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

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Free WiFi
$142
includes taxes & fees
Aug 31 - Sep 1

Explore the area

View in a map
1445 Olentangy River Rd, Columbus, OH, 43212
  • Ohio Stadium
    ‪19 min walk‬
  • Ohio State University
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Greater Columbus Convention Center
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)
    ‪14 min drive‬

Room options

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
(84 reviews)
  • 285 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

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, 2 Double Beds

Premium bedding, individually furnished, free WiFi, bed sheets

Standard Room, 2 Double Beds

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(20 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

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(13 reviews)
  • 285 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

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
(57 reviews)
  • 214 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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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

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

Olentangy Motor Inn Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 768 out of 1152 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 250 out of 1152 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 82 out of 1152 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 24 out of 1152 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 28 out of 1152 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Terry

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Deborah J.

Business traveler, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
This is a retro motel nicely renovated. Attached is a coffee shop that serves guests and the public. The complimentary coffee and breakfast sandwich were both very good. It also serves as the office for the motel. There are many restaurants nearby. We only stayed one night as we had medical appointments at OSU Wexner Medical Center, which is very close.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeanne

Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gyasi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Elisha, Cincinnati

Traveled with partner, Traveled with family
Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
friendly staff and clean room
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

joel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Lillian

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

Nice no thrills hotel

It is a good "no thrills" hotel (no - pool, restaurant/bar, exercise room, elevator). All the room doors open to the outside. breakfast is a coffee and a egg beacon or sausage sandwich (nothing for small kids). Pros: very clean, new comfortable beds, large TV, Friendly and helpful staff, free parking, easy access to highways and places to eat in walking distance. Cons: freight train tracks right behind hotel (trains run 2-3 times during night).. I would recommend requesting a room towards front of hotel, preferably on the west side. I would stay here again because it it priced competitive and in good location.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Russell

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

hyo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Clean and good parking
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

2/10 Terrible

Gordon

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff. Was not friendly or accommodating until I had to push them to change the room I was in. Over an hour. To change room. When the place was empty. Smh
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Linda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Attached coffee shop was very nice, plus getting a free sandwich and coffee in the morning was very nice.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Loved it!

This place could be charging way more money. It is not a fancy hotel, to be sure, but it is spotlessly clean, comfortable, and has great vibes. I was so grateful for the pet-friendly policy too! The staff is super friendly and helpful, and the updated rooms are so cozy.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Christine

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Overall happy with the stay.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

mark

Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Detric

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Really enjoyed my stay and will be staying again next time I'm in Columbus
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alexia

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Donatella

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

Quick stay

Nice place, clean and friendly staff.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Yat-arun

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

Good experience

We enjoyed our stay. It’s unique the way they crafted it. The coffee shop/office had really hospitable staff too
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dean

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Good coffee and breakfast sandwich complimetary
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Satya

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

JoAnne

Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

JoAnne

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
It was very clean and updated. It is a motel so the door went directly outside. The locks worked well . It was nice to be able to part by the room. It is very close to OSU Medical center, food and stores. They only offer a breakfast sandwich and regular coffee for free. All I wanted in the morning was a latte which I had to pay for. Maybee they can give options for breakfast or just a dollar amount you can spend. The staff was kind and helpful. The price is good. I would stay there again.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Judi

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great motel. Staff wonderful. Interesting that it is attached to a drive thru coffee store so breakfast was amazing (very tired of waffles after many days on the road😃). Very clean and even though near the train not really noisy. Wonderful price
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Matthew

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

Great for what it is.

Love this little place. I wasn’t expecting much but it actually exceeded my expectations. For the price I was happy. The thing that really made it good was that they had coffee and a breakfast sandwich in the morning for breakfast. It’s pretty basic, but it’s a motor inn. And they deliver exactly that nothing more nothing less. So don’t expect too much and you’ll be happy. The place is clean. The people are nice.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

elizabeth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in May 2025