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

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • 24/7 front desk
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

Map
1445 Olentangy River Rd, Columbus, OH, 43212
  • Ohio Stadium
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Ohio State University
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Greater Columbus Convention Center
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)
    ‪13 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Double Beds

Premium bedding, individually furnished, free WiFi, bed sheets

Standard Room, 2 Double Beds

  • 284.7 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible

Premium bedding, individually furnished, free WiFi, bed sheets

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible

  • 284.7 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

  • 284.7 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

  • 284.7 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed

Premium bedding, individually furnished, free WiFi, bed sheets

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

  • 213.5 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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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. Greater Columbus Convention Center and Nationwide Arena are also within 3 miles (5 km).

What's nearby

  • Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center - 16 min walk - 0.9 miles
  • Ohio Stadium - 2 min drive - 1.2 miles
  • Ohio State University - 3 min drive - 1.5 miles
  • Nationwide Arena - 4 min drive - 2.1 miles
  • Greater Columbus Convention Center - 4 min drive - 2.4 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Chick-fil-A - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Natalie’s - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬10 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.

Languages

English

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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
  • 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 7 days before arrival with check-in instructions and smart lock details; 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
Guests are required to download the property's olentangymotorinn mobile app before check-in
This property enforces quiet hours from 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM

Access methods

Staffed front desk, smart lock

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.

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 Apr 30, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Olentangy Motor Inn on May 27, 2025 start from $105.0, 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

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 554 out of 801 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 163 out of 801 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 49 out of 801 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 17 out of 801 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 18 out of 801 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Alberta

Traveled with group
Escorted to room by staff as it was late at night Staff assisted with luggage transport Nice breakfast sandwich
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tracy

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice, CLEAN up yo date hotel.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Vincent

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very clean, Great for the price, and overall a great experience
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mo

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeff

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

10/10 Excellent

Jason

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

6/10 Okay

Theresa

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service

Not bad, but not what I expected

Modest room, which is what we expected, so no complaint there. But, the check-in office is VERY hard to find. It’s inside a time drive-thru coffee shop with the word “office” barely visible on a door obscured by a wall. I wish there had been rigs or carpet in the room. The floors were dirty, which I discovered after taking about 20 steps after my shower. Finally, I wish someone would have mentioned the train that ran right outside our door multiple times during the 12 hours we were in our room.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Grace

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It's a pretty cool little place. Clean. Free breakfast sandwich with stay. An adjacent Bob Evans was an easy choice for dinner. However, it seems like the area near it might not be the best. It probably isn't a big issue if you don't want to go walking. There is a train track very close by. I only heard it once, but my sister said it woke her a couple of times.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kristen

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great service during check in and check out. Our stay was nice. We also enjoyed the breakfast sandwiches in the morning!!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Amy

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

10/10 Excellent

MOKHINUR

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I liked there
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Taylor

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Evan

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

Great stay

The area is safe, so any reservations about being a motel vs. a hotel (exterior room entry) were put at ease pretty quickly. Stayed for a weekend. The room, although a bit small, was very clean and comfortable, with both a fridge and a microwave. Also notable is the bonus of a big TV, after expecting a smaller one. They offer a free breakfast sandwich and drip coffee each morning of your stay (per person on the reservation). The only issue we had was on the morning of checkout, the shower had no hot water, which was odd, as it was fine the previous morning/day. OSU is right down the street, and downtown Columbus is just a short drive away. Would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ellen

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Property was easy to find and right off the highway. Close to big area attractions as well for an affordable price.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Melinda

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

10/10 Excellent

Lorenzo

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Charlie

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christianna

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Doug

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

6/10 Okay

Judi

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Great little motor inn close to OSU.

We were in an "accessible" room, although we did not require or request one. Because of this, there were limited places to place your personal items. Not really a big deal, but I would prefer to leave the accessible rooms open to someone who might need it. The breakfast sandwich and coffee included in stay were DELICIOUS! And the front desk clerk was very efficient.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Nick

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth, Cleveland

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great Coffee options! Clean rooms! Great Staff!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brad

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Construction zone.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

6/10 Okay

Brent

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort

Fairly nice!

The lady that checked us in was great, the day shift staff- not so nice. Room was clean and updated, shower had a leak.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025