Hotel Trundle Co-Owner Rita Patel says her eclectic establishment is located at the intersection of kindness and comfort, all wrapped in South Carolina color, creativity and charm. This lodging destination at 1224 Taylor St., oozes with the essence of the entire Columbia region. In fact, from the custom-made mattresses and walnut beds to the fresh coffee, food and libations, everything at the hotel is as locally sourced as it could be.
When Rita and her husband, Marcus, dreamed of owning an independent, boutique hotel in the heart of Columbia, their self-dubbed "unicorn opportunity" surfaced in 2016 when the historic Western Auto building became available to purchase. So, they set about renovating three historic buildings into a one-of-a-kind boutique hotel, adding extraordinary details along the way. When they opened during April 2018, they even adopted a unicorn as the hotel's logo, decorated with images of the mystical creature and now offer a unicorn suite.
"It was important to us to foster the voice of the talented array of local artists, craftspeople, restaurants and small business owners who make up the area's growing community," explains Rita.
Following this support-local practice, the Patels created a network of neighbors who are working together to showcase this vibrant portion of the state.
Now known for being part community gathering spot/part urban retreat, Hotel Trundle is a place where guests receive delightful experiences and surprises that make them smile, such as tucking themselves away in a former elevator shaft transformed into a reading nook.
Rita says they routinely welcome out-of-town visitors but have plenty of stay-cation guests from local areas as well.
"Many are enjoying our date night or experience packages," says Rita. "With our Artsy Package, you can enjoy an afternoon at Columbia Museum of Art, a paint and pour class with Grapes & Gallery, a four-course dinner and drinks at Bourbon, and a night’s stay with us."
Destination: 41-room hotel inside of three historic buildings combined into one—the first of its kind in Downtown Columbia.
Experience: The hotel's staff freshened the rules of Southern Hospitality to include a unique blend of curated guest experiences and services, good old-fashioned thoughtfulness and an eclectic, 1920s art deco style.
Hotel Comforts: Complimentary local beer at check-in; sip and nibble manager’s reception; light local breakfast; fitness studio with an elliptical machine, exercise bike, treadmill and free weights; complimentary Wi-Fi; concierge services and parking at daily or valet rates.
803.722.5000