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Olentangy Motor Inn

2.0 star property
Hotel near Ohio State University in Columbus

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Olentangy Motor Inn

Exterior
Premium bedding, individually furnished, free WiFi, bed sheets
Exterior
Coffee service
Premium bedding, individually furnished, free WiFi, bed sheets

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
1445 Olentangy River Rd, Columbus, OH, 43212
  • Place, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
    ‪12 min walk‬
  • Place, Ohio Stadium
    ‪19 min walk‬
  • Place, Ohio State University
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Airport, Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)
    ‪13 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible

Premium bedding, individually furnished, free WiFi, bed sheets

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible

7.4 out of 10
Good
(12 reviews)
  • 285 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed

Premium bedding, individually furnished, free WiFi, bed sheets

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(63 reviews)
  • 214 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Double Beds

Premium bedding, individually furnished, free WiFi, bed sheets

Standard Room, 2 Double Beds

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(23 reviews)
  • 285 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for Room, 2 Double Beds, Accessible

Room, 2 Double Beds, Accessible | Premium bedding, individually furnished, free WiFi, bed sheets

Room, 2 Double Beds, Accessible

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(16 reviews)
  • 285 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Double Beds

Premium bedding, individually furnished, free WiFi, bed sheets

Standard Room, 2 Double Beds

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(92 reviews)
  • 285 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

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About the neighborhood

Columbus

Grandview Heights stay.Your stay at this Grandview Heights hotel places you within 3 miles (5 km) of Ohio State University and Greater Columbus Convention Center. Olentangy Bike Path and Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center are also within 2 miles (3 km).

What's nearby

  • Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center - 12 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • James Cancer Hospital - 14 min walk - 0.8 miles
  • Ohio Stadium - 19 min walk - 1.0 mile
  • Schottenstein Center - 2 min drive - 1.5 miles
  • Ohio State University - 3 min drive - 1.1 miles

Getting around

  • John Glenn Columbus Intl. Airport (CMH) - 13 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Chick-fil-A - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Natalie’s - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪GetGo - ‬11 min walk

About this property

Olentangy Motor Inn

Hotel near Ohio State University in Columbus
There's a coffee shop/cafe on site. Free breakfast is available daily. Free self parking is available. A complete renovation of Olentangy Motor Inn was completed in September 2023.

This Columbus hotel is smoke free.

  • 1 building
  • 55 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • Built in 1986
  • To-go breakfast (free)
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • No smoking on site
  • Coffee shop
Olentangy Motor Inn offers 55 air-conditioned accommodations, which are accessible via exterior corridors and feature coffee/tea makers and hair dryers. Each accommodation is individually furnished. Beds feature premium bedding. Televisions come with premium cable channels. Bathrooms include showers.

Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access (speed: 25+ Mbps). Business-friendly amenities include phones along with free local calls (restrictions may apply). Housekeeping is provided on request.

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The Blackwell Inn and Pfahl Conference Center
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  • Air conditioning
4.7 out of 5, Exceptional, 1,321 reviews
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The price is $143
Dec 29 - Dec 30
Total with taxes and fees
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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 25+ Mbps

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site
  • RV/bus/truck parking on site
  • Limited onsite self parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking available
  • Onsite parking includes off-street options

Food and drink

  • Free on-the-go breakfast available daily 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM
  • A coffee shop/cafe

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 4 accessible parking spaces
  • Assistive listening devices
  • Smooth flooring in public areas
  • Smooth flooring in room
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible van parking

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • 55-inch TV with premium cable channels

Bedroom

  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Air conditioning
  • Connecting rooms available
  • Free local calls
  • Heating
  • Individual furnishings
  • Mobile key entry
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

Guests will receive an email within 7 days before arrival with check-in instructions; front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 72 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
Prior to arrival, you must complete online registration via a secure link
You will be asked to provide the property with a copy of your government-issued photo ID after booking
A virtual front desk provides assistance to guests
This property enforces quiet hours from 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • Pets: USD 10 per pet, per night (maximum USD 100 per stay)
  • Only dogs and cats are allowed
  • Maximum 1 (weight limit: 30 lbs per pet)
  • Pets cannot be left unattended
  • Restrictions apply
  • For more information, you can reach out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! Children 12 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Pet fee: USD 10 per pet, per night (maximum USD 100 per stay)
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A credit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Cash is not accepted. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector in each accommodation. Guests can access their rooms with a mobile device.

