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Olentangy Motor Inn

2.0 star property
Suburban hotel with free parking, near Ohio State University

Photo gallery for Olentangy Motor Inn

Exterior
Premium bedding, individually furnished, free WiFi, bed sheets
Premium bedding, individually furnished, free WiFi, bed sheets
Exterior
Coffee service

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning

Explore the area

View 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

7.4 out of 10
Good
(12 reviews)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
TV
Renovated in 2023
Premium bedding
Private bathroom
  • 26 sq m
  • 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
(64 reviews)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
TV
Renovated in 2023
Premium bedding
Private bathroom
  • 20 sq m
  • 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)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
TV
Renovated in 2023
Premium bedding
Private bathroom
  • 26 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for Room, 2 Double Beds, Accessible

Room, 2 Double Beds, Accessible

Room, 2 Double Beds, Accessible

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(17 reviews)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
TV
Renovated in 2023
Premium bedding
Private bathroom
  • 26 sq m
  • 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
(92 reviews)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
TV
Renovated in 2023
Premium bedding
Private bathroom
  • 26 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

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About the area

Columbus

At Olentangy Motor Inn you'll be 2.2 km (1.4 mi) from Ohio State University and 3.3 km (2.1 mi) from Greater Columbus Convention Center. Highlights at this hotel include free daily breakfast and free self-parking. .Attractions within a 10-minute drive of this Grandview Heights hotel include Ohio Stadium and Schottenstein Center.

What's nearby

  • Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center - 12 min walk - 1.1 km
  • James Cancer Hospital - 14 min walk - 1.2 km
  • Ohio Stadium - 19 min walk - 1.6 km
  • Schottenstein Center - 2 min drive - 2.5 km
  • Ohio State University - 3 min drive - 1.8 km

Getting around

  • Port Columbus International 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

Suburban hotel with free parking, near Ohio State University
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 features coffee/tea makers and a hairdryer. Each accommodation is individually furnished. Beds feature premium bedding. Televisions come with premium cable channels. Bathrooms include a shower.

Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access (speed: 25+ Mbps). Business-friendly amenities include telephones along with free local calls (restrictions may apply). Housekeeping is provided on request.

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 25+ Mbps

Parking and transport

  • Free self parking on site
  • RV/bus/lorry parking on site
  • Limited on-site self parking
  • 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

Restaurants on site

  • Crimson Cup

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk

Guest services

  • Housekeeping on request

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

More

  • 1 building
  • 2 floors
  • Built in 1986
  • Renovated entire property - September 2023
  • Smoke-free property
  • Traditional architecture

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 55-inch TV with premium cable channels

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 and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out

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 lb 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.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

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 USD100 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
On-site 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. On-site 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 all accommodation. Guests can access their rooms with a mobile device.

We should mention

  • Children aged 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

What is the cancellation policy at Olentangy Motor Inn?

Olentangy Motor Inn offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

Is parking available at Olentangy Motor Inn?

Yep, Olentangy Motor Inn has a free self car park.

Does Olentangy Motor Inn serve breakfast?

Yeah, our travelers give a thumbs up to the free on-the-go breakfast here! Served daily from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM, this is the place to fuel up for a big day full of adventure.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Olentangy Motor Inn?

No, Olentangy Motor Inn does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at Olentangy Motor Inn?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM. Check-out time is 11:00 AM.

Olentangy Motor Inn Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 903 out of 1368 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 310 out of 1368 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 95 out of 1368 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 27 out of 1368 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 33 out of 1368 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Anne

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was just a lovely stay. The barista at the coffee bar was exceptional! Check in was fantastic. The room is simple, but very nice. It has been updated. It was very clean and well equipped. It was better than the $175 a night room at the big corporate hotel that I stayed at on the drive home! Would definitely stay again!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patrick

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

10/10 Excellent

Kristin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This was a great place to stay for a weekend in Columbus. The staff was wonderful and the price was right!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jason

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
For the money it was a great stay. Very clean. Made great choices for simple decor. Would have loved a microwave safe dish for my tea at night. Not a make or break. Would stay again. Staff was very friendly and helpful.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

paige

Travelled with group
Friendly staff. Tasty breakfast.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Samuel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great coffee shop and free breakfast sandwiches.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Clarence

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Always a nice stay!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
good location with several dining options in walking distance
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Landry

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

Great Stay

Clean hotel and close to all shopping and restaurants
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jordan

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

The perfect stay for the weekend!

We stayed here for a weekend business conference and it was just perfect. The decor and vibe and cleanliness was so great. There were extra little touches as well like makeup remover, a clothing steamer, all the bath toiletries... it was great
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Emma

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sue

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Room was clean and looked to be recently updated. Outside noises were almost none - quiet in the room. Liked the free breakfast - sandwich was very good. The gentleman that checked us in upon arrival was professional and friendly. Would stay there again.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Robet

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The room was clean and comfortable nothing special but the shower head a very small lip on it and water leaked out onto the floor design not so good mom
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Nate

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Ashley

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Older hotel, but they have done a great job updating it! Location is great, very close to so much! Staff was friendly. They have a cute coffee shop in the lobby and you get a complimentary breakfast sandwich & coffee from there for your breakfast. My only complaints are it could be cleaner, not that it was horrible, and the trashcans need to be larger, you can barely fit anything in them.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Paula

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice, clean and a great location. Only four minutes away from OSU hospital which is where I needed to go.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Susan

Room
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Very clean room. Excellent service.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Eli

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service
Good for a no frills motor inn. Not a lot of service to speak of, front desk is run by kids who are doubling as coffee shop employees. Breakfast sandwiches were tasty. Cleaner and more comfortable than your average motor inn. Location was walkable to campus and Short North area which is nice.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

2/10 Terrible

Stefanie

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
I didn’t stay here! I accidentally booked a reservation and called IMMEDIATELY to request it be canceled (I’m talking within 60 SECONDS!) and this hotel REFUSED to cancel. This hotel has zero compassion or understanding. Sad thing is that I HAVE stayed here before and had no issues. I will make sure anyone I know never sets foot there again!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Our stay went really well! Although we did not spend a lot of time at the hotel, it was very clean and appears to have been remodeled not too long ago. For an older hotel, I think they did a great job on the remodel. The room looked 100% redone, and not just a partial like yo might see elsewhere. Breakfast was hot and free even though they had a small coffee shop business there too. I would stay there again for sure.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Alex

Liked: Property conditions & facilities
We had a great stay overall! This is a charming, budget-friendly spot with everything you need if you’re not planning to spend a ton of time in your room. The space has been updated, the location is super convenient for getting into downtown Columbus, and the breakfast is a pleasant surprise — especially the coffee, which was genuinely excellent. We also appreciated the complimentary sandwich and coffee voucher. However, cleanliness was a concern. The floors were extremely dirty — after walking across the room once, the bottoms of our feet were black, and the shower mat picked up a lot of dirt as well. The linens were also on the thin, scratchy side. I’d recommend bringing a pair of flip-flops or slippers for the room and maybe an extra blanket for comfort. With just a little more attention to cleaning and comfort, this would be a fantastic stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Shannon

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Gabriel

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

6/10 Okay

Trisha

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