Name: Graduate by Hilton Columbia SC
Address: 1619 Pendleton Street, University Hill, Columbia, South Carolina, United States of America, Columbia, Richland County, US
Price range: $156–$458 per night
Rating: 9.23

What guests think

Graduate by Hilton Columbia SC pairs a fun, USC-themed boutique vibe and friendly staff with a standout on-campus location, drawing many repeat stays from visitors who value convenience, cozy lounges, and an easy base for university visits.

Rooms feature colorful decor and comfortable beds, but bathrooms and some rooms are small and several guests reported maintenance issues like weak or inconsistent hot water, balky AC, worn furnishings, and inoperable safes. Cleanliness feedback ranges from very clean to missed vacuuming and bathroom details. On-site bar and breakfast earn praise for atmosphere and drinks, though menu variety, service speed, coffee quality, and early closing drew critiques. Expect a charming, convenient stay best suited to USC visits.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

On-site bar/restaurant and lounges are popular, parking is straightforward, and the property is pet friendly; a few guests also noted a useful fitness room. Several reviews reported in-room safes not functioning or being discontinued.

Related guest reviews

10

Nancy

Oct 2, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Never a bad experience at The Graduate. Plus, they always welcome our dogs!

10

John

Mar 14, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Nice quiet property with friendly staff and good grounds for dog walking

10

Martha

Dec 31, 2022

·

Stayed 1 night

Perfect check in, friendly staff, really clean room and easy parking!

10

Edward

May 9, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great one night stay after a bad experience at the Moxy - Downtown Columbia and a Police raid during check-in at the Aloft. What's up with Columbia? The Moxy check-in at the bar was a nightmare. A long line of folks waiting to check-in as bartenders were attending drunks - not cool, cutting edge or even remotely hip. The Staff at the Graduate was prompt, incredibly kind and parking was a breeze.

10

Leslie

Apr 7, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Location and staff are excellent for a great weekend visiting USC. The grounds and hotel are very pet friendly. Rooms are uniquely designed and make up for the smaller bathrooms. Will definitely be back to stay.

10

Tina

Jun 13, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We ate dinner onsite and the bartender/wait staff was amazing. Although she was super busy she was attentive and quick to take care of needs. The food was also delicious!

10

Amy

Aug 6, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

I always enjoy staying at The Graduate. The location is perfect for visiting the USC campus. I love that they have a wonderful restaurant to enjoy in the hotel and parking is convenient and easy. I usually park my car and walk anywhere that I need to go. The decor of the rooms is just so cheerful and fun! I will continue to stay at the Graduate whenever I am visiting daughter at USC and am looking forward to a visit there in September!

10

Julia

Jul 31, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

The rooms are beautifully decorated, the staff is friendly and helpful, parking is easy, and the amenities (restaurant, fitness center) are terrific. Very convenient to the campus. We will definitely return!

10

Celena

Dec 3, 2024

·

We love staying at this property. Clean, great guest experience and love that there’s a restaurant and bar onsite.

8

Jennifer

May 3, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Property is great, however, there were a few things that didn’t give it a 5*- slow bathroom sink, TV that was not great- limited selections to watch and it said you could cast to your phone but they don’t have the tv hooked to the internet so you couldn’t use it. Also, since owned by Hilton, they canceled their contract with the in room safe company so you no longer can use the safe. These things are likely not a big deal for most, but couldn’t give 5 star as a result.

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Cleanliness

Many guests found rooms and common areas clean, but repeated reports cite missed vacuuming, dusty fixtures, bathroom grime or moldy caulk, and occasional odors, indicating inconsistent standards. When done well, rooms feel spotless and tidy.

Related guest reviews

6

Kyle

Jul 29, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The Graduate Columbia is quaint, our GPS took us to the front of the building but the checkin desk is in the back so we thought we were walking into someone’s house! Obviously the entrance says Graduate so we knew we were in the right place. So the ground floor area is cute and cozy. The themed gamecock areas/rooms are fun and the convenience to USC is great, easy walk across the street. However, the rooms are pretty small and tight, the bathrooms even more so and the shower door is rusting, also the room/bathroom was not very clean. I had turned down housekeeping upon checkin, two nights, thought we would be in and out so much it would be easier and wouldn’t really need it. I wonder if the infrequent cleaning these days and then a rushed cleaning on room turnover is contributing to a less than thorough clean? Also the coffee in the room is instant? The latte from the bar downstairs was undrinkable, I threw it away. There is a cute coffee shop nearby on Gervais in an old funeral home that we got on our way out of town, highly recommend-knowledge coffee, also good breakfast sandwich. Overall it served its purpose for our college tour but if we came back I would look for somewhere else to stay.

