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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
Coffee service
Exterior
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

7.6 out of 10
Good
(17 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
(68 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
(25 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
(18 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
(102 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

  • Sleeps 4

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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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  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
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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
  • 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 Apr 5, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Olentangy Motor Inn on Apr 6, 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. 939 out of 1434 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 326 out of 1434 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 106 out of 1434 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 30 out of 1434 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 33 out of 1434 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

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

8/10 Good

Morris, Lancaster

Very convenient
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Chad F

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great for OSU Games

The room itself was very basic, but it was clean and well kept, which is really all we needed. Everything worked as it should, and the bed was comfortable enough for a short stay. This place works great for Ohio State football games — convenient, affordable, and easy in and out on game day. If you’re looking for simple and clean with a good location for OSU games, this gets the job done.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Judi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Clean room, very nice staff, great breakfast sandwiches and coffee!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Saara

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Charles

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Angela

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Johnathon, Chillicothe

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Rebecca

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Economical
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

6/10 Okay

Charles, he Villages

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Amenities
This place is not wonderful, it’s a room with a bed and tv. No amenities other than a breakfast sandwich and coffee. 2 of the 4 days we stayed they didn’t have the meatless offering on the menu. To make matters less wonderful they didn’t even offer to substitute something else
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robyn

Business traveler, Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
room was very clean, beds were very comfy and not having to get out of the car to check in and out was great
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025

2/10 Terrible

Heather

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Bed bugs!!!! And when brought to attendants attention- she got nasty !! AVOID!! Complaint has been filed
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Scott

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

8/10 Good

Doug

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amanda

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Kaden was amazing!!! Loved the hotel and super comfy beds. Very cozy place and will stay again!!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Jeni, Lincoln

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Amenities
There are active train tracks next to the motel so it was pretty noisy. And you really don’t get a breakfast, but the room was nice and clean.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Very clean. Very convenient!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Diane

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very loud heater…other than that fine
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Deborah

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
comfortable and spacious bed. room was clean and staff was very friendly. complimentary drip coffee was meh but otherwise was everything else was pleasant. Only real complaint is the curtains; they’re thin and let light in and you can literally see right through them into the rooms so be careful 😅 Location is in a busy area with plenty of shopping spots in walking distance.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Travis

Business traveler, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean room, staff was friendly
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Kia

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The room was nice for a quick stay. There is a train that comes by every now and then.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Charles

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The great: affordable in a busy area. Generally safe and well lit. Rooms were fresh and looked great. Showers amazing. Free Breakfast sandwiches in the morning AMAZING! The not so great: mattresses were super firm and in unit thermostat served to fluctuate all night. Then around 5 am there was a rumbling and shaking ( it was a train somewhere nearby, didn’t even notice tracks) but it was very loud.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kara

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The location of the hotel is fantastic. Close to shopping and restaurants and DT Columbus. The room was clean and the beds were comfortable. Loved the breakfast sandwiches.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Melissa

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Staff was friendly, the space was clean and quiet
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025