Olentangy Motor Inn

2.0 star property
Suburban hotel within easy reach of Ohio State University

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Photo gallery for Olentangy Motor Inn

Exterior
Exterior
Premium bedding, individually furnished, free WiFi, bed sheets
Premium bedding, individually furnished, free WiFi, bed sheets
Room, 2 Double Beds, Accessible
Located near Ohio State University, Olentangy Motor Inn offers a welcoming atmosphere with amenities like in-room WiFi and RV/bus/truck parking. Unwind at the coffee shop/cafe or take advantage of 24-hour front desk service - previous guests rave about the helpful staff and convenient location.

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Connecting rooms available
  • Non-smoking
  • 24/7 front desk

Main amenities (4)

  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Coffee shop/cafe
  • 24-hour front desk
  • Air conditioning

Feel at home (6)

  • Children stay free
  • Connecting/adjoining rooms available
  • Private bathroom
  • Premium TV channels
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Premium bedding
The current price is CA $145
CA $171 total
includes taxes & fees
May 5 - May 6

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 5 of 5 rooms

Standard Room, 2 Double Beds

Highlights

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

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible

Highlights

Individually furnished
Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
TV
Renovated in 2023
Premium bedding
Private bathroom
  • 26.4 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 2 Double Beds

Highlights

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

Room, 2 Double Beds, Accessible

Highlights

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

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

Highlights

Individually furnished
Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
TV
Renovated in 2023
Premium bedding
Private bathroom
  • 19.8 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
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About the area

Map
1445 Olentangy River Rd, Columbus, OH, 43212

What's nearby

  • Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
  • Ohio Stadium - 2 min drive - 1.9 km
  • Ohio State University - 3 min drive - 2.5 km
  • Nationwide Arena - 4 min drive - 3.4 km
  • Greater Columbus Convention Center - 4 min drive - 3.8 km

Getting around

  • John Glenn Columbus Intl. Airport (CMH) - 13 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Chick-fil-A - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Natalie’s - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬10 min walk

About this property

Olentangy Motor Inn

When you stay at Olentangy Motor Inn, you'll be just a 5-minute drive from Ohio State University and Greater Columbus Convention Center. Free perks include WiFi, self parking, and on-the-go breakfast daily between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM. Also, Ohio Stadium and Schottenstein Center are just a 5-minute drive away. The helpful staff and location get great marks from fellow travelers.

Languages

English

At a glance

DONE

Hotel size

    • 55 rooms
    • Arranged over 2 floors
DONE

Arriving/Leaving

    • Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
    • Contactless check-in available
    • Minimum check-in age: 21
    • Check-out time is 11:00 AM
    • Contactless check-out available
DONE

Special check-in instructions

    • Guests will receive an email 7 days before arrival with check-in instructions and smart lock details; 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
    • Guests are required to download the property's olentangymotorinn mobile app before check-in
    • This property enforces quiet hours from 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM
DONE

Required at check-in

    • Credit card required for incidental charges
    • Government-issued photo ID may be required
    • Minimum check-in age is 21
DONE

Children

    • Children (12 years old and younger) stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding
DONE

Pets

    • Pets allowed (dogs and cats only, 1 total, up to 30 lbs per pet)*
    • Service animals welcome
    • Restrictions apply*
    • Pets must be supervised
WIFI

Internet

    • Free WiFi in rooms (speed: 25+ Mbps)
LOCAL_PARKING

Parking

    • Free onsite self parking
    • Onsite RV/bus/truck parking (fees apply)
    • Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking on site
    • Onsite parking includes off-street options
DONE

Other information

    • Smoke-free property

Property amenities

Food and drink

  • Free on-the-go breakfast each morning 6:00 AM–9:00 AM
  • Coffee shop

Traveling with children

  • Children stay free (see details)

What to do

  • Golfing nearby

Services

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Virtual front desk

Facilities

  • 1 building/tower
  • Built in 1986
  • Traditional architecture

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • 4 on-site accessible parking spaces
  • Assistive listening devices available
  • Wheelchair-accessible van parking
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Smooth flooring in public areas
  • Smooth flooring in room

Room amenities

Be entertained

  • 55-inch TV
  • Premium cable channels

Home comfort

  • Air conditioning and heating
  • Coffee/tea maker

Sleep well

  • Premium bedding

What to enjoy

  • Individually furnished

Freshen up

  • Private bathroom
  • Shower only
  • Soap and shampoo
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels
  • Toilet paper

Stay connected

  • Free WiFi (speed of 25+ Mbps)
  • Free local calls

More

  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Connecting/adjoining rooms available
  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Mobile key entry

Special features

Dining

Crimson Cup - Onsite coffee shop.

Fees & policies

Pets

  • Service animals exempt from fees
  • Pets are allowed for an extra charge of USD 10 per pet, per night (maximum USD 100 per stay)

Policies

The property has connecting/adjoining rooms, which are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property using the number on the booking confirmation.
Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed.
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms.
This property does not have elevators.
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector on site.
This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover

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

Does Olentangy Motor Inn offer free cancellation for a full refund?

