Hotel Indigo Columbus: a Riverfront Hotel in Columbus, GA

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

As many of you know, Abby just turned 13 last week, and I can hardly believe it! The two of us have had some really fun adventures together over the past couple of years.   In fact, don’t tell Matt, but she is my favorite travel buddy, and we had a great time this week at the Hotel Indigo Columbus, Georgia.

Many of our mother-daughter weekend trips are centered around her swim meets, and those have allowed us to explore some cities here in the southeast for the first time.   Today, I want to talk more about Columbus, Georgia, a place that we have been to twice in the past 6 months and a hotel that I have fallen in love with.  So, grab a cup of coffee because I am excited to tell you all about the Hotel Indigo – a riverfront hotel in Columbus, GA.

In fact, I went on about how much I enjoyed my first stay at the Hotel Indigo Columbus, GA, so much that Matt planned a birthday surprise trip there for me in December.  We ended up having to cancel that overnight trip simply because it was a week before the holidays, and we had so many things going on. 

But I giggle a little, thinking that man, I must have really sold him on this place! It doesn’t surprise me, though, because I really did love it that much!

I mean, how can you not love this view?

Columbus, Georgia

We have been through Columbus, Georgia, numerous times and stayed there twice. However, I feel like we haven’t even scratched the surface when it comes to this city.   I was pleasantly surprised by this growing community!

Did you know that Columbus is actually the second-largest city in Georgia? 

It has a vibrant downtown area with a welcoming college town feel, and there is no shortage of cute shops and unique restaurants in Columbus.  The best part is that it is nestled up against the Chattahoochee River, which runs south,  separating  Alabama from Georgia before meeting up with Lake Seminole and then eventually making its way to the Gulf of Mexico in another one of my favorite towns — Apalachicola, Florida.

Where is Columbus, GA?

Columbus, Georgia, is located on the western border of central Georgia, about an hour and a half southwest of Atlanta.   

If you are heading from Atlanta (or anywhere northeast of there) to the Florida panhandle and the 30A beaches that we know and love, then there is a good chance that your travels will take you through Columbus.  Because it is 3.5 hours away from these beaches, it is a good stopping point if you want to break up a longer road trip.

Booking.com

Downtown & Uptown Columbus, Georgia

In this blog post about the Hotel Indigo Columbus, GA,  I am going to be focusing on what you may consider the urban downtown area. 

But, while it’s easy to lump all of the urban areas into one “downtown” category, this hotel is actually located in Uptown Columbus toward the north end of the hustle and bustle.  It is walkable to everything downtown either via Broadway or Front Ave or by strolling along the Columbus, GA Riverwalk that is directly accessible from the backside of the hotel.

While it did require us to drive about 10 minutes to the pool complex each day, I really liked staying in this area because it just felt more alive.  I love the urban energy and being able to walk to all of the incredible restaurants and shops.  Columbus, GA, has a great food scene!

Things to Do in Columbus, Georgia

I have a whole lot of things on my Columbus, GA, bucket list.  At the top is a visit to Whitewater Express for some white water rafting on the Chattahoochee River! 

Did you know that Columbus is home to the longest urban whitewater rafting course in the world?   We had such a great time white water rafting in South Carolina last year, and I am itching to do it again!

After rafting, we would make sure to hop on the zipline to experience the river from above! In Columbus, GA, you can zipline high above the Chattahoochee River from Georgia to Alabama (crossing time zones) and then back again! Seriously – how cool is that?

There is way too much to list, but other popular Columbus, GA, activities include:

• Coca-Cola Space Science Center
• Columbus Museum
• Springer Opera House
• Columbus Symphony Orchestra
• RiverCenter for the Performing Arts
• Historic Westville
• Columbus Dragonfly Trail
• Lunchbox Museum 
• Columbus Botanical Garden
• National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center

If you would like to learn more about this community or plan a visit to Columbus, then I highly recommend requesting a free Columbus, GA Visitors Guide from VisitColumbusGa.com.

Hotel Indigo Columbus, GA

Ok, so let’s talk about the Hotel Indigo Columbus!  This top-rated full-service hotel has 107 guest rooms and is located directly on the Chattahoochee River and alongside the 22-mile-long River Walk.  The Hotel Indigo Columbus opened in February of 2021, so everything is new and modern in this one-year-old hotel.

Looking south, you can see all of uptown, midtown, and downtown Columbus, and when you look to the north, there are uninterrupted river views as far as the eye can see. 

But this hotel has more than gorgeous views and rooftop sunsets, although it’s hard to beat a rooftop sunset. It’s also home to two fantastic restaurants and the most friendly hotel staff that I have ever encountered.  Everyone seemed both happy to be there and happy to be hosting us. 

Truth be told, we are pretty easygoing travelers, and it’s not too difficult to please us when it comes to accommodations, but where I really take notice are the interactions I have with others while traveling.