10

Jamie

Jul 7, 2025

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Stayed 3 nights

Property is clean . Hotel Is cute and homey feeling . Staff was very friendly. Rooms are extremely clean

10

Stephen J

Nov 23, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The room was very clean!

6

Lakmini

Apr 27, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Beautiful property but rooms could have been much cleaner.. we had to change the first room we got because it smelled bad..

10

Donna

Aug 20, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Clean rooms with really cool decor!

8

Katie E

Jul 27, 2025

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Stayed 1 night

The hotel was really cute. The room carpet had not been vacuumed. Major crumbs on the floor. Shower pressure was weak. Safe did not work. At check in the staff was unfriendly. Could care less we were customers.

10

Monika

Jun 22, 2025

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Stayed 1 night

Nice hotel in the middle of campus. Beds were comfortable. We did find chips on the floor in the room, so it doesn’t look like the room was vacuumed well but other than that, no issues.

4

Lee

Oct 27, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Our room had trash behind the door to the bedroom. (Previous occupants travel receipts. There were pubic hairs in the bathroom, shower. Thick dust on light fixtures and picture in the bathroom. Smell of stale old ladies in the hallway of the 2nd floor. The receptionist when we checked in was unfriendly at best, and the kid at the desk the following morning wasn’t attentive or even look up from his phone. The receptionist at check out was a delight. We’ve stayed at previous at Graduate Hotels, but this was not good. Lipstick on an ugly hotel.

10

Jonathan

Aug 15, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

The overall cleanliness of the room seems fine but the bathroom condition sent my overall down to mid level. Some moldy caulk, the shower door handles are loose and things are starting to feel dated.

10

Evangelia

Jan 28, 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

Such a GREAT hotel - everything was so well curated. I was able to check in early, breakfast was excellent in the trophy room as well as dinner. Parking is a little tricky based on the timing of the classes (it is shared with the university) but very easy to get parking in the evening. The gym was perfect (LOVED the peleton!). The only thing I would say to improve on is the cleanliness of the bathroom, I found a few hairs that were not mine upon arrival and the toilet had a few discolorations. My bed was also not made when the cleaning service came in but they did give me fresh towels and take out my garbage.

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Rooms

USC-themed rooms are colorful with comfortable beds, but bathrooms and some rooms are compact. Multiple reviews note weak or inconsistent hot water, AC/humidity problems, dated or worn furnishings, TV limitations, and thin walls.

Related guest reviews

2

Maura

Nov 23, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Our experience has been on a steady decline with this hotel. Our last visit we had no hot water and had to switch rooms. In our haste to switch rooms, I left an expensive bag in advertently in the room. I called repeatedly to speak with a manager after six calls, left a message and have still not had a call back. It was our favorite hotel. I can no longer say that.

6

Elizabeth

Aug 27, 2024

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Stayed 3 nights

Very surprised that coffee was not complimentary as is in almost any hotel these days and in the room only instant coffee was offered. Also disappointed that I could not login into my own tv apps like Netflix, etc. The tv system was not good.

6

Michael

Apr 17, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The proximity to the campus can't be beat! Staff was friendly but the walls are THIN! Probably didn't help being located near the elevator the staff used for services.

8

Caroline

Aug 19, 2024

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Stayed 3 nights

We recently stayed to move our son into Columbia Hall for his freshman year. The location and convenience can't be beat!! The Graduate Hotel is really cute, the bar/restaurant area and lounges both indoor and outdoor are great. The hotel is on the older side and in particular the bathrooms show it. The rooms were also very humid, so our bedding and Kleenex were always a little damp. We had to shove our bathroom door to close it. The grout needed to be redone. Overall, we will probably stay again due to the convenience, but would love for them to do some updates to the rooms.

4

Scott

Nov 25, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

No hot water. Don’t like paying for a suite and there’s no hot water.

