stayAPT Suites Columbia-Irmo Harbison

My boyfriend and I stay at lots of hotels around here for his work, and this was easily the most disappointing for staff. No one seemed to enjoy their job or even say hello. One morning, a petite blonde employee who seemed to work at the front desk saw me leaving the elevator with my service dog and immediately asked my room number, without greeting me. My dog had her other harness on, not the one marked for service dogs, so I can give the employee some credit for asking. But when we came back, she followed us onto the elevator and said, “next time lets us know if you have a dog with you.” I said she was a service dog and I had her paperwork and ID card. The employee said she understood, but that they had pet friendly rooms on the first floor. I stayed quiet because she was legally wrong. Under ADA rules I don’t have to notify a hotel about my service animal, and she and I have equal access to any room, not just pet friendly ones. Staff need to learn the rules for service animals. The next day I picked up an order from the lobby. The same employee was there, again without a hello, good morning, or even a smile. I thanked her on my way out, and she still said nothing. The location is handy, close to things, but it’s beside the thruway, so there’s a lot of traffic noise. The courtyard can also get loud from other guests. Online photos are misleading because the bedroom sections have carpet. The tub looked a bit dirty, and the bedding looked ratty and needs updating, though I know this isn’t a five-star hotel. The Wi-Fi wasn’t good, and one day it wouldn’t connect, saying my room didn’t exist. This didn’t bother me personally, but the stove cord stuck out into the hallway, which could concern someone with kids or safety worries.

Parking was available, the rooms were really clean, and the service was amazing. We had an awesome stay.

I loved my stay. Avery explained the $250 accidental fee, which I hadn’t known about, and once I understood how it worked, it felt worth it. The room was spacious, very clean, and had a full kitchen. The bed was so comfortable, and getting from the interstate to the mall was easy. It was a quick holiday stay, but I’d recommend it any day.

The room was clean, but there were no curtains on the windows. It’s right beside I-26, and rooms on that side get traffic noise all night.