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Olentangy Motor Inn

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

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Olentangy Motor Inn

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

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 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)
  • 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
(62 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
(16 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
(92 reviews)
  • 285 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

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About the neighborhood

Columbus

Located in Grandview Heights within a mile (2 km) of Ohio Stadium, Olentangy Motor Inn is within 2 miles (3 km) of other popular sights such as Ohio State University. This 55-room hotel welcomes guests with free breakfast and conveniences like free in-room WiFi and free self parking.

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

Suburban hotel with free breakfast and a 24-hour front desk
You can take advantage of free parking if you drive. Front-desk staff are standing by 24/7 to assist with any requests.
Guests can expect free WiFi and 55-inch TVs with cable channels. Beds sport premium bedding and bathrooms offer hair dryers. Coffee makers and free local calls are also standard. Housekeeping is available on request.

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9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, 1,006 reviews
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Dec 21 - Dec 22
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
  • Limited onsite 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
  • Smoking not allowed
  • 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 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

  • This property welcomes pets for USD 10 per pet, per night (maximum USD 100 per stay)
  • Dogs and cats only
  • 1 total (30 lbs is the maximum weight per pet)
  • Pets may not be left unsupervised
  • Restrictions apply
  • For more information, guests can reach out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children 12 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Pet fee: USD 10 per pet, per night (maximum USD 100 per stay)
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

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
  • Check-in: 4:00 PM—-anytime
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 21
The front desk is open 24 hours a day. Driving? This property offers free self parking, along with RV, bus, and truck parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A credit card for incidental charges and a government-issued photo ID may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector.
  • Guests can access their rooms with a mobile device.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed in guestrooms.
  • Connecting or adjoining rooms can be requested, but all rooms are subject to availability. Contact the property using the phone number on your booking confirmation.
  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.
  • Noise-free rooms can't be guaranteed.

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

Are free cancellation options available at Olentangy Motor Inn?

Olentangy Motor Inn offers free cancellation on some room rates. For more details, take a look at the cancellation policy on our site.

What is there to do near Olentangy Motor Inn?

This hotel is situated in Grandview Heights, close to Ohio Stadium, Schottenstein Center, and Nationwide Arena. You'll also find COSI and Historic Crew Stadium within a short drive.

Is parking available on site at Olentangy Motor Inn?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the hotel. Accessible parking and RV/bus/truck parking are also available for guests.

Does Olentangy Motor Inn include a casino at the property?

No, Olentangy Motor Inn doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at Olentangy Motor Inn?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hotel.

Is Olentangy Motor Inn good for couples?

Couples staying at this hotel will appreciate amenities like premium bedding as well as a café and free breakfast.

Does Olentangy Motor Inn have a hot tub?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this hotel.

Does Olentangy Motor Inn have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

Yes, Olentangy Motor Inn serves free on-the-go breakfast at Crimson Cup each morning.

Does Olentangy Motor Inn allow pets to stay for free?

Although they can't stay for free, cats and dogs are welcome at Olentangy Motor Inn for a fee of USD 10 per pet, per night.

Are there connecting rooms at Olentangy Motor Inn?

Yes, this hotel has connecting guestrooms you can book for your group event or vacation.

How far is the airport from Olentangy Motor Inn?

The closest major airport to Olentangy Motor Inn is John Glenn Columbus Intl. Airport (CMH), which is 8.9 mi away (13 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies at Olentangy Motor Inn?

No, you won't find guestrooms with balconies at Olentangy Motor Inn.

Olentangy Motor Inn Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 883 out of 1335 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 299 out of 1335 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 94 out of 1335 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 27 out of 1335 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 32 out of 1335 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

Catherine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Easy check in with helpful staff
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Sarah, Canton

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Susan

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

Nice find. Not fancy but does the trick.

Staff were super friendly. It would have been nice to know that the room came with a free breakfast sandwich and coffee each day. The staff who do check in/check out are also the coffee shop baristas. So when I told them I had no shower gel at 7AM they were flat out serving other and weren't able to address my problem. Fridge in my room made a loud squealing sound. I simply unplugged it. Huge shout out to the individual who answered questions about walking along the river early morning - Yes, it is safe! And how to take pubic transit to the convention center.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

4/10 Poor

JEFFREY

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tonya

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was very cozy. The room was very nice. Very clean. The coffee shop at check in was amazing. Anymore teips back to Columbus, this is where I'll stay!!! Ive stayed alot of places in Columbus an this was by far the best.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Brett

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

10/10 Excellent

Juan

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

8/10 Good

Andrew

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Doug

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

10/10 Excellent

Kevin

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

10/10 Excellent

Joanne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I was here one night. It was an easy walk to resturants and they offered a nice breakfast sandwoch and coffee for breakfast. The room and bathroom were large. The bed was comfortable. The water was hot. There were not a lot of counters in the bathroom.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

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

10/10 Excellent

Kristopher

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean and comfortable. All the amenities we needed were available. Great place to stay!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Larry

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

10/10 Excellent

Matthew D

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
I love the breakfast sandwich!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

2/10 Terrible

Rolando

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Staff & service
I don’t normally leave reviews, but this experience was so upsetting I feel it needs to be shared. Both the hotel and Expedia failed us in every possible way, and the lack of accountability was unbelievable. The most unacceptable part was how the hotel handled our belongings. Housekeeping threw away our valuable items without hesitation. When I asked about them, the employee flat-out admitted they had kept someone else’s belongings before but decided to discard ours instead. To make it worse, they asked me if I was that other person whose belongings they did save. That alone shows how careless and inconsistent their process was. I was also told the hotel has a lost and found, yet my items were never placed there. Instead, they were thrown away as if they meant nothing. When I tried to speak to the manager, they avoided me completely, showing zero willingness to take responsibility. The employee I dealt with was rude, dismissive, and made the entire experience even worse. On top of that, Expedia—who should advocate for their customers—did nothing but hide behind their policies. They passed the blame back to the hotel rather than helping resolve the issue. It felt like both sides just wanted to avoid dealing with the problem, leaving us stuck with no resolution and no respect for what we lost. Travel can already be stressful, and situations like this are exactly why people expect professionalism, honesty, and basic care.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lester

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

10/10 Excellent

Akihiro

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
No problem.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Karen, Salem

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nice, clean room. Staff was great. Motel is convenient to campus.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Chris

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

VALERIE

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

8/10 Good

Ahshawna

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The room was great for a small get away and the staff were very welcoming and informative. I would definitely recommend to a friend for something affordable with good quality for traveling.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chloe

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I liked how cozy it felt with the cafe. The bedding was nice almost like a weighted blanket. Plenty of amenities in the room even a steamer. Would definitely stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

james

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Love that it was within walking distance to The Ohio State stadium.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

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