews. “Around 70 percent of our flights leave before 10 a.m.,” she said. “Having a hotel right next to the terminal is particularly appealing for folks who prefer to sleep a bit longer before hopping on their flights.”

Setting Columbia Apart

This proposed hotel is not just about convenience; it’s also about giving Columbia an edge. Other similar airports in South Carolina, such as those in Charleston and Myrtle Beach, don’t have hotels on-site, which means this proposal could really set Columbia apart as a desirable destination.

Exciting Features to Look Forward To

But that’s not all! Conceptual plans suggest that the hotel will feature a rooftop dining area, allowing guests and the public to enjoy views of the bustling airfield while sipping a drink. This invites the entire community to experience the airport atmosphere, whether as travelers or as onlookers enjoying a night out.

Expansion of Facilities

Alongside the hotel project, other changes are afoot at Columbia Metropolitan Airport. There’s ongoing work to expand the airport’s TSA checkpoint facilities, which is set for completion in September 2025. Additionally, construction for inspection facilities for U.S. Customs and Border Patrol is also expected to kick off soon, enhancing the travel experience even further.

Looking Ahead

From January through August of this year, the airport saw over 400,000 passengers and 19,000 flights, both figures showing an uptick compared to last year’s numbers. With plans for a new hotel and expansions underway, Columbia Metropolitan Airport is all set to become an even more attractive option for travelers. Stay tuned for more updates as this exciting project unfolds!

Whether you’re a frequent flyer or your next travel adventure is just around the corner, the future looks bright, and we can’t wait to see these plans take flight!