See all properties
Save

Olentangy Motor Inn

2.0 star property

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 Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning

Explore the area

View map
1445 Olentangy River Rd, Columbus, OH, 43212
  • Place, Ohio Stadium
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, Schottenstein Center
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, Ohio State University
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Airport, Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)
    ‪14 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
(18 reviews)
  • 26 sq m
  • 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
(71 reviews)
  • 20 sq m
  • 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
(25 reviews)
  • 26 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for Room, 2 Double Beds, Accessible

Room, 2 Double Beds, Accessible

Room, 2 Double Beds, Accessible

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

View all photos for Room

Premium bedding, individually furnished, free WiFi, bed sheets

Room

  • Sleeps 4

Similar properties

Exterior
The Blackwell Inn and Pfahl Conference Center
University District
  • Pet-friendly
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Restaurant
  • Air-conditioning
4.7 out of 5, Exceptional, 1,473 reviews
The price is AU$266
includes taxes & fees
21 May - 22 May
The Blackwell Inn and Pfahl Conference Center

About the area

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 Greater Columbus Convention Center. .This hotel is 1.2 mi (1.9 km) from Ohio Stadium and 9.2 mi (14.8 km) from Easton Town Center.

What's nearby

  • 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
  • Ohio State University - 4 min drive - 1.8 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
  • ‪Natalie’s - ‬9 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 transport

  • Free self parking on site
  • RV/bus/lorry parking on site
  • Limited on-site 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
  • 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 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

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. 985 out of 1529 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 355 out of 1529 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 116 out of 1529 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 34 out of 1529 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 39 out of 1529 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

8/10 Good

Dara

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
So wish there was a vending machine but a speedway was within walking distance so it wasn’t too much of a thing. Clean. Easy to access. Yummy breakfast sandwiches! We were in the furthest room in the back and the train did wake us up a couple of times but not too crazy.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026

4/10 Poor

Reva

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff and amenities. Wasn’t what expected and super small for it to be king room.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Julianna

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Marty

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Kitschy, clean, and well-priced!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

8/10 Good

RICHARD

Business traveller
Everything great …. But the coffee maker is less than satisfactory
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

MICHAEL, Phoenixville

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was a voyage back in time to the motor lodges of old. But it was really enjoyable. The decor was fun and functional. There is no "front desk" per se. Just check in at the counter in the coffee shop - The Crimson Cup. Wonderful
"Your touch turns me on" And, it does!
Very comfortable and enjoyable sleeping
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Rose

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Every time I come to Columbus this is the hotel I stay in. It's a great hotel and I love the little coffee Cafe too. The rooms are always clean and the people that check you in are always friendly too.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amanda

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Was super clean, loved the breakfast sandwich. Super neat that they are a drive-thru breakfast and coffee place as well as a motel !
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Cleanest room I've seen at a hotel in a long time! Staff was friendly and helpful! Highly recommend!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

8/10 Good

Renee

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was clean and staff was friendly. Unfortunately had extremely noisy group placed in the room next to ours on a night when there were plenty of empty rooms. Other than that, had a nice stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026

8/10 Good

Miranda

Travelled with family, Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Clean room
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Kristy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Room was very clean. Very comfortable beds. Didn't care for the window blinds, felt like you could see into the room at night with the light on. There is a Bob Evans next door. They actually came in and cleaned and changed the beds!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Debi

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great location. Clean hotel. Friendly staff. Good breakfast sandwiches and coffee.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jessica

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Cute hotel!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Did not use the breakfast had buisness to take of early in morning.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

8/10 Good

Penny

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The room was small but had a nice sized shower and comfortable bed. We slept like babies. Economical price range and close to downtown Columbus.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

8/10 Good

Coletta

Travelled with family and small children, Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room clean and comfortable. Great location.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

John

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Kyle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Was very nice and seemed to be recently updated! Pretty quiet room and heat worked well, had to turn it down a few times! Staff was super nice at check-in, grabbing a coffee and at check out.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

paul

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The stay was excellent! The rooms were recently renovated so they were very comfortable. The bed was super comfortable as well!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is 2nd or 3rd time I've stayed here and the rooms are always very clean and the staff is very friendly. Would highly recommend.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Carl

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Room is very clean and bed was very comfy.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Kelsey

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Checked in later around 9:30 PM and staff was very kind and happy to help. Room was as expected. The only thing I wasn’t aware of is that a train rail is right adjacent to the property—was only woken up once at night from the train and I blame myself for not researching the area well enough beforehand! Ultimately it was a very nice stay with wonderful staff.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Jessica

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026

8/10 Good

Charles, Upper Arlington

Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025