I'm going to Columbia and Charleston SC for two nights a piece in a couple of weeks. Can anybody recommend a nice (price isn't too much of a concern but the place can't be more than about $260/night) hotel in the downtown area of either city. Thanks in advance.

Hampton Inn has just built a new hotel in the Historic District of Columbia. It is a short walk to anything downtown and in the now trendy warehouse district with lots of restaurants and pubs. The rooms were quite nice and it was reasonable priced.

Columbia:
Hampton Inn - Historic District ( Downtown )
Avoid Hampton Inn 1-26 Airport

Charleston:
Look no further. Doubletree Guest Suites is a steal at $89. But make sure you get upgraded to a suite.

Although it is probably not as inexpensive as the Doubletree, check out the Marriott Renaissance. It is brand new and in a great location. The staff there tries very hard to please.

Alternatively, the Embassy Suites downtown is in the original Citadel building. I haven't been in the rooms, but the public spaces are very nice.