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Olentangy Motor Inn

2.0 star property

Photo gallery for Olentangy Motor Inn

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

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • 24/7 front desk
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View map
1445 Olentangy River Rd, Columbus, OH, 43212
  • Ohio Stadium
    ‪19 min walk‬
  • Ohio State University
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Greater Columbus Convention Center
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)
    ‪14 min drive‬

Room options

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
(87 reviews)
  • 26 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

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)
  • 26 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
(22 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
(13 reviews)
  • 26 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

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
(58 reviews)
  • 20 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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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 9.2 mi (14.8 km) from Easton Town Center and 1.2 mi (1.9 km) from Ohio Stadium.

What's nearby

  • Ohio Stadium - 19 min walk - 1.6 km
  • Schottenstein Center - 2 min drive - 2.1 km
  • Nationwide Arena - 3 min drive - 3.2 km
  • Ohio State University - 3 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Greater Columbus Convention Center - 3 min drive - 3.5 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

Suburban hotel with free breakfast and a 24-hour front desk
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
  • 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

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. 795 out of 1192 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 258 out of 1192 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 84 out of 1192 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 25 out of 1192 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 30 out of 1192 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

8/10 Good

Aubry

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The room was small but clean and comfortable. Good working air conditioning. There seemed to constantly be people outside our room talking loudly throughout the night. The description for the hotel said the breakfast was free, but I had to pay for mine and so did everyone in line for food.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Renee

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Renee

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I stayed at this motor lodge for a quick overnight trip and was pleasantly surprised. The motor lodge has been recently renovated. The room was clean, the bed was comfortable, and check-in was fast and friendly. Amenities in the room were excellent. The coffee shop, where you check in has great coffee and good food. perfect if you just need a simple, safe, and affordable stay. I appreciated the convenient parking right outside the room and the quiet atmosphere. A solid choice for any traveler.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Don’t be deceived by a motel

Don’t be deceived by this being a motel. It was one of the cleanest places we have stayed in a while. Everybody was so kind and the breakfast and coffee was amazing!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Matthew D

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great little independent motel. Super clean. Staff was very friendly and helpful. The included breakfast sandwich was a nice touch. Definitely would stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Kara

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

John

Disliked: Room comfort
Facility very dated. Ok for a single night. No chairs in the room Shower was good. Bed uncomfortable
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

tom

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled with group
Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Light sleepers: beware of trains

We enjoyed our stay overall, because it’s a great value and a good location, and it seemed pretty clean at first glance. But the floors were actually quite dirty, and so was the coffee maker. I’m also somewhat of a light sleeper, and the trains that went by every couple of hours throughout the night woke me up every time. My friend slept right through it, though.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kevin

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
First time here, but won't be the last--loved this place--old-school motel vibe but updated and very clean. There is a railroad track near the back of the building, but I didn't hear a train til mid-morning. In-house coffee shop with breakfast sandwiches too--didn't try it this time, but will. Very nice affordable alternative to the somewhat stratospheric rates of nearby competitors.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Emily

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

10/10 Excellent

Ayannah

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great place to stay
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Sarah

Travelled with group
room was nice and staff were very helpful, however there was a hair left on our bed
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

2/10 Terrible

Ryan

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities

Filthy Room

Stayed here because of the good reviews. As soon as I walked in the room I had to clean water off the floor and it left the white towel brown. Noticed hair on the bathroom floor and rocks and other chunks of dirt on the rest of the floor. Had to scrub my feet before getting in bed so I didn’t track it and after only walking around sockless for 5 minutes the washrag came back brown. I told the front desk about it and they apologized and said this is a reoccurring issue but they couldn’t give me another room because they were fully booked. Also didn’t expect this to be just a classic rundown motel with the outside stairs and the doors that open up straight into the parking lot. Would not recommend to anyone and only stayed because the sheets appeared clean and we had no other options.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Kristi

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

SANDY

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It would help to clarify that the hotel check-in is in the coffee shop
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

karen

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Surprising gem. I reserved this for its location. The room was unbelievably clean. It felt like it was just refurbished and I was the first guest to use it. The location had shopping nearby, and the staff was excellent!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gary

Business traveller, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Close location to WeXner Medical Center. Very clean. No issues or problems.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Reunice

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Olentangy Motor Inn is truly a hidden gem! From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed with genuine kindness by the amazing staff. Every single team member I encountered was friendly, professional, and went out of their way to make sure I felt comfortable and taken care of. The rooms and common areas are always spotless—you can tell cleanliness is a top priority here. It’s rare to find a place that consistently feels fresh, neat, and inviting like this one does. Whether I’m staying for a night or a longer visit, I know I can count on Olentangy Motor Inn to provide a peaceful, clean, and welcoming experience every single time. If I could give 10 stars, I absolutely would. Highly recommend!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Karen

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location, good breakfast
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jason

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Ron

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Room was clean and updated. But they gave us an odd shaped room with 25% less space than the other same rooms had. We didn’t even have a table or any chairs to sit on. Not happy about that!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Beverly

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
This motel was perfect for our extended weekend trip. Reservations were easy and accurate. The room was ready earlier than check in, which was really convenient. Every interaction with the staff was pleasant. The room was clean and comfortable. The included breakfast was tasty and added to the great value of the accommodations. I will definitely stay here again when visiting Columbus, Ohio. Thanks for an enjoyable trip.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025