We hold top elite status with IHG hotels, so we are used to extra pleasantries from the hotel staff,  but at the Hotel Indigo Columbus, it was beyond that.  Everyone had a smile or an open door for us, and we noticed!

IHG One Rewards Club

And speaking of IHG One Rewards Club status, I want to take a second to note that we are very loyal to IHG, which is why you see us at their hotels often, including Kimpton, Intercontinental, Holiday Inn Express, and my favorite product, Hotel Indigo. We have stayed at Hotel Indigos around the world, from the Hotel Indigo Wall Street to the Hotel Indigo Brussels City!

READ: How To Plan A Trip To Europe

Years ago, I worked at Crowne Plaza, and they were my first rewards club as an adult and haven’t disappointed me yet. 

So, we do choose to book IHG properties often and earn/redeem points for our travels.  We also have the IHG Rewards Club Premier Credit Card, which allows us to earn points on everyday expenses (and up to 25x the points on IHG hotel stays).

However, my favorite benefits of this card are the free anniversary night each year and the ability to get the 4th night free when redeeming my points, making them go a lot further.  It’s well worth the $89 annual fee for the free night alone.

What to expect at Hotel Indigo Columbus, Georgia

The Hotel Indigo may be the new kid in town, but you wouldn’t know it.  The walls and even the lobby ceiling are adorned with handmade and hand-picked artwork to tell the story and celebrate the culture and history of Columbus. 

From the moment you walk into the lobby (make sure to look up) until the minute you leave, you will feel right at home at the Hotel Indigo Columbus, GA.  The floor-to-ceiling windows allow for an abundance of light and sweeping views of the Chattahoochee River, and the valet parking and room service make it the perfect destination for both business and leisure travel.

Rooms at The Hotel Indigo Uptown Columbus, GA

Carrying on the theme of local culture, the walls behind the guest beds in every room are complete with a large-scale historical map of The Fountain City. 

When booking your room at the Hotel Indigo, there is, of course, the option for choosing a 2 Queen or 1 King room, but there is also the option to choose from a standard room or a river view room.  We have stayed in both of them, and while the rooms offer the same comfort, that water view sure is a treat! It also provides a view of the sun setting over Alabama, just across the river.

Both rooms had a refrigerator, and my favorite touch was in the bathroom.  The circular mirror, when lit, would reflect off of the shower, creating a beautiful half-moon!

River view rooms at Hotel Indigo

There are a limited number of rooms facing the river, and you can reserve these at a premium.  They face west and, depending on what floor you are on, give you an immersive or sweeping view of the rapids below.    In my opinion, if you can grab one of these rooms, do it, but if you can’t, you will be just (or almost) as happy in one of the standard rooms!

We had a room on the 6th floor, so this was the view from our room in the early morning hours.  I actually think the lower-level rooms would have more of an immersive feel, being more eye-level with the river.

Standard rooms at Hotel Indigo

The standard rooms were great, too!  The only difference is that they either face midtown and downtown or face to the north.   

I snapped this photo of Abby enjoying some room service french toast at sunrise during our first stay.  Aren’t those floor-to-ceiling windows incredible?  Oftentimes, when we travel for sports, we find ourselves at smaller hotels along the interstate.  It was refreshing and honestly felt super chic to be at a full-service hotel like the Hotel Indigo for these recent trips.

Restaurants at The Hotel Indigo in Columbus, GA

There are two restaurants on-site at the Hotel Indigo Columbus, and we have had the chance to try both for several meals!  There is also a full-service bar and plenty of open seating in the lobby if you just want to grab a cold one and unwind after a long day.

Eighteen85 – The best rooftop bar in downtown Columbus, GA

It’s safe to say that while the friendly staff got me hooked on this hotel, the rooftop bar stole my heart.  On our first visit in late September, we arrived on a Friday night and ran up to Eighteen85 just in time for the sunset. 

We were hustling in the door upon arrival because I wanted to make it in time for the sunset.  Abby and I got a spot on some comfortable couches toward the north end of the space and were able to see the most amazing colors form over the river post-sunset.  There was a band playing live music on the other side, and we ordered several small plates – each one better than the last! It was, quite frankly, my perfect kind of night!

This rooftop bar has quickly become a popular place for the locals in addition to hotel guests.  We saw several couples there on a date night, groups of friends gathered together, and by the time we left at around 9 pm,  there were even some more “dressed up” groups coming in to start their night.  The bar stays open until midnight on weekends.

Eighteen85 is a seasonal bar, though, and when we visited again in winter, the rooftop was closed due to cold temperatures.  But I can’t wait to go back again on a warm summer evening!

Denim & Oak Restuarant Inside the Hotel Indigo

Demin & Oak is the main restaurant inside the Hotel Indigo Columbus, GA, and they serve breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, as well as a full room service menu.  They also have a wonderful wine list! 

