Olentangy Motor Inn

2.0 star property
Suburban hotel with free breakfast and 24-hour front desk

Photo gallery for Olentangy Motor Inn

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

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Pet-friendly
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

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

Room options

Standard Room, 2 Double Beds

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(84 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

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

Standard Room, 2 Double Beds

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(22 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

Room, 2 Double Beds, Accessible

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(13 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

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(58 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

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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 1.7 km (1.1 mi) from Ohio Stadium. Highlights at this hotel include free daily breakfast and free self-parking. .With a stay at this Grandview Heights hotel, you'll be 3.3 km (2.1 mi) from Greater Columbus Convention Center and 3.4 km (2.1 mi) from Nationwide Arena.

What's nearby

  • Ohio Stadium - 19 min walk - 1.6 km
  • Schottenstein Center - 2 min drive - 2.1 km
  • Nationwide Arena - 3 min drive - 3.2 km
  • Ohio State University - 3 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Greater Columbus Convention Center - 3 min drive - 3.5 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
  • ‪GetGo - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers - ‬8 min walk

About this property

Olentangy Motor Inn

Suburban hotel with free breakfast and 24-hour front desk
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.

Similar properties

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
  • 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

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. 789 out of 1185 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 257 out of 1185 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 84 out of 1185 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 25 out of 1185 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 30 out of 1185 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

Beverly

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
This motel was perfect for our extended weekend trip. Reservations were easy and accurate. The room was ready earlier than check in, which was really convenient. Every interaction with the staff was pleasant. The room was clean and comfortable. The included breakfast was tasty and added to the great value of the accommodations. I will definitely stay here again when visiting Columbus, Ohio. Thanks for an enjoyable trip.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joseph

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice motel. Good location.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

2/10 Terrible

Jamal

Disliked: Cleanliness
There were flies all over my room when I checked in. Night shift lady on 1/14 into early morning of 1/15 was extremely rude when keycard was not working.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Tracy

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
Nice place but the check-in is a little strange because you go to the coffee shop to do it.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Maria

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very Good
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca

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

10/10 Excellent

Beth

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Cute and updated. Loved the staff and the coffee shop. No frills stay but would stay here again. Close to campus.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Sandra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Easy to get to and not far from the church where the memorial service was being held the next morning.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mildred

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
It was quaint, cozy and clean. The hot water in the shower was perfect. Everyone was pleasant and only 10 minutes from Downtown. I would definitely stay there again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Tricia

Travelled with partner
Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
All was clean except floors needed mopped. Staff were very friendly and courteous.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ginger

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This was our first time staying at this motel. A relative was in the hospital at OSU Medical Center and we needed a last-minute room. Staff was great, the room was clean and comfortable. Absolutely no complaints!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Richard, columbus

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Friendly night staff. Clean room. Not fancy but totally adequate. Great price. Good shower.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nicole

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I was pleasantly surprised how nice, updated and clean the rooms were. The evening/night staff were very kind and helpful. I would defiantly recommend and/or stay at this hotel again!!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Joyce

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our favorite part was the walk in shower. The beds were somewhat comfortable.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sheila

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

Exceeded expectations

Normally, I don't like to stay in places where the rooms open right out to the parking lot. However, this was a very safe, nice and clean motel with free parking. The room was spacious and comfortable with updated features. There was free parking and downtown was just a short and inexpensive ($7-$10) Uber ride. There is a coffee shop in the front of the motel that offers a free breakfast sandwich & coffee in the morning to the guests. Overall a great experience.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Elaine

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Not fancy on the outside, but nice and clean on the inside, and solid breakfast. Good value for the price paid
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Paul

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

justin

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Bathroom had no hand soap for some reason, but aside from that, it was a perfectly pleasant stay.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Haoxin

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brooke

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful stay!
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

IRENE L

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
An older facility, but it was clean and the staff was very helpful
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

4/10 Poor

Anne

Disliked: Staff & service
I think the staff wasn’t prepared for the event that we traveled in town for, which was a NHL stadium series that brought 94,000 to the area.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Tina B

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Amenities
I had called to let them know I would be arriving around midnight. The lady was very nice and said she would note everything for me. I arrived around a little after 11. The room had 1 bed made which I’m not sure if it was clean bedding and had the other beds bedding on top of it which was dirty. It was late and I was tired so I went and informed the front desk and told them to figure it out while I went to get something to eat. She called while I was eating and said I had to go to a sister hotel due to the room not cleaned and stocked. No complaints about sister hotel other than them holding my card for 250$ for days. I had paid online for my original booking so I should not have an additional hold on my card. Even though hotel got me another room it was very inconvenient after driving over 6 hours.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025