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Olentangy Motor Inn

2.0 star property
Find your perfect blend of comfort and convenience near Ohio Stadium. Enjoy high-speed connections, great coffee, and around-the-clock service.

Choose dates to view prices

Located near Ohio State University, Olentangy Motor Inn offers a welcoming atmosphere with amenities like in-room WiFi and RV/bus/truck parking. Unwind at the coffee shop/cafe or take advantage of 24-hour front desk service - previous guests rave about the helpful staff and convenient location.

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 5 of 5 rooms

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)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
TV
Renovated in 2023
Premium bedding
Private bathroom
  • 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

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(66 reviews)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
TV
Renovated in 2023
Premium bedding
Private bathroom
  • 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
(24 reviews)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
TV
Renovated in 2023
Premium bedding
Private bathroom
  • 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

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(17 reviews)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
TV
Renovated in 2023
Premium bedding
Private bathroom
  • 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
(99 reviews)

Highlights

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

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About the neighborhood

Located in Grandview Heights, a neighborhood in Columbus, Olentangy Motor Inn is in the suburbs. Easton Town Center is worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's popular attractions can visit Ohio Expo Center and State Fair and COSI. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Ohio Stadium or Schottenstein Center. Spend some time exploring the area's activities, including golfing. Visit our Columbus travel guide
Map
1445 Olentangy River Rd, Columbus, OH, 43212

What's nearby

  • Historic Ohio Stadium with rotunda entrance against a cloudy sky in Columbus USA
    Ohio Stadium
    19 min walk - 1.0 mile
  • The second oldest building remaining on The Ohio State University campus, Orton Hall was opened in 1893. It is named after Dr Edward Orton, Sr. who served as Ohio State's first president, OSU Professor of Geology from 1873 to 1899, and Ohio's State Geologist from 1882 until his death in 1899. Orton Hall is built of 40 different Ohio building stones. In the outside walls, these stones are laid in stratigraphic order according to their relative positions in Ohio's bedrock. The only non-indigenous to Ohio stone used is Indiana Limestone to build the front steps. It was chosen because of its high concentration of embedded fossils. The bell tower was dedicated in 1915 and contains 25,000 pounds of bells that can be heard regularly tolling across campus. Encircling the top of the tower are 24 columns with gargoyle-like figures which are restorations of fossil animals.
    Ohio State University
    3 min drive - 1.1 miles
  • Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
    12 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • James Cancer Hospital
    14 min walk - 0.8 miles
  • Schottenstein Center
    2 min drive - 1.5 miles

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
  • Natalie’s
    9 min walk
  • GetGo
    11 min walk

About this property

Olentangy Motor Inn

Hotel remodeled in 2023 and located near Ohio State University
Close to Ohio Stadium, Olentangy Motor Inn provides amenities like free to-go breakfast and a coffee shop/cafe. Guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
You'll also find perks like:
  • Free self parking
  • RV/bus/truck parking, a 24-hour front desk, and smoke-free premises
  • Guest reviews give top marks for the helpful staff and location
Room features
All 55 individually furnished rooms have thoughtful touches such as premium bedding and air conditioning, in addition to amenities like free WiFi. Guest reviews speak positively of the clean rooms at the property.
Other amenities include:
  • Bathrooms with showers and hair dryers
  • 55-inch TVs with premium channels
  • Coffee/tea makers, heating, and housekeeping

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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

Frequently asked questions

Is Olentangy Motor Inn pet-friendly?

Yes, Olentangy Motor Inn allows cats and dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 30 lbs per pet. There's a fee of USD 10 per pet, per night. Service animals are exempt from fees. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much does it cost to stay at Olentangy Motor Inn?

As of Mar 10, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Olentangy Motor Inn on Mar 11, 2026 start from $130, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Olentangy Motor Inn?

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime.

What time is check-out at Olentangy Motor Inn?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Olentangy Motor Inn located?

Located in Grandview Heights, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Olentangy Bike Path and Ohio Stadium. Ohio State University and Greater Columbus Convention Center are also within 3 mi (5 km).

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Reviews

Olentangy Motor Inn Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

9.2

Cleanliness

8.4

Amenities

9.2

Staff & service

9.0

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 927 out of 1404 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 317 out of 1404 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 97 out of 1404 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 30 out of 1404 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 33 out of 1404 reviews

Reviews

8/10 Good

Coletta

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room clean and comfortable. Great location.
Stayed 2 nights 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

Travis

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean room, staff was friendly
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amanda

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Kaden was amazing!!! Loved the hotel and super comfy beds. Very cozy place and will stay again!!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Renee

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

10/10 Excellent

Kara

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The location of the hotel is fantastic. Close to shopping and restaurants and DT Columbus. The room was clean and the beds were comfortable. Loved the breakfast sandwiches.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Melissa

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Staff was friendly, the space was clean and quiet
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Rooms were clean and the coffee was great
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

Landry

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

Great Stay

Clean hotel and close to all shopping and restaurants
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anne

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

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

McKinzey

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

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
good location with several dining options in walking distance
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

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

Kristin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This was a great place to stay for a weekend in Columbus. The staff was wonderful and the price was right!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Olivia

Super clean, friendly staff. Quick and easy check in and check out
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lori

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Easy parking, very quiet and friendly staff
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 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

CHARLES

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Room was clean and spacious. Breakfast sandwich was excellent. I have been staying in Columbus once a week for the past 3 months for visits at the James. This place has been the only place I have stayed that the place was worth the money I paid.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

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

8/10 Good

Jill

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

10/10 Excellent

John

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

10/10 Excellent

Joshua

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Clean room. friendly staff, great location close to campus, and a fabulous breakfast.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025