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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

A mural with coffee-related illustrations and text, including "Latte," "Mocha," and "Buckeye."
A modern hotel room with a round mirror, a flat-screen TV, a wooden desk, and a built-in microwave.
A pumpkin-themed beverage cup with a red straw, labeled "Happy Pumpkin Season," on a countertop with blurred bottles in the background.
A building with a sign reading "Crimson Cup Coffee Drive Thru" and a sign indicating a coffee drive-thru service.
A compact room with a bed, a microwave, a refrigerator, a chair, and a small table with a lamp.

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

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

Room options

View all photos for King Room-Accessible

Premium bedding, WiFi (free), individually furnished, bed sheets

King Room-Accessible

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Room, 2 Double Beds, Accessible

Two single beds with wooden headboards, white bedding, a bedside lamp, and a framed picture on the wall.

Room, 2 Double Beds, Accessible

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible

A hotel room with a large bed, a flat-screen TV, a minibar, a small stool, and a bathroom visible through an open door.

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible

7.8 out of 10
Good
(22 reviews)
  • 26 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed

A hotel room with a large bed, a flat-screen TV, a minibar, a small stool, and a bathroom visible through an open door.

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(80 reviews)
  • 20 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Double Beds

A compact room with a bed, a microwave, a refrigerator, a chair, and a small table with a lamp.

Standard Room, 2 Double Beds

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(27 reviews)
  • 26 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Room, 2 Double Beds, Accessible

A hotel room with two beds, a patterned wall, and a nightstand with lamps.

Room, 2 Double Beds, Accessible

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(20 reviews)
  • 26 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible

A hotel room with a bed, a television, a microwave, a refrigerator, and a bathroom visible through an open door.

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Double Beds

A hotel room with two beds, a wooden headboard, a patterned wall, a desk, and a bathroom visible through an open door.

Standard Room, 2 Double Beds

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(126 reviews)
  • 26 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds
  • Free WiFi

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About the area

Columbus

Grandview Heights stay.A stay at this Grandview Heights hotel places you within half a mile (1 km) of Ohio State University and 2 miles (3 km) of Ohio Stadium. Greater Columbus Convention Center and Nationwide Arena are also within 3 miles (5 km).

What's nearby

  • Ohio State University - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Olentangy Bike Path - 16 min walk - 1.3 km
  • Ohio Stadium - 2 min drive - 2.1 km
  • Schottenstein Center - 2 min drive - 2.5 km
  • Newport Music Hall - 4 min drive - 2.1 km

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
  • ‪GetGo - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers - ‬8 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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includes taxes & fees
Jul 26 - Jul 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
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 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 Jul 25, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Olentangy Motor Inn on Jul 27, 2026 start from CA $165, 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. 1082 out of 1711 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 395 out of 1711 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 143 out of 1711 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 42 out of 1711 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 49 out of 1711 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

8.2/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jacqueline

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great place! It was clean and the staff was friendly.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Carla

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great room, cute place, great coffee!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mike

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was a great stay close to all the amenities near by.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Linda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Breakfast good, AC cool
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nicholas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean room friendly and helpful staff! Breakfast sandwich was super good!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Shonda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff is very kind and helpful i you get a breakfast sandwich and a coffee each day of stay for each person very close to restaurants and shopping easy drive to the fairgrounds and downtown Ohio state is also nearby
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

debbie

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very clean rooms nice location for our visit
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Bidisha

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It was a conveniently located property and satisfied our needs.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

sharon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very friendly staff quick check in and out. Clean updated rooms great for the price!!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ray

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything was exceptionally clean. Staff was very accommodating and friendly really enjoyed speaking with her breakfast sandwich to go was good.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Leslie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed for a concert at OSU. Very convenient to walk to. Rooms are simple but have been updated and were clean. Would stay again
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified

6/10 Okay

dawn

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness
Wasn’t the cleanest or updated room but good place to stay after seeing a concert at Ohio stadium
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We totally loved this little hotel! The room was clean and updated. The coffee drinks were amazing! Will definitely book here again next year!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Melissa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
LOVED the specialty coffee and the free breakfast sandwiches from the ever-so convenient attached coffee shop/lobby/check in. Awesome stay, especially for a motel :) Great location for OSU sports
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Eric

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very different than your average hotel . Great stay good price
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brett

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff was very friendly and room was clean.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amanda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Easy to get to, room was clean, staff was helpful & nice.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Heather

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room was clean and bed was comfortable
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kristy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room was clean and fresh. Breakfast sandwich yummy. We would stay there again.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified

6/10 Okay

Paul

Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Breakfast was good.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Colton

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is the perfect motel for a night or two in Columbus
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jason

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was wonderful
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chris

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice room. Great location. We enjoyed our stay and would stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alicia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Great location, cute and comfortable room and great coffee too.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Clean room, walkable to the Ohio Stadium. Great place to stay for a game!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

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