At dinner on our last visit, I had the filet, and it was wonderful.  We also tried and loved the Crispy Brussels.  Abby had Chicken Creole pasta, and it was a big serving!

At breakfast, we both enjoyed the Brioche French Toast on both of our visits, which is also available through room service.

You can view all of the Denim & Oak menus here.

Restaurants near The Hotel Indigo Columbus, GA

While there are dozens of top-notch restaurants in Columbus, we chose to stay close to the hotel on both of our visits and ate a couple of restaurants that were just steps away from the front door.

Country’s BBQ

A classic Columbus favorite, Country’s BBQ is located in an old Greyhound station where you can even eat in an actual Greyhound bus.  You may remember it from our road trip to South Carolina last year.  That was our first visit, and we’ve eaten there basically every time we come to town because I love those brisket tacos!

Trevioli Italian Kitchen at The Rapids

Last month, we had dinner one night at Trevioli Italian Kitchen, just across the street.  We made a reservation online in advance that afternoon for 8:30 pm, giving Abby time to shower and change after her swim meet. 

We arrived and got seated right away.  It was a hopping place with almost every table full and cheerful conversations flowing.  I enjoyed a steak, and Abby got a pizza. Both portions were so big that we had enough to take back home with us the next day.

Amenities at the Hotel Indigo Riverfront Hotel in Columbus, GA

In addition to the great restaurant and rooms, there are a few other things that set the Hotel Indigo Columbus apart from the others! 

First, I think the rate is very reasonable for what you are getting!  Being a premier new construction, full-service hotel, it’s already a great value for your money.  Throw in the friendly staff, rapid views, and sunsets on the roof, and it’s hard to beat!

But here are a few other ways to get more out of your stay!

Enjoy the heated pool at the Hotel Indigo Columbus

Right off the lobby and overlooking the river sits a heated pool!  We didn’t get a chance to enjoy it because Abby was already spending her days at the Columbus Aquatic Center pool across town, but it sure looked tempting. 

In the winter, you could see the steam coming off the pool as we ate breakfast at Denim and Oak.

Borrow bikes to explore the riverwalk

The hotel has a couple of bikes that you can check out during your stay.  I would have loved to cruise down the Riverwalk or the Dragonfly Trail.  These trails cover so much ground, and cruising them on a bike would be the perfect way to see it all!  There is a lot of cool history in Columbus, GA, and you know us… we stop for all historical markers!

Valet parking

I have a love/hate relationship with valet parking, and it’s probably because I never have cash on hand for tips.   Valet is the main form of parking at the Hotel Indigo Columbus, with very little street parking available, and while I didn’t care for it at first, I came to love it by the end of our second stay. 

Even though we kept getting the car to go back and forth to the swim meet, it just made it feel like a vacation, and honestly, it felt good to be pampered in this little way.  The valet parking was $12 per night at the time of our stay.

Room Service

And on that theme, while I didn’t get room service, I let Abby get it one morning when we had a really early wake-up call, and it really made her feel special.  You know that we aren’t necessarily luxury travel bloggers, and we are pretty laid-back when it comes to a variety of accommodations. However, sometimes it just feels so good to order some room service.

My Review of The Hotel Indigo Riverfront Hotel in Columbus, GA

I would stay here again and again.  You all know that when I fall in love, I fall hard.  I tend to know what I like right away, and I love the Hotel Indigo in Columbus, GA!   I give it five stars and really have zero complaints other than wishing the rooftop bar was open (with live music) all year, but that’s a weather thing!

The Staff

I will say it again.  Every single employee that I encountered was friendly!  As a self-confessed people watcher, I love the human experience.  It’s so amazing how interactions with one another can make or break a moment, and the staff at the Hotel Indigo brightened my stay.

The Rooms

Our rooms during both stays were very clean, spacious, and well-decorated.  The murals on the wall and floor-to-ceiling windows were delightful.  I always know that when I stay at an IHG property, I will sleep well in their beds and bedding!

The Food

All of the food was great, and you can tell that a lot of time has gone into creating menus that feature local and farm-to-table ingredients.  The rooftop bar was a bit more our speed portion size and price-wise as we like to graze on small plates, but I loved sitting down for a full upscale dinner at Denim and Oak one evening.

The Location

I really liked the location!  It was walkable to the main drag downtown but was not nearly as congested as that area.  We could easily get to the pool in about 10 minutes, and when I travel, walkability to dining and drinks is the number one factor for me. 

I would rather drive to the pool each day and then be able to walk to dinner and shopping than have to drive downtown each night.

Book Your Stay at the Hotel Indigo Columbus, GA

If you are like Matt, and I have you convinced that you need to book a stay at the Hotel Indigo Columbus, GA, then click here to check rates and availability for your travel dates!

PIN: Hotel Indigo Columbus, Georgia