Yes, Olentangy Motor Inn does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.

Are pets allowed at Olentangy Motor Inn?

Yes, cats and dogs are welcome, with a limit of 1 total and maximum weight of 30 lbs per pet. There's a charge of USD 10 per pet, per night. Service animals are exempt from fees.

Is parking offered on site at Olentangy Motor Inn?

Yes, there's free self parking. RV/bus/truck parking is available.

What are the check-in and check-out times at Olentangy Motor Inn?

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime. Check-out time is 11:00 AM. Contactless check-in and check-out are available.

Is there an onsite casino at Olentangy Motor Inn?

No, this hotel doesn't have a casino, but Hollywood Casino (11-min drive) and Scioto Downs (15-min drive) are both nearby.

What's the area around Olentangy Motor Inn like?

Olentangy Motor Inn is a short 19-minute walk from James Cancer Hospital and 15 minutes' walk from Olentangy Bike Path. Travelers give top marks for the hotel's prime location.

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Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Popular mentions

Room
Service staff
Bed
Shower
Location
Refrigerator
Bathroom
Coffee shop
Car
Rides

What guests liked

  • Breakfast was consistently described as delicious, with great coffee and tasty sandwiches. (56 reviews)
  • Parking was super convenient and free, with some rooms even having parking right in front. (4 reviews)
  • Plenty of restaurant options are nearby, making dining convenient. (4 reviews)
From real guest reviews summarized by AI.

Reviews

6/10 Good

I stayed for 2.5 days. The overall staff service was good. Loved the idea of complimentary coffee and breakfat sandwich from the Crimson Cup but would offer the suggestion of having the sandwish made to order .... not everyone likes cheese on their sandwiches. The room was ok. Your basically staying at a Red Roof Inn but with a name change and upgrades. Cleanliness: Hair in the shower and other surfaces .... yuck!! I suggest being a bit more thorough.
2-night business trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

8/10 Very good

Newly remodeled room

Check in was a little confusing and I met a fellow traveler also trying to figure out where to check in (yes it's the coffee shop). Room was newly remodeled, nice amenities in the room and check out was a breeze. Pillow had blood on it when we arrived, the bed is super firm and the parking is limited.
Chelsea, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

8/10 Very good

The beds were too tall for senior adults,hard to get onto them without feet sliding out from under us. Need 2 chairs for sitting on. Very clean and beds were comfortable. workers were very nice.
1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Definitely a win

It was a cool independent place. Close to OSU, clean, good coffee and nice staff. Will stay again!
Kristine, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

8/10 Very good

Lee, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Nicole, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Brianna, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

6/10 Good

I would not stay here again

I wouldnt stay here again. The beds were very uncomfortable - among the most uncomfortabke of any place I have ever stayed. The TV stations avaiabkd were odd and different.
2-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Perfect affordable hotel

Very convenient location and a great price yet everything in good condition up to date.
Ryan, 1-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

8/10 Very good

William, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Good for a weekend girls trip

Rooms are cute cozy exactly what we needed for our girls trip. There was some glitter on the floor in bathroom behind the door but hey, glitter is hard to get all of. We enjoyed the free sandwich and the coffee from the shop was good. Quiet neighborhood
Sara, 1-night trip with friends
Verified Hotels.com guest review

6/10 Good

Next to railroad, 2-3 trains every night. No laundry. Room floor and bathroom can be cleaned better.
Shiwei, 2-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Yana, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Jeff, 4-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

6/10 Good

Ok for a quick overnight stop .

The motor inn was ok. The room was renovated and bed was comfortable. Breakfast was good - a sandwich and coffee from the coffee shop . The floors were not clean though and the night reception was ok but not friendly . Maybe it was late and she was tired but she didn’t smile once . Although I booked 2 rooms under one reservation with two names she wouldn’t have me check in for both . I was impressed that it had a good review rating so I booked it . But it’s overpriced in my opinion
Sherine, 1-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

8/10 Very good

No frills, clean accommodations

No frills, clean accommodations in a good location. Accessible to OSU, downtown along with sports and entertainment venues.
1-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Renovated Budget Gem Close to OSU

I stayed here all the time when it was the Varsity Inn, because it's so close to OSU campus (walkable) and restaurants, shops, and even a movie theatre. But it really started going downhill after a bit. Thankfully, new owners purchased it, gave it a much-needed facelift, AND added a legit coffee shop to the lobby (so now your stay comes with a free cup of coffee and a breakfast sandwich). The rooms are small but clean and stylish, and all include a mini-fridge, microwave, and a large screen TV. The beds & linens are comfy, and front desk staff are friendly (and will also make you a latte' :) ). And at budget prices, you really can't do better.
Margaret, 2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Brennen, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Amber, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Great spot for equine affair

Super nice and convenient location! Near shops and close enough to the fairgrounds I didn’t feel the need to use the highway.
Jessica L, 4-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Kimberly, 1-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Joel, 1-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

8/10 Very good

Salah, 2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

James, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

6/10 Good

James, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review