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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
Coffee service
Premium bedding, individually furnished, free WiFi, bed sheets
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.)
    ‪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

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(60 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
(14 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
(91 reviews)
  • 285 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

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Exterior

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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. 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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  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • 24/7 front desk
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Dec 1 - Dec 2
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

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 Nov 14, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Olentangy Motor Inn on Nov 16, 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.

Reviews

Olentangy Motor Inn Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.8/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 865 out of 1306 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 288 out of 1306 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 94 out of 1306 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 27 out of 1306 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 32 out of 1306 reviews

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

8/10 Good

Misty

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Misty

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Very clean and quiet, no vending machine
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

William

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Scott

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great coffee shop, friendly staff
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Andrea

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The property was is a bit of a sketchy area, but the coffee shop was cute. The room itself was pretty nice, but I was on crutches at the time, and there was no availability on the first floor, so it was a struggle.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Aimee

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Clean rooms, convenient parking, kind staff.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice clean room and comfy bed! Good breakfast sandwich in the morning with hot coffee! Would definitely stay there again!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Nancy

Liked: Amenities
Good stay, updated, a little noisy, TV freezes a lot. Did not eat breakfast, but a nice offering. Borderline part of town.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Melinda

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

10/10 Excellent

Leighann

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

Over all stay

The free breakfast was actually better than i expected. I liked the firmness of the bed, used to sleeping with a weighted blanket so a heavier topper would have been nice but over all a great experience. Wish some of this pillows had been a little softer. Plenty of towels. The make up wipes were huge plus! Great TV
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Tricia

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Property was clean. Older so some things need to be updated.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kellsey

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

James

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

2/10 Terrible

colleen

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

10/10 Excellent

Christina M

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I don't know how these young ladies wear all the hats they do, but Mars and Dani did a fantastic job taking care of us and the other patrons encountered in the coffee shop. The hotel is affordable, clean, and in a convenient location. My only complaint would be the teeny tiny trash cans in the hotel rooms, if you throw away a 16 oz bottle your trash can is full. Luckily if you walk to the breezeway in the middle of the hotel there is another trash can but it's pretty far just to throw away an item. Being able to bring our puppies with us was 1000% worth a minor inconvenience though. 😁
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Kent

Liked: Staff & service
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

jacquline

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
It was such a cute retro hotel. It had an amazing coffee shop. And the staff was awesome! They not only were handling the guest stuff like checking in and out getting extra towels and things but they were also the barista as well and they did it with such a pleasantness and really good at their jobs. And as for the actual room very clean, nice higher end touches and a corkiness that I loved
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Angela

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

Girls getaway

It was just as the pic showed. We were very happy with our room and perfect for a girls getaway
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Andrea

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Amenities
There is a train right behind it that wakes u up all hours of the night. Staff was not friendly at all
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ariel

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service
The lady who checked us in was very sour, not friendly or smiling. She also hung up on me when I called to ask where the ice machine was after she told me and I said thank you, the line was disconnected before my thank you even fully got said. Other than that, my staff was fantastic. This is the second time I have stayed here in the last year, and I will def be coming back!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brad

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

10/10 Excellent

Darla

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025