Merriweather Lakehouse, Autograph Collection

My stay was from 12/31 - 1/1, a quick NYE overnight stay. Overall, I am not happy with my stay at Merriweather Lakehouse! I chose this location because of the lake views, the location, and because Columbia has fireworks. I also like how this hotel is an "one stop shop" - room, restaurant, bar, and a small cafe. I booked a Lakeview room but I was given room 402 which is a partial lake view because your view is obstructed by a LARGE TREE! I went back to the front desk to try to get another room but they were sold out. The gentlemen at the front, I cannot remember his name, was kind and tried to accommodate us. Also it was cold in the room. No matter how far I turned the heat up, it was cold in there. I did not want to get out of the covers because I was freezing! It was hard to sleep because I was shivering and there are not extra blankets in the room. The room was set up nicely and stocked with coffee, water, soap, shower cap, and even Prosecco for a new year champagne toast. It also has a nice size closet but not worth paying almost $400 for it! Restaurant Review: This is where the stars start to drop! I was VERY DISAPPOINTED with the dinner and breakfast at Lak. I would NOT have stayed at this hotel if I would have known the dinner came with a Pre Fixe Menu and the breakfast was buffet style. The Pre Fixe menu was horrible for us! The entrees were a surf and turf, chicken, shrimp and grits, and a Risotto. I do not eat red meat or chicken, and I hate risotto! My friend does not eat shellfish and who is in the mood for grits on New Years?!? Not us! Needless to say when we went for our 8pm reservation and saw this menu, we had to go back to the room to get our coats and find a nearby restaurant because we wanted fish. This was inconvenient to have to leave the hotel in 10 degree weather when we had no plans to leave until the next morning!! You all should definitely consider a fish dish for a pre fixe menu. The breakfast buffet only had pork options! Yuck! I asked the young lady monitoring the buffet about turkey sausage but she said they did not have any. Also the pancakes, eggs, and potatoes were room temp. I like to enjoy my food HOT and this is why I avoid buffets and would not have paid extra when I booked to get this horrible breakfast. It was not disclosed on the website when I booked that breakfast was a buffet and dinner was that pre fixe menu. Now, if you eat meat, you would have loved it but it was not good for us! I had plans to get the rockfish and my friend wanted the salmon. :( Highly disappointed! I told the lady at the front desk about my stay and about everything posted here and she informed me about the holidays that the pre fixe menu and buffet breakfast would happen so I would not book at those times. I appreciate that information, but at the end of the stay, it was not really helpful but good to know moving forward.

I always stay at the Merriweather Lakehouse every time I come into town. They always treat myself and my team very well. The bar and restaurant is great! Even better I got an amazing upgrade last night. Thank you!

Stayed for a work event! The rooms were updated and nice! Beds were comfortable! Enjoyed dinner right on site and it was delicious!! Loved the ahi tuna appetizer!! Even went to the gym the next morning which had a great view of the lake! They had ear buds if you forgot yours - very well thought out! The coffee spot was an added bonus and delicious on our way out! Would highly recommend!!