Extended Stay America Columbia Ft. Jackson

Getting to this motel means winding around behind an outdoor plaza with plenty of places to eat and shop. I asked for a disabled access room and was told I could use the elevator. Then they put us on the second floor, where the elevator wasn't working. They had no first-floor rooms available and wouldn't refund us. The room was spacious and seemed clean, but wasn't accessible: the supposed walk-in shower was a tub, with no handrails in the middle or at the back. There was no hot water either. The water started at room temperature, then turned icy cold once I was in the tub, and no faucet adjustment warmed it up. I won't stay again if I can help it.

This place works if you need an affordable, no-frills private studio apartment. It's clean and has lots of lighting options. The fridge is new and roomy, grocery stores are within walking distance, and the free internet worked great for my Zoom calls. The staff were kind and honest, and the long-stay elders there were inclusive. Laundry is best avoided on weekends; pick up soap for the machines at the nearby dollar store. Bring instant coffee, since there's no coffee maker or coffee service. If there had been coffee, I'd have given them 11 stars. It's very close to base.

The location is ideal, and the desk staff are friendly. Marva was especially helpful in showing me the rooms. But the rooms are infested with roaches. We sprayed and cleaned as soon as we checked in, then had to keep spraying. If our life situation hadn't required it, we wouldn't have stayed. I can't recommend this place.

Don't stay here, especially if you have a pet. They canceled my room without notice because I had a pet, even though I had a card on file. Then they charged me a $100 penalty fee. The service is terrible, and the people were rude and unprofessional. I'll never stay at this location again.