Exciting Development Coming to Columbia Metropolitan Airport!
Columbia, the capital city of South Carolina, is buzzing with *exciting news* that travelers will surely appreciate! The Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) is actively seeking a developer to create an **on-site hotel**, aiming to enhance the travel experience for both locals and visitors alike. This 150-room hotel is just what the airport needs to help attract more travelers and new routes, which is an absolute win in our books!
A Strategic Location for Travelers
According to airport officials, the proposed hotel will rise four stories high on a two-acre site conveniently located within walking distance of the terminal. Imagine the ease of returning a rental car and then just strolling over to your cozy hotel room for a good night’s sleep before your early morning flight! As Columbia Airport Properties Manager Lindsay Copelan puts it, “Being able to provide travelers a place to rest before flying out is a huge enhancement, not just for the airport but for the entire community.”
An Ideal Partner for the Project
The airport has enlisted Alia Bostaji, a local realtor who is *well-versed in the hospitality sector* with the commercial real estate firm Colliers, to hunt down the perfect developer. What’s even more exciting? Major hotel chains like **Hilton** and **Marriott** are showing interest in the project! This upscale hotel will surely stand out as there aren’t many hotel options that serve the airport directly.
Perfect Timing for Corporate Travelers
With around 70 percent of CAE’s flights taking off before 10 a.m., having a hotel right next to the terminal is highly desirable—especially for those corporate travelers who need to catch early morning flights. Alia mentions, “For corporate travelers wanting to leave early in the morning, being next to the airport is a no-brainer!”
What’s Next in the Development Process?
The process is moving along swiftly! Within the next three to six months, the airport plans to finalize a contract with a developer. Following that, they will embark on the necessary due diligence periods which will take about 18 months to wrap up before construction begins. This means we might see this hotel come to life sooner than we think!
A Unique Offer for the Community
Not only is this a fantastic benefit for travelers, but the hotel aims to include a rooftop food and drink venue available to the public. Picture yourself enjoying a meal or drink while taking in stunning views of the airfield and watching planes come and go! “I think that’s a really unique feature,” says Copelan, and we couldn’t agree more!
More Exciting Growth at CAE
The airport is also bustling with additional improvements. An expansion of the TSA checkpoint facilities is expected to wrap up by September 2025. Additionally, work on new inspection facilities for U.S. Customs and Border Patrol is on the horizon, further enhancing the airport’s capabilities. Just this year, CAE welcomed over 400,000 passengers and nearly 19,000 flights from January to August—both numbers reflect an increase compared to last year!
Wrapping Up
All these developments at Columbia Metropolitan Airport are definitely putting it on the map. With a new hotel on the way, prospective travelers can expect a better, more convenient travel experience. Not only will it help our local economy, but it also positions Columbia as a prime destination for travelers in South Carolina. So, whether you’re a frequent flyer or just planning your next getaway, the future looks bright at CAE!
