This past weekend, I joined many thousands of football (soccer) fans at the University of South Carolina stadium to watch a preseason match between Liverpool and Manchester United. I had originally booked a Hyatt Place about 10 miles away from Columbia for 5k Hyatt points per night (as the one in Columbia was sold out of award nights) but in the end I switched to the Hilton Columbia Center when I found standard award nights available at 50k Hilton points (vs $800 cash rates).

As it turned out, Liverpool FC were also staying at the Hilton so I got to get up close and personal with the team when they left for both the practice and the match over the weekend. Only registered hotel guests were allowed inside when the team was leaving so everyone else had to wait outside in the 95+ degree heat.

As for the hotel, it’s on the older side. Everything worked fine in the room though and the staff were pleasant and professional. I was in a standard king room on the 3rd floor. The TV had a ton of channels and I was able to watch the Olympics when I took a break from the heat for a few hours.

The only dining outlet at the hotel was the Ruth’s Chris steakhouse and I did not eat there, preferring to just grab a coffee in the morning and eat with my Liverpool-supporting friends at local establishments. Room service was available but I didn’t check the menu. There was a coffee machine in the lobby that was available for all guests which is a nice touch.

There was also an outdoor pool which looked pretty nice and a gym open 24 hours.

The location of the hotel was excellent as it was right next to the USC campus and lots of downtown restaurants and bars. It felt like the hotel was a bit of a steal using points given the number of people in town and the prices of all the hotels that weekend.

Parking was in a deck next to the hotel for $18 per night. There was valet parking available for $26 but it wasn’t necessary as the parking deck had a direct entrance to the hotel.

Overall, despite the age of the property, I would stay there again if I had to be in Columbia. However, next time my favorite team will not also be staying there so that won’t be as much fun.

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