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

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • 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

7.6 out of 10
Good
(17 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

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(65 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
(24 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
(17 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
(95 reviews)
  • 26 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

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About this property

Olentangy Motor Inn

A coffee shop/cafe, a 24-hour front desk, and RV/bus/truck parking are available at this smoke-free hotel. On-the-go breakfast is free. Housekeeping is available on request.
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.

The free breakfast at Olentangy Motor Inn gets good marks from our customers. During your stay, you'll be within walking distance of Ohio State University. Enjoy features like free self parking and a coffee shop/cafe.
  • Free on-the-go breakfast served daily
  • Free WiFi (speed: 25+ Mbps)
  • Free self parking
  • Enjoy a bite to eat at the coffee shop
  • Services include a virtual front desk
  • Guests have great things to say about the location and the helpful staff
  • Just a 3-minute drive from Ohio State University and a few minutes from Ohio Stadium
  • Cats and dogs welcome for a fee (restrictions apply)
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.

Guests are served free on-the-go breakfast daily from 6:00 AM to 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: 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.

Payment types at the property

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

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
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
To arrange for check-in, guests must contact the property at least 72 hours prior to arrival using the information on the booking confirmation. Prior to arrival, guests must complete online registration with the property via a secure link. Guests will be asked to provide the property with a copy of their government-issued photo ID before arrival. Guests will receive an email 7 days before arrival with check-in information. Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property. A virtual front desk provides assistance to guests. At the property, quiet hours are enforced between 11:00 PM and 7:00 AM.
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

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

Olentangy Motor Inn Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 918 out of 1392 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 315 out of 1392 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 97 out of 1392 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 29 out of 1392 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 33 out of 1392 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

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

10/10 Excellent

Andrew, Maumee

Travelled 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

Travelled 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 traveller
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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled with family, Travelled with pets
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

Travelled with family, Business traveller
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

10/10 Excellent

Deborah

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean room, close to Nationwide arena. We were in town for a concert. Was nervous since it looks like a red roof from the outside but I was wrong! Very clean, well kept, love the coffee shop, the free breakfast sandwich was fire and the staff was so sweet and helpful! Bob evens and a late night Wendy’s right next door. Quiet area. Will be back!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Jill

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness
Good clean room at a good price. Coffee shop was great!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025