Olentangy Motor Inn

2.0 star property
Suburban hotel with free parking, near Ohio State University

Photo gallery for Olentangy Motor Inn

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

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible

7.6 out of 10
Good
(13 reviews)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
TV
Renovated in 2023
Premium bedding
Private bathroom
  • 26 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(64 reviews)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
TV
Renovated in 2023
Premium bedding
Private bathroom
  • 20 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 2 Double Beds

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(23 reviews)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
TV
Renovated in 2023
Premium bedding
Private bathroom
  • 26 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

Room, 2 Double Beds, Accessible

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(17 reviews)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
TV
Renovated in 2023
Premium bedding
Private bathroom
  • 26 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

Standard Room, 2 Double Beds

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(92 reviews)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
TV
Renovated in 2023
Premium bedding
Private bathroom
  • 26 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

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About the area

Columbus

At Olentangy Motor Inn you'll be 2.2 km (1.4 mi) from Ohio State University and 3.3 km (2.1 mi) from Greater Columbus Convention Center. Highlights at this hotel include free daily breakfast and free self-parking. .Attractions within a 10-minute drive of this Grandview Heights hotel include Ohio Stadium and Schottenstein Center.

What's nearby

  • Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center - 12 min walk - 1.1 km
  • James Cancer Hospital - 14 min walk - 1.2 km
  • Ohio Stadium - 19 min walk - 1.6 km
  • Schottenstein Center - 2 min drive - 2.5 km
  • Ohio State University - 3 min drive - 1.8 km

Getting around

  • Port Columbus International 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 parking, near Ohio State University
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.

  • 1 building
  • 55 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • Built in 1986
  • To-go breakfast (free)
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • No smoking on site
  • Coffee shop
Olentangy Motor Inn offers 55 air-conditioned accommodations, which are accessible via exterior corridors, and features coffee/tea makers and a hairdryer. Each accommodation is individually furnished. Beds feature premium bedding. Televisions come with premium cable channels. Bathrooms include a shower.

Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access (speed: 25+ Mbps). Business-friendly amenities include telephones along with free local calls (restrictions may apply). Housekeeping is provided on request.

Similar properties

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 and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out

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 lb 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.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types

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 USD100 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

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
On-site 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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A credit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover. Cash is not accepted. On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited. Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector in all accommodation. Guests can access their rooms with a mobile device.

We should mention

  • Children aged 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

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at Olentangy Motor Inn?

Olentangy Motor Inn offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

Is parking available at Olentangy Motor Inn?

Yep, Olentangy Motor Inn has a free self car park.

Does Olentangy Motor Inn serve breakfast?

Yeah, our travelers give a thumbs up to the free on-the-go breakfast here! Served daily from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM, this is the place to fuel up for a big day full of adventure.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Olentangy Motor Inn?

No, Olentangy Motor Inn does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at Olentangy Motor Inn?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM. Check-out time is 11:00 AM.

Olentangy Motor Inn Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 906 out of 1371 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 310 out of 1371 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 95 out of 1371 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 27 out of 1371 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 33 out of 1371 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

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

10/10 Excellent

Mackenzie

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Scott

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Very nice staff. Clean room
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jaime

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
This was the 2nd time I've stayed at the olentangy motor inn and it did not disappoint. Very clean, staff is super friendly and so great at multitasking. They have a lot going on and they do it with a smile. I will always stay here awhen im in townticustomers at the drive thru, wait
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Therese

Travelled with family, Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Clean, quiet and comfortable
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nichole

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The room was great. I was in town for outpatient surgery, and needed an accessible room. I was able to relax after surgery.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stanley

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Simple, Clean, friendly staff. Look forward to staying again.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
We loved our stay. The staff was incredibly hospitable. The room was updated and clean. The breakfast was delicious. As vegetarians we were thrilled that they offered a plant based sausage patty. We would recommend this hotel!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great location, clean and comfortable
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jade

Travelled with family, Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I will be returning to this hotel. The room was beautiful and clean, the best was really comfortable. The coffee was outstanding.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anne

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff, clean and modern room, great location and easy check in!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Thomas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The staff was great considering Hotel.com reservation didnt show on their computer. She was concerned we would be double chrged. The room was clean though dated. We were near RR traack and heard trains but they didnt bother us.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

McKinzey

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

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Rooms were clean and the coffee was great
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patricia

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Free coffee & great breakie sandwich
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean room . Convenient
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Penny

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tami

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location to campus. Enjoyed the free breakfast sandwich and coffee. Comfortable beds and room. Friendly staff. Would stay again
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

James

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location for game.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Colleen

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was amazingly clean and front desk staff were VERY friendly and although check-in time showed 4 pm. we arrived at 2:15 and no problem to check-in early. Breakfast sandwich was excellent. Would definitely stay there again.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025