6

Traci

Oct 26, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

I was so excited to stay at the graduate because the other locations I've stayed at have been amazing at this location. I was not happy with the room. The bathroom was so tiny. The door could barely close it bumped up to the toilet. I wasn't crazy about the ground level floor because it looked right into the courtyard with people sitting in front of my window that said with the curtains closed, there's absolutely no light in the room so that was difficult. The final summary is it's totally not worth the amount of money almost $2000 to stay there for three nights. I do not believe I will stay there again.

8

Jen

Mar 9, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

They are doing construction at the property right now - figuring out how to get to an actual door and parking is a bit of a nightmare especially at night. If you are going in the next month or so. Look for a Gamecocks tent off of Henderson and there’s a person in the tent to direct you. The rooms are small. The bathroom is tiny. Just not the luxury, I was expecting from a Graduate brand hotel. They are beautifully decorated - very pleasing to the eye. Our room was noisy! The AC unit clanked all night long. The beds were very comfortable and clean.

10

Dawn

Aug 10, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Loved staying at The Graduate in Columbia. The rooms were spacious and unique. The bar area was nice and open late. Great tasting breakfast too.

4

Tina

Jun 1, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

It’s a great location. No water pressure. hot water was limited. It’s time for a renovation. Will not stay again

8

Jennifer

May 3, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Property is great, however, there were a few things that didn’t give it a 5*- slow bathroom sink, TV that was not great- limited selections to watch and it said you could cast to your phone but they don’t have the tv hooked to the internet so you couldn’t use it. Also, since owned by Hilton, they canceled their contract with the in room safe company so you no longer can use the safe. These things are likely not a big deal for most, but couldn’t give 5 star as a result.

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Service

Staff are frequently described as friendly, welcoming, and helpful at check-in and in the bar/restaurant. Some guests encountered curt front desk or bar service, slow responses, and delays during busy periods.

Related guest reviews

2

Danielle

Nov 17, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Front desk staff was rude .

4

Amy

Feb 2, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We’ve stayed at this location many times. This time our room was switched from a king to two queens without a closet. We were in town for a cocktail party and almost all of our clothes were hang ups. I asked if we could upgrade and pay the difference but was declined. I checked online later and there were still rooms available. The bartender was very rude. He was coming off his shift and continued to eat his food when we walked up then was very unfriendly.

10

Debbie

Oct 1, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

I would stay again. The only review that is critical is we were there for a soccer tournament and tried to eat at the hotel restaurant and the kitchen was so backed up, we had to door dash something. We would have rather ate there for convenience after a long day at the field because door dash was a long wait

10

Heather

Jul 20, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Best stay I've had at a hotel in a vey long time. The staff were fantastic and the room was clean and very comfortable.

10

Dean

Apr 26, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The hotel was spotless and rooms so nice. Everyone that worked there were so kind and helpful. What a cool vibe. The coffee is delicious - even the people that work at the bar/cafe are great.

10

Joel

Apr 21, 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

Always a pleasure to stay here! Audrey went above and beyond to accommodate our needs. Jessica made delicious coffee drinks in morning and entire staff is always accommodating.

10

Christi

Oct 21, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The front desk staff is so friendly and welcoming. We enjoy staying here - so close to campus and a very nice experience every time.

8

patricia

Aug 22, 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

The property is great! The service not so much!!! They have one bar and restaurant and they know that it is move in weekend, one person working the restaurant is not sufficient!!! They need more employees!!!!!!

10

Deborah

Aug 21, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Friendly and helpful staff! Would definitely stay again

10

William

Jul 10, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Very friendly staff, especially the bar/coffee bar staff.

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Location

Directly on or next to the University of South Carolina, making campus visits easy and walkable. Many guests also note simple access to downtown, Five Points, and the Vista.

Related guest reviews

10

John

Apr 13, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great location. Beautiful hotel.

8

Erin

Aug 4, 2024

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Stayed 2 nights

We were in town for an event, so we know prices were a little higher than normal due to that. Under normal pricing, this would be a wonderful value. Super cute hotel within a mile of both Five Points, The Vista, and Downtown Columbia. University is out of session so the area was extra quiet. Would stay here again when visiting Columbia, SC.

