See all properties

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 Stadium
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, Schottenstein Center
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, Ohio State University
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Airport, Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)
    ‪14 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Room, 2 Double Beds, Accessible

Premium bedding, individually furnished, free WiFi, bed sheets

Room, 2 Double Beds, Accessible

  • Sleeps 4
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible

Premium bedding, individually furnished, free WiFi, bed sheets

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible

7.6 out of 10
Good
(18 reviews)
  • 285 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

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
(71 reviews)
  • 214 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

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
(25 reviews)
  • 285 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds
  • Free WiFi

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
(20 reviews)
  • 285 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible

Premium bedding, individually furnished, free WiFi, bed sheets

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible

  • Sleeps 2
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed

Premium bedding, individually furnished, free WiFi, bed sheets

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

  • Sleeps 2
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Double Beds

Premium bedding, individually furnished, free WiFi, bed sheets

Standard Room, 2 Double Beds

  • Sleeps 4
  • Free WiFi

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
(112 reviews)
  • 285 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Double Beds

Premium bedding, individually furnished, free WiFi, bed sheets

Standard Room, 2 Double Beds

  • Sleeps 4
  • Free WiFi

You may also like

Ad

Holiday Inn Express Columbus - Ohio Expo Center by IHG

South Linden
  • Breakfast included
  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
3.8 out of 5, Good, 1,008 reviews
$87 nightly
The price is $102
May 25 - May 26
Total with taxes and fees
Holiday Inn Express Columbus - Ohio Expo Center by IHG

About the neighborhood

Columbus

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

What's nearby

  • Olentangy Bike Path - 16 min walk - 0.9 miles
  • Ohio Stadium - 2 min drive - 1.3 miles
  • Schottenstein Center - 2 min drive - 1.5 miles
  • Ohio State University - 4 min drive - 1.1 miles
  • Newport Music Hall - 4 min drive - 1.4 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
  • ‪GetGo - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Natalie’s - ‬9 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.

Similar properties

Pillowtop beds, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace
Red Roof Inn PLUS+ Columbus-Ohio State University OSU
Oletangy West
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • 24/7 front desk
3.6 out of 5, Good, 1,007 reviews
$80 nightly
The price is $94
May 27 - May 28
Total with taxes and fees
Red Roof Inn PLUS+ Columbus-Ohio State University OSU

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
  • 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 May 20, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Olentangy Motor Inn on May 21, 2026 start from $130, including 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. 990 out of 1541 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 358 out of 1541 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 118 out of 1541 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 34 out of 1541 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 41 out of 1541 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
No hairdryer and shower cap for my wife.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026

10/10 Excellent

Brooke

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We loved our stay at the inn. Our room was very clean, the staff was so kind and the coffee shop was a bonus! We will stay again. Great value!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Darien

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

4/10 Poor

Sheree

Disliked: Staff & service
Room was nice, however surroundings and disturbances created a horrible stay. Low staff, continuous fighting outdoors, sirens. Unable to sleep or call staff due to min hours of operation. Almost called police at 3AM due to dispute outside our room. Asked to cancel Sunday night stay due to feeling unsafe. Was advised they would refund, however charged full amount. Staff lacked knowledge or adequate customer service. Little to no concern about safety concerns. Will not return.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026

8/10 Good

Dara

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
So wish there was a vending machine but a speedway was within walking distance so it wasn’t too much of a thing. Clean. Easy to access. Yummy breakfast sandwiches! We were in the furthest room in the back and the train did wake us up a couple of times but not too crazy.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026

4/10 Poor

Reva

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff and amenities. Wasn’t what expected and super small for it to be king room.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Julianna

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Marty

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Kitschy, clean, and well-priced!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

8/10 Good

RICHARD

Business traveler
Everything great …. But the coffee maker is less than satisfactory
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

MICHAEL, Phoenixville

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was a voyage back in time to the motor lodges of old. But it was really enjoyable. The decor was fun and functional. There is no "front desk" per se. Just check in at the counter in the coffee shop - The Crimson Cup. Wonderful
"Your touch turns me on" And, it does!
Very comfortable and enjoyable sleeping
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Rose

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Every time I come to Columbus this is the hotel I stay in. It's a great hotel and I love the little coffee Cafe too. The rooms are always clean and the people that check you in are always friendly too.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amanda

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Was super clean, loved the breakfast sandwich. Super neat that they are a drive-thru breakfast and coffee place as well as a motel !
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Cleanest room I've seen at a hotel in a long time! Staff was friendly and helpful! Highly recommend!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

8/10 Good

Renee

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was clean and staff was friendly. Unfortunately had extremely noisy group placed in the room next to ours on a night when there were plenty of empty rooms. Other than that, had a nice stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026

8/10 Good

Miranda

Traveled with group, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Clean room
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Kristy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Room was very clean. Very comfortable beds. Didn't care for the window blinds, felt like you could see into the room at night with the light on. There is a Bob Evans next door. They actually came in and cleaned and changed the beds!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Debi

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great location. Clean hotel. Friendly staff. Good breakfast sandwiches and coffee.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jessica

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Cute hotel!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Did not use the breakfast had buisness to take of early in morning.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

8/10 Good

Penny

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The room was small but had a nice sized shower and comfortable bed. We slept like babies. Economical price range and close to downtown Columbus.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

8/10 Good

Coletta

Traveled with family and small children, Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room clean and comfortable. Great location.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

John

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Kyle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Was very nice and seemed to be recently updated! Pretty quiet room and heat worked well, had to turn it down a few times! Staff was super nice at check-in, grabbing a coffee and at check out.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is 2nd or 3rd time I've stayed here and the rooms are always very clean and the staff is very friendly. Would highly recommend.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Carl

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Room is very clean and bed was very comfy.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026