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

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • 24/7 front desk
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi
$130
includes taxes & fees
Dec 9 - Dec 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

7.4 out of 10
Good
(12 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

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(61 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
(23 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

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(15 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
(92 reviews)
  • 285 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

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About this property

Olentangy Motor Inn

Hotel in Grandview Heights
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 hotel offers a coffee shop/cafe. Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast each morning. Onsite self parking is complimentary. A total renovation of this property was completed in September 2023.

Olentangy Motor Inn is a smoke-free property.

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

Reviews

Olentangy Motor Inn Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.8/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 878 out of 1325 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 294 out of 1325 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 94 out of 1325 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 27 out of 1325 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 32 out of 1325 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

james

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Love that it was within walking distance to The Ohio State stadium.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

LeAnn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This updated, adorable motor inn is an excellent option when looking for a reasonably priced stay at a well maintained property.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sharon

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sharon

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Clean room friendly staff
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dan

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Mauna

Business traveler, Traveled with partner, Traveled with pets
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice clean property
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Somer

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Like the unique feel and the breakfast sandwiches were great. Loved having access to a full cafe menu. Iced lattes were great.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Paula

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Reunice

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Whitney

Liked: Staff & service, room comfort

Great find!

I'll admit, I was nervous. I picked this due to the location and being able to walk to the football game and the great reviews. Everything turned out fine. The location was great. The room was clean and comfortable. They refreshed it each day. It was quiet (even with the train tracks behind it). Free coffee and a breakfast sandwich was great every morning (esp game day). Staff were nice and friendly. We would definitely stay here again if in the area! Also a great restaurant within walking distance.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Johni

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Customer service was friendly and helpful! Clean accomodations. Not fancy but perfectly fine and quiet. I traveled to Columbus for an overnight conference and would definitely book a room again. Affordable, convenient, clean, with friendly staff!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

scott

Traveled with group
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Matthew

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

Will stay here again!

Very friendly staff and clean recently renovated room. Had a very nice stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

William

Traveled with partner, Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We first showed up to what appeared to be creepy drug addicts walking around the hotel, hanging out. It’s not a TERRIBLE area but it’s definitely not good. The room we had smelled like mildew/old cigarettes. The hotel seemed as if it used to be a crap hole and someone put money into it doing updates. Probably painting over smoke tar covered walls. You can tell by looking at the ceiling which has fresh paint but the smoke detectors looked like they were covered in smoke tar. Then on top of that, our room had train tracks right outside. So at 11pm, 1am, and around 3am we had trains right outside our door traveling. You can only imagine how that sounded. Long story short, pay more for somewhere else. No way I would stay there again, even for free.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

2/10 Terrible

Tonya

Traveled with group
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

chris

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Walking distance to the stadium, rooms are updated.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kristi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Perfect for a game day stay
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robin

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great staff
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chelsea

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Super frieldny staff. Nice, clean simple rooms. Breakfast was awesome! Not normal hotel breakfast
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Helen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
affordable, clean, great coffee, and breakfast sandwiches
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Coffee bar is amazing
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joey

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

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

Cute refurbished

Cue old hotel but the rooms are pretty small and be aarew ther is a train directly behind the hotel.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Excellent experience as always. Clean, comfortable and affordable.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025