10

Kenneth

May 3, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Right on campus and great place to stay

10

Inna

Feb 17, 2025

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Stayed 1 night

Great hotel right in University of South Carolina

10

Maggie

Aug 1, 2025

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Stayed 1 night

This is a perfect location for UofSC parents and visitors. Right on campus and very clean and friendly staff. There is a bar and easy dining. Easy parking.

10

lisa

Jan 15, 2023

·

Stayed 19,371 nights

Convenient location to University of South Carolina Campus.

8

Lidu

Jul 3, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We enjoyed staying here. The location is convenient, close to the University of South Carolina, a nice area to walk around.

10

Suzanne

Jun 11, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Hotel was beautiful! Conveniently located to University of South Carolina.

10

Jenny

Jun 12, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great location to visit USC.

10

Catherine

Apr 29, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great location. Fun interior. Clean and friendly.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Dining

The Trophy Room bar/restaurant often earns praise for tasty drinks and good breakfast or casual fare. Several guests, however, found the menu limited, coffee not complimentary or subpar, early closing times, and slow or understaffed service.

Related guest reviews

8

Gary

Mar 23, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Good location. Helpful staff. Would be nice if bar were open past 10pm on a Saturday night.

8

Jason

Aug 5, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Restaurant is great for a drink or a snack. Staff are lovely! The ac in the room doesn’t get super cool.

10

Derek

Mar 27, 2024

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Stayed 1 night

Awesome looking hotel. Rooms were decorated very well and the interior / exterior looked very nice. Wish there was a breakfast option included with the stay but that’s not a deal breaker.

2

David

Nov 6, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

No breakfast, even thou the site said it did. When we inquired, we were told the site is ran from a third party. Do not trust. Also, keep in mind there will be a $300 extra charge (refundable) for incidentals. The “bar” will tell you that they are out of many things (food/drinks).

8

Michele

Apr 16, 2025

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Stayed 1 night

Food service was not up to par. Bartender does not know how to pour a drink. Your coffee is terrible and should be complimentary in the morning

10

Dawn

Aug 10, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Loved staying at The Graduate in Columbia. The rooms were spacious and unique. The bar area was nice and open late. Great tasting breakfast too.

10

Amber

Aug 14, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Rooms are decorated in such a unique, fun way. We had a suite with a balcony and it was worth the extra money. Front staff were excellent. Restaurant staff could have better customer service. Will return.

10

Carolina

Apr 4, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Our overall stay was great! My only complaint is the food service at the bar. Not enough staff which caused us to wait a long time for our food and it’s very confusing where to order food etc.

10

Tina

Jun 13, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We ate dinner onsite and the bartender/wait staff was amazing. Although she was super busy she was attentive and quick to take care of needs. The food was also delicious!

8

LeeAnn

Jun 3, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Very close to campus. Very walkable. Bathroom could use a deep scrub but room otherwise fine. The trophy room is not a resturant. It is a bar that serves food. Service was very sketchy and they were far to busy to only have one bartender. Also, their menu changes so do not rely on the online menu to make choices.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Month	Average price
January	$132
February	$203
March	$221
April	$227
May	$223
June	$178
July	$159
August	$189
September	$205
October	$212
November	$176
December	$123

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16 $180	17 $312	18	19
20 $178	21 $165	22 $166	23 $163	24 $165	25 $260	26 $179
27 $156	28 $162	29 $170	30 $175

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $314	2	3
4 $173	5 $176	6 $175	7 $194	8 $169	9 $259	10 $255
11 $175	12 $157	13 $179	14 $179	15 $191	16 $260	17 $267
18 $160	19 $210	20 $190	21 $249	22 $224	23	24
25 $458	26 $207	27 $250	28 $266	29 $267	30 $188	31 $160

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Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Room, 2 Queen Beds

Family Room, 1 King Bed

Suite, 1 King Bed

Suite, 1 King Bed, Accessible (3X3 Shower)

Junior Suite, 1 King Bed

Room, 1 King Bed

Junior Suite (Sir Big Spur King Junior Suite)

Junior Suite (Bridal King Junior Suite)

Junior Suite, 1 King Bed (Horseshoe King Junior Suite)

Suite, 1 King Bed, Balcony

Room, 2 Queen Beds, Accessible (3X3 Shower)

Guest reviews

Superb

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property Policies

Check-in instructions

Security deposit

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about Graduate by Hilton Columbia SC

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Prices for upcoming dates