Destination Guides
The Carolinas 2011
by Kaitlin Holden and Michael C. LoweSeptember 1, 2011
Why Here?
The Carolinas are blessed with beautiful landscapes ranging from verdant mountains to sandy beaches, plus all the full-service hotels and meetings-friendly sports and cultural institutions a planner could ask for. Superior airlift makes the region easily accessible to all.
Photograph: ©Charleston Area CVB; ExploreCharleston.com
Columbia, S.C.
The 135-room Sheraton Columbia Downtown Hotel received the AAA Four Diamond Award in June.
The former Radisson Hotel Columbia and Convention Center became the DoubleTree by Hilton, Columbia, in June. The 238-room property has 20,000 square feet of meeting space.
Meeting Hotels Properties include the 300-room Marriott Columbia; 238-room DoubleTree by Hilton, Columbia; 181-room Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Columbia North, and 161-room Clarion Hotel Downtown. For more, go to mcvenues.com.
Convention Center
Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center; exhibit space, approximately 24,700 square feet; meeting rooms, 14; (800) 264-4884
Airport Transit Columbia Metropolitan Airport, six miles southwest of downtown. Transfer cost by taxi, $15-$17. Many hotels offer free shuttles.
Taxes Room tax, 2%; sales tax, 6% (Richland County) or 7% (Lexington); tourism development tax, 3%; total tax on hotel rooms, 11% or 12%
Group Venue Two floors of Southern architecture are on display at Kendall's Katering's Hanlee Hall, about 15 minutes northwest of downtown. The reception hall holds up to 200 guests indoors with its open-air atrium and second-floor balcony overlooking a dance floor. (803) 749-2285
ContactColumbia Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau, (800) 264-4884
FOR MORE OF THE CAROLINAS: > Myrtle beach, S.C.
> Charlotte, N.C.