7 Best Hotels in The Midlands and Upstate, South Carolina

Greenville's new centerpiece lodge—directly on the Reedy River at the Liberty Bridge—is also the grandest of Richard Kessler's Grand Bohemian chain. A life-size Native American on a rearing horse sculpture, a stone buffalo, and a 10-foot tall geode greet you before even entering the resplendent lobby, with its bespoke glass antler chandeliers, art gallery, restaurants, and wide porches overlooking the river. Rooms are equally dazzling, furnished with stunning art, and on the 5th floor, 15-foot ceilings.

Built into a historic former furniture store building in the heart of downtown Columbia, Trundle stands out for its focus on service and eclectic decor highlighted by paintings and sculpture throughout the communal areas. Rooms feature exposed brick, faux vintage fridges and modern furniture. An annex with an additional five rooms, dubbed the Flutter Wing, opened in 2024, and the hotel also offers four rental houses in nearby neighborhoods. 

A short walk from the convention center and hot spot restaurants and nightlife, and housing a lively bar of its own, this hotel is modern and customer-focused. It is outfitted with contemporary art and light fixtures, and flooded with natural light in its loft-like public spaces. Rooms have a sleek, minimalist look. The billiards tables in the lobby, modern gym, on-site lounge, and oversized showers emphasize relaxing and recharging.

This extremely colorful (think: plaids over pastels) yet tastefully decorated boutique inn expands upon a century-old historic home, whose original parlors and living rooms serve as a bar, library, and communal areas. You don't have to be a University of South Carolina fan to appreciate the funky aesthetic of a headboard adorned with giant chickens. The Trophy Room restaurant serves breakfast and dinner.

This classy outpost is within walking distance of restaurants and nightlife in the Vista neighborhood. The standard wood furnishings in the guest rooms are bumped up a notch in comfort by Cloud Nine bedding, and the hotel's staff provides attentive service.

Ask for a room overlooking the pool or the palm-filled atrium at this conveniently located spot on the north end of Main Street. Note that there's also the Hyatt Place Greenville Downtown—a 10-minute walk away and almost as centrally located.

This 11-story downtown hotel built in 1925 combines old-fashioned appeal with Westin's modern upgrades. Intricate moldings adorn the many columns, complemented by ironwork rails, chandeliers, and restored decorative plasterwork. The large guest rooms have down comforters, marble baths, and high ceilings. The on-site restaurant, Spoonbread, is set in an attractive room with high ceilings, a tiled floor, and sky-blue walls.  The lobby restroom is built into the building's original bank vault.