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Olentangy Motor Inn

2.0 star property

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Photo gallery for Olentangy Motor Inn

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

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
$130
$110 nightly
$130 total
Total with taxes and fees
Mar 9 - Mar 10

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

7.6 out of 10
Good
(17 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

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(66 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
(24 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
(17 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
(97 reviews)
  • 285 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

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Total with taxes and fees
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About the neighborhood

Columbus

With a stay at Olentangy Motor Inn in Columbus (Grandview Heights), you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Ohio State University and Ohio Stadium. .This hotel is 2.4 mi (3.8 km) from Greater Columbus Convention Center and 9.2 mi (14.8 km) from Easton Town Center.

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

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.

Make yourself at home in one of the 55 individually furnished guestrooms. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Bathrooms have showers and hair dryers. Conveniences include coffee/tea makers, as well as phones with free local calls.
This smoke-free hotel has 2 floors in 1 building and offers wheelchair access.
Enjoy a meal at Crimson Cup or snacks in the hotel's coffee shop/cafe. A complimentary on-the-go breakfast is served daily from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM.
Free self parking is available onsite.
A complimentary on-the-go breakfast is served each morning between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM.
Crimson Cup - Onsite coffee shop.

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

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

Pets allowed for an extra charge of USD 10 per pet, per night (maximum USD 100 per stay)
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs and cats only
1 total (up to 30 lbs per pet)
Pets cannot be left unattended
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Children up to the age of 12 years can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

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

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may 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

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms
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

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

Olentangy Motor Inn Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 920 out of 1394 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 315 out of 1394 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 97 out of 1394 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 29 out of 1394 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 33 out of 1394 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

8/10 Good

Deborah

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Frankie

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The check in with the staff was flawless. My son and I were spending the weekend at Galaxycon in Columbus, OH. We were traveling from out of town and really did not want to have to wait to check in at the normal time of 4pm. So we called and we were able to explain our situation and our itinerary for the day. Without hesitation we were able to get checked in early. The room was pristine. Very clean, smelled good and over all a great room 2 doors down from the office. We felt wanted and safe. I would certainly stay here again and I encourage others to do so as well.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Sarah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We enjoyed our stay - clean, friendly staff, easy parking and great breakfast sandwich and coffee too. Took off one star because our room was at the very back next to the train tracks and the train noise woke me up a couple of times. But we would stay here again for sure!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Older Updated motel. Clean. Staff was wonderful!!!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Vince

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

10/10 Excellent

Karen

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Free breakfast and coffee! Room was clean!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Susan

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Excellent handicapped room. Great room for the price. It was clean.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jenevieve, Arlington

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very clean, well appointed, cute and friendly staff.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Harry

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Good place to stay for a Buckeyes game
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Rod

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
The hotel is clean and up to date but is kinda noisy
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Deborah

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Yes and yes!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrew, Maumee

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean updated rooms, Staff was excellent and parking was easy. There is a train in the back nearby that was a little noisy but did not come through often. Parking was good. Breakfast sandwiches were good but would of been nice to have more options. Overall, it was a great stay especially for a Motor Inn.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joshua

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Clean room. friendly staff, great location close to campus, and a fabulous breakfast.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

John

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The motor inn was close to the Convention Center, OSU campus and the heart of Columbus. It was clean, easily located, inexpensive, had all the amenities of more expensive motels, free parking outside my unit, safe and secure. I would stay there again.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Paula

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Shalen

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
Rooms were clean
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christina, New Albany

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Yes, it's a motel, yes it's clean, yes it's safe. I've stayed here a few times now when I've had to come in and out of town for various reasons. Rooms are quiet. Bathroom is clean. TV works. Front desk is kind of cute. How it doubles as a coffee shop? And I don't really have anything bad to say about it. Very close to downtown free parking right outside your door.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Tiffany

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Clean room. Comfy bed.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

6/10 Okay

Joann

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Yes, ckean rooms
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Clean room, comfortable bed! Great coffee and sandwich from the coffee shop!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrea

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The room was very clean! Also amazing breakfast sandwich and coffee for the free morning meal. Great location and plenty of parking. Also dont be confused the coffee shop is the lobby! Definitely staying here again.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

4/10 Poor

Lindsey

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Amenities
The room was just fine. The bed was pretty uncomfortable. And on top of that, it sounded like someone was mowing right outside my window at 3am. So it’s safe to say I didn’t really sleep.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Renata

Traveled with pets, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great concept. Friendly staff. Clean room and surroundings.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Alvaro

Business traveler, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Looked like a cheap hotel from the side, the front was prettier, the attendant was kind and welcoming. The room looked recently renovated and clean but there was a little funny smell to it like storage. Breakfast area is tiny so it is best to pick up sandwiches and coffee. There was coffee etc in the room we did not use. We arrived at midnight. Although the parking looked packed it was pretty quiet in our room. We were happy with our stay and would definitely come back
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Breakfast was fresh and a safe property
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025