We should mention

  • Children 12 years old and younger stay free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.
  • Connecting/adjoining rooms are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property at the number on your booking confirmation.
  • To make arrangements to bring your pet, contact the property directly at the number on your booking confirmation (please see the Fees section for related charges).

Property is also known as

Varsity Inn South Hotel
Varsity Inn South Hotel Columbus
Varsity South Columbus
Varsity Inn Columbus
Varsity Inn
Varsity Columbus
The Varsity Inn
Olentangy Motor Inn Hotel
Olentangy Motor Inn Columbus
Olentangy Motor Inn Hotel Columbus

Frequently asked questions

How close is Olentangy Motor Inn to the airport?

Olentangy Motor Inn is 8.9 mi (13-min drive) away from the John Glenn Columbus Intl. Airport (CMH) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at Olentangy Motor Inn?

As of Dec 23, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Olentangy Motor Inn on Dec 24, 2025 start from $110.0, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does Olentangy Motor Inn have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Olentangy Motor Inn.

Does Olentangy Motor Inn offer free breakfast?

Olentangy Motor Inn offers free on-the-go breakfast every day from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM.

Is there a casino at Olentangy Motor Inn?

No, there is no casino at this hotel, but Hollywood Casino (11-min drive) and Scioto Downs (15-min drive) are nearby.

What time is check-in at Olentangy Motor Inn?

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime.

Is there free parking at Olentangy Motor Inn?

This hotel offers free self parking.

Does Olentangy Motor Inn have a pool?

Olentangy Motor Inn does not have a pool.

Does Olentangy Motor Inn have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this hotel.

How close is Olentangy Motor Inn to downtown Columbus?

Olentangy Motor Inn is 2.4 mi away from Columbus.

Olentangy Motor Inn Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 884 out of 1339 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 300 out of 1339 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 95 out of 1339 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 27 out of 1339 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 33 out of 1339 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jenevieve, Arlington

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very clean, well appointed, cute and friendly staff.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mackenzie

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Greg

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Mike

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Everything's you need and comfortable for a one night stay
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Jan

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tira L

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Derrick

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Always pleased with the location and cleanliness of the Olentangy. The free parking is certainly a plus.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Susan

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Nice find. Not fancy but does the trick.

Staff were super friendly. It would have been nice to know that the room came with a free breakfast sandwich and coffee each day. The staff who do check in/check out are also the coffee shop baristas. So when I told them I had no shower gel at 7AM they were flat out serving other and weren't able to address my problem. Fridge in my room made a loud squealing sound. I simply unplugged it. Huge shout out to the individual who answered questions about walking along the river early morning - Yes, it is safe! And how to take pubic transit to the convention center.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

4/10 Poor

JEFFREY

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tonya

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was very cozy. The room was very nice. Very clean. The coffee shop at check in was amazing. Anymore teips back to Columbus, this is where I'll stay!!! Ive stayed alot of places in Columbus an this was by far the best.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Brett

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Juan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Andrew

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Doug

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kevin

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joanne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I was here one night. It was an easy walk to resturants and they offered a nice breakfast sandwoch and coffee for breakfast. The room and bathroom were large. The bed was comfortable. The water was hot. There were not a lot of counters in the bathroom.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kristopher

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean and comfortable. All the amenities we needed were available. Great place to stay!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Larry

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean comfortable room
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Matthew D

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
I love the breakfast sandwich!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

2/10 Terrible

Rolando

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Staff & service
I don’t normally leave reviews, but this experience was so upsetting I feel it needs to be shared. Both the hotel and Expedia failed us in every possible way, and the lack of accountability was unbelievable. The most unacceptable part was how the hotel handled our belongings. Housekeeping threw away our valuable items without hesitation. When I asked about them, the employee flat-out admitted they had kept someone else’s belongings before but decided to discard ours instead. To make it worse, they asked me if I was that other person whose belongings they did save. That alone shows how careless and inconsistent their process was. I was also told the hotel has a lost and found, yet my items were never placed there. Instead, they were thrown away as if they meant nothing. When I tried to speak to the manager, they avoided me completely, showing zero willingness to take responsibility. The employee I dealt with was rude, dismissive, and made the entire experience even worse. On top of that, Expedia—who should advocate for their customers—did nothing but hide behind their policies. They passed the blame back to the hotel rather than helping resolve the issue. It felt like both sides just wanted to avoid dealing with the problem, leaving us stuck with no resolution and no respect for what we lost. Travel can already be stressful, and situations like this are exactly why people expect professionalism, honesty, and basic care.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lester

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Akihiro

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
No problem.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025