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.
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
Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers - 8 min walk
About this property
Olentangy Motor Inn
When you stay at Olentangy Motor Inn, you'll be just a 5-minute drive from Ohio State University and Greater Columbus Convention Center. Free perks include WiFi, self parking, and on-the-go breakfast daily between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM. Also, Ohio Stadium and Schottenstein Center are just a 5-minute drive away. The helpful staff and location get great marks from fellow travelers.
At a glance
DONE
Hotel size
55 rooms
Arranged over 2 floors
DONE
Arriving/Leaving
Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21
Check-out time is 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
DONE
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
DONE
Required at check-in
Credit card required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 21
DONE
Children
Children (12 years old and younger) stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding
No cribs (infant beds)
DONE
Pets
Pets allowed (dogs and cats only, 1 total, up to 30 lbs per pet)*
Service animals welcome
Restrictions apply*
Pets must be supervised
WIFI
Internet
Free WiFi in rooms (speed: 25+ Mbps)
LOCAL_PARKING
Parking
Free onsite self parking
Onsite RV/bus/truck parking (fees apply)
Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking on site
Onsite parking includes off-street options
DONE
Other information
Smoke-free property
Property amenities
Food and drink
Free on-the-go breakfast each morning 6:00 AM–9:00 AM
Coffee shop
Traveling with children
Children stay free (see details)
What to do
Golfing nearby
Services
24-hour front desk
Virtual front desk
Facilities
1 building/tower
Built in 1986
Traditional architecture
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible
Wheelchair-accessible parking
4 on-site accessible parking spaces
Assistive listening devices available
Wheelchair-accessible van parking
Upper floors accessible by stairs only
Smooth flooring in public areas
Smooth flooring in room
Room amenities
Be entertained
55-inch TV
Premium cable channels
Home comfort
Air conditioning and heating
Coffee/tea maker
Sleep well
Premium bedding
What to enjoy
Individually furnished
Freshen up
Private bathroom
Shower only
Soap and shampoo
Hair dryer
Towels
Toilet paper
Stay connected
Free WiFi (speed of 25+ Mbps)
Free local calls
More
Housekeeping (on request)
Connecting/adjoining rooms available
Access via exterior corridors
Mobile key entry
Special features
Dining
Crimson Cup - Onsite coffee shop.
Fees & policies
Pets
Service animals exempt from fees
Pets are allowed for an extra charge of USD 10 per pet, per night (maximum USD 100 per stay)
Policies
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.
Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed.
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms.
This property does not have elevators.
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector on site.
This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover
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
Does Olentangy Motor Inn offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, Olentangy Motor Inn does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Are pets allowed at Olentangy Motor Inn?
Yes, cats and dogs are welcome, with a limit of 1 total and maximum weight of 30 lbs per pet. There's a charge 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.
Is parking offered on site at Olentangy Motor Inn?
Yes, there's free self parking. RV/bus/truck parking is available.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Olentangy Motor Inn?
Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime. Check-out time is 11:00 AM. Contactless check-in and check-out are available.
Is there an onsite casino at Olentangy Motor Inn?
No, this hotel doesn't have a casino, but Hollywood Casino (11-min drive) and Scioto Downs (15-min drive) are both nearby.
What's the area around Olentangy Motor Inn like?
Olentangy Motor Inn is a short 19-minute walk from James Cancer Hospital and 15 minutes' walk from Olentangy Bike Path. Travelers give top marks for the hotel's prime location.
Have a question?
AI iconBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Olentangy Motor Inn Reviews
Reviews
9.0
Wonderful
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
9.2/10
Cleanliness
9.2/10
Staff & service
8.4/10
Amenities
9.0/10
Property conditions & facilities
8.8/10
Eco-friendliness
Popular mentions
Room
Service staff
Bed
Shower
Location
Bathroom
Refrigerator
Coffee shop
Car
Rides
What guests liked
Breakfast was a highlight with many guests praising the quality and variety of the free breakfast sandwich and coffee. (93 reviews)
Parking was convenient, free, and available right in front of the room. (8 reviews)
The air conditioning worked very well in the rooms. (4 reviews)
From real guest reviews summarized by AI.
Reviews
10/10 Exceptional
Sep 3, 2025
Will stay here again!
Very friendly staff and clean recently renovated room. Had a very nice stay.
Matthew
Matthew, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 13, 2025
Nice clean room and comfy bed!
Good breakfast sandwich in the morning with hot coffee! Would definitely stay there again!
Cheryl
Cheryl, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 24, 2025
Very clean and comfortable. Close to campus. Great option when visiting OSU.
Suzanne
Suzanne, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 26, 2025
Excellent experience as always.
Clean, comfortable and affordable.
Paul
Paul, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 19, 2025
Really great place for me and my dog to stay. I was impressed with the level of cleanliness and fast service. Good place to stay!
Verified traveler
1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
May 3, 2025
Was a great stay
Crystal
Crystal, 3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 23, 2025
Awesome, clean and quiet. Coffee and breakfast were great.
Rob
Rob, 3-night trip
8/10 Very good
Jun 27, 2025
It was in a great location and was well maintained and clean. We would stay again!
Verified traveler
2-night trip
6/10 Good
Aug 26, 2025
Cute refurbished
Cue old hotel but the rooms are pretty small and be aarew ther is a train directly behind the hotel.
Verified traveler
1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 18, 2025
Cute, clean, coffee
Very cute, very clean and a proper coffee shop in the lobby to boot!
Ananda
Ananda, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 29, 2025
Nice motel.
Close to OSU. Not far from downtown.
Joseph
Joseph, 1-night trip
8/10 Very good
Jun 5, 2025
Room was clean and the staff was friendly
Dennis
Dennis, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 2, 2025
Great place! I stay here often when I’m in Columbus!
Clarence
Clarence, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
May 27, 2025
Really enjoyed my stay and will be staying again next time I'm in Columbus
Detric
Detric, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 10, 2025
Win win
We had a delightful time! Perfect location, comfortable room and friendly/helpful staff! Loved it!
Anne
Anne, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 17, 2025
Nice motel. Good location.
Joseph
Joseph, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 10, 2025
Girls getaway
It was just as the pic showed. We were very happy with our room and perfect for a girls getaway
Angela
Angela, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 11, 2025
It was such a cute retro hotel. It had an amazing coffee shop. And the staff was awesome! They not only were handling the guest stuff like checking in and out getting extra towels and things but they were also the barista as well and they did it with such a pleasantness and really good at their jobs. And as for the actual room very clean, nice higher end touches and a corkiness that I loved
jacquline
jacquline, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 2, 2025
What a hidden gem! This place was wonderful to stay at.
Samantha
Samantha, 5-night trip
8/10 Very good
May 27, 2025
Overall happy with the stay.
Christine
Christine, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
May 13, 2025
The staff and the attached coffee shop was great
Scott
Scott, 4-night trip
8/10 Very good
Jul 14, 2025
We were in Columbus for a girls' weekend. Nice place for our needs. Close to everything we wanted to do. Very friendly staff. Good breakfast sandwiches