News Summary
Columbia is preparing to welcome a new extended stay hotel under the LivSmart by Hilton brand with an expected opening in the second quarter of 2026. Located at 175 Stoneridge Drive, the hotel will feature 113 rooms with kitchenettes, catering to long-term travelers’ needs. This development aims to fill a gap in the local market following the closure of a nearby Embassy Suites and responds to the demand for extended stay accommodations driven by local universities and business growth.
Columbia is set to welcome a new extended stay hotel under the LivSmart by Hilton brand, with plans for its opening in the second quarter of 2026. The hotel will be located at 175 Stoneridge Drive, near the busy intersection known as Malfunction Junction. The city has already issued construction permits for the project, marking a significant step towards meeting the growing demand for long-term accommodations in the area.
The LivSmart hotel will feature 113 rooms spread over four floors, specifically designed to cater to travelers seeking long-term lodging solutions that last 20 days or more. Each room will be equipped with small kitchenettes to provide guests with the convenience of self-catering during their extended stay. In addition, the LivSmart brand will offer amenities including weekly housekeeping, streamlined check-in and check-out processes, and a quick grab-and-go breakfast for busy guests.
Located next to another Hilton property, Tru by Hilton at 185 Stoneridge Drive, the new hotel responds to a gap in the market following the early 2023 closure of the nearby 218-room Embassy Suites by Hilton. The extended stay hotel sector has seen a surge in demand recently, driven by an increase in visitors affiliated with local universities and an overall uptick in long-term travel needs.
In recent years, the corridor connecting Stoneridge Drive and Greystone Boulevard has experienced significant growth in hotel developments, largely due to its proximity to Interstate 126 and popular attractions, such as Riverbanks Zoo. As Columbia continues to attract a variety of visitors, including those attending local universities and business travelers, the demand for extended stay accommodations has become increasingly evident.
Other recent developments in the area include a new 124-room extended stay hotel near Columbiana Mall and a Homewood Suites in the Vista. This growth trend in the extended stay market can be partially attributed to shifts experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, during which hotels adjusted to lower staffing requirements and want to reduce guest turnover.
Industry experts indicate that the local market remains underserved in terms of extended stay options, prompting proposals for new developments like the LivSmart hotel. Alia Bostaji, a Columbia realtor specializing in hospitality, notes that interest in extended stay accommodations continues to grow, highlighting the importance of this new addition to the local landscape.
As Columbia prepares for the opening of the LivSmart by Hilton, travelers seeking comfortable, consistent, and convenient lodging options will soon have more choices at their disposal. With these additional extended stay accommodations, the city aims to better cater to the needs of long-term visitors and capitalize on its increasing appeal as a destination for business and leisure travel.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: LivSmart Hilton Hotel
- Wikipedia: Extended Stay Hotel
- Columbia Business Report: New Hotel in Vista District
- Google Search: Columbia extended stay hotels
- Cola Daily: New Extended Stay Marriott Hotel
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hotel
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