Is there a decent hotel here? I've read some bad reviews of some of the large ones.
Will be meeting a large gathering of family for military event in May.

I've stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in Phenix, AL (just across the river from Columbus). Very clean & convenient, great price. Stayed there several times for softball tournaments, and family members are always looking for a good deal. Also stayed at the Hilton in Columbus ... overpriced in my opinion, and the HI was actually closer to the ballpark!!

There are several nice hotels. The Wyndham (fromerly Hilton) which is downtown across from the river and LaQuinta. The hotels that are close to the entrance to the base are rather shabby.

I'd recommend the Comfort Inn on Macon Rd simply because it's one of the newest if not the newest hotel in Columbus. It's also the closest to Fort Benning without being on Victory Drive. The Sheraton by the airport is probaly the fanciest. And there's the Courtyard by marriott next to the mall and movie theater. It's pretty fancy but very nice. If you're with kids then the Wynham or Extended Stay is an option. Because it's near the Hollywood Connection which is a movie theater, skating rink, arcade, minature golf place all in one. And the bowling alley is right around the corner. The Sleep Inn on Armour Rd is fairly new, it's near the mall and in walking distance of a discount movie theater and a nightclub. There's also an Extended Stay right behind the sleep Inn. Avoid staying on Victory Drive at all costs esepcially if you're with your family. This is where one finds the seediest motels in town.

It was so funny to see Columbus GA pop up on this board. I grew up there and still go to visit family. I'd suggest the Westin because it's in the historic district and that area is quite interesting. It would be an easy commute to Fort Benning (military base).
My other suggestion would be the Courtyard by Marriott. It's by the main shopping mall in town and fairly close to the expressway.
Columbus is not filled with good restaurants but downtown(near the Westin) you'll find the Olive Branch which is probably the nicest restaurant in town and the Cannon Brew Pub which is pretty good for casual fare.

We live about 40 miles from Columbus and go there often to eat. You will be safe in any hotel in northern Columbus. Stay away from the many hotels close to Ft. Benning Army Base on Victory Drive South. There are many good restaurants in Columbus that are well worth visiting. Some of my favorites are Applebees Neighborhood Grill located on Gentian Bldv., Countrys Barbeque on Veterans Parkway, Ezells Catfish on Warm Springs Road, and the Olive Garden in North Columbus--not sure of the Address. Columbus is like any larger city. There are desirable and undesirable neighborhoods, but anywhere in "north" Columbus will be safe and nice.

Son was stationed at Ft. Benning a few years ago. Avoid Victory Dr. ,too many strip clubs, unless they've cleaned it up. Peachtree mall was nice. Ft. Benning is huge, get a GOOD map of the base. My son said he doesn't miss Sand Hill!