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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

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

Explore the area

View in a map
1445 Olentangy River Rd, Columbus, OH, 43212
  • Place, Ohio Stadium
    ‪19 min walk‬
  • Place, Ohio State University
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Greater Columbus Convention Center
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Airport, Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)
    ‪14 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

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(59 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
(13 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
(89 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 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 Stadium - 19 min walk - 1.0 mile
  • Schottenstein Center - 2 min drive - 1.3 miles
  • Nationwide Arena - 3 min drive - 2.0 miles
  • Ohio State University - 3 min drive - 1.1 miles
  • Greater Columbus Convention Center - 3 min drive - 2.2 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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Red Roof Inn PLUS+ Columbus-Ohio State University OSU
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  • Parking included
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Oct 26 - Oct 27
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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

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 Oct 24, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Olentangy Motor Inn on Oct 26, 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. 824 out of 1252 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 280 out of 1252 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 91 out of 1252 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 26 out of 1252 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 31 out of 1252 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

Tira L

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

4/10 Poor

William

Traveled with partner, Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We first showed up to what appeared to be creepy drug addicts walking around the hotel, hanging out. It’s not a TERRIBLE area but it’s definitely not good. The room we had smelled like mildew/old cigarettes. The hotel seemed as if it used to be a crap hole and someone put money into it doing updates. Probably painting over smoke tar covered walls. You can tell by looking at the ceiling which has fresh paint but the smoke detectors looked like they were covered in smoke tar. Then on top of that, our room had train tracks right outside. So at 11pm, 1am, and around 3am we had trains right outside our door traveling. You can only imagine how that sounded. Long story short, pay more for somewhere else. No way I would stay there again, even for free.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Juhl

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I liked the size & cleanliness of the room. My only concern was no curtains on the window but a shade. if your lights are on inside the room someone walking by could see inside (my guest & I tested). I also felt apprehensive sleeping because I could see the cars parked outside when all the lights were off in the room.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

MiKael L

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I really enjoyed staring at this inn. They offered a free breakfast sandwich and coffee and the majority of the staff was very welcoming. The bed was extremely comfortable she my room was impeccably clean.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Brandon

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Savas

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Very clean. Good staff.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Mary

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Clean comfortable stay with a king bed while on a road trip. Older property but rooms have been updated (though walls were thin). Train runs behind the property so this is not a good choice for the noise-sensitive.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

cindy

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We were greatly surprised!! The room was newly renovated and very clean!! Bed was comfortable!! We will definitely stay again when in Columbus!!!!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Angela

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Mary

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The coffee shop is really cute down there
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

paige

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Kenneth

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

Affordable option by OSU

Affordable option by OSU. Renovated old school motel with attached coffee shop check in. Area around hotel was ok but each time I came out to my car there were oeoooe sitting in the breezeway smoking and drinking which felt unsafe. I just stayed in my room.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rob

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Awesome, clean and quiet. Coffee and breakfast were great.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Lynne

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Little motor inn with attached coffee shop. Bed was comfortable, but the room had a slight odor to it. Non-smoking room, but smokers outside of nearby rooms. Coffee shop was nice
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ben

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

Sexy lamp

I wholly enjoyed the experience. The staff was friendly, knowledgeable and very helpful. The room was very clean and the black out curtain really did keep all the light out. Nice TV. Larger than most chain hotels have. Aromatherapy calming body wash for the shower was the cherry on the sundae. Thanks for a wonderful stay!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rhea

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was the first time I've ever booked a motel/inn for accommodation and you know what..... THIS WAS THE BEST ONE to introduce me to a simple boutique style experience. The Crimson Cup coffee shop is also a major hit 😋. The breakfast sandwich was slapping good 👍 😋. Take my advice get up early and get the sausage egg and white cheddar sandwich. You'll thank me later. Overall I give this place a 10/10. I'll book them from now on if i come to Columbus for anything. Fyi... the location is centrally located in Grandview area and downtown is 5 minute drive.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carrie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
GREAT little motel
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

chris

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Loved this place! Very unassuming but super clean, and run by nice people. The lobby is also a coffee shop! And Bob Evans right next door. There is a nightly train that ran by but it was quiet (no blaring horn) and honestly soothing. Reminded me of my childhood hometown.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Kristen

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Better than expected.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I found the staff friendly and engaging. The location was great and I felt safe walking my dog. My room was very clean and looked recently remodeled. The only downside was having to carry my dog and my luggage up the stairs. My dog was scared of the open staircases.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Jaye A

Business traveler
Liked: Staff & service

Half done in Columbus

Basic. Towels sheets & towels clean. Towels tattered. Comforter stained. Surfaces not clean. Shower, toulet, sink clean.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Isaiah

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

10/10 Excellent

Ashley

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great stay! Will be staying every time we visit Columbus
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robert

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

10/10 Excellent

Calli

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025