The Best Motels to Book in Columbus, Ohio

In town to watch the Buckeyes dominate Michigan? SpringHill Suites makes sure you won’t miss a second of the game. Sleep less than 2mi (3km) from Ohio Stadium, waking up to a free breakfast that’ll keep you fueled for a game day lunch of beer and brats. The complimentary shuttle service will zoom you to the game or anywhere else within 3mi (4.8km) if needed, and if that victory drink ends up extending into the night, you’ll be glad the on-site market is open 24/7.

Aloft isn’t too cool for school, but it’s certainly one of the coolest motels in Columbus. Platform beds, a sparkling pool and a fitness center with river views will redefine your expectations of the American motel experience. On the Olentangy River just south of the Ohio State University campus, its trendy W XYZ bar has a friendly local crowd who’ll help you get from A to B, while the city skyline panoramas from your suite are the cherry on top.

Red Roof sits just north of the Ohio State campus, letting you wake up and practically roll out of bed onto the quad. Free coffee in the lobby is essential, especially if you’re bringing a loud bunch of kids and pets. They’ll all stay free, and tots can even have their own portable crib brought up to your room. As for the four-pawed kids, they’ll love a walk along the trails in the wetland area down the street.

Inn Towne Motel is perfect for that tight turnaround trip to Columbus on an equally tight budget. Modest rooms are more than manageable when you’ve got the Center of Science and Industry and the National Veterans Memorial and Museum right outside your door, and getting to the other side of the Scioto River for Uptown eats or Brewery District beers is as easy as settling into your king bed for the night.

Searching for motels in Columbus that’ll keep you close to the zoo yet away from the noise of OSU? Motel 6 was made with you in mind. Right off I-71, you can reach the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in twenty minutes without battling campus traffic. There’s no extra charge for your little one to spend the night with you, and the coin laundry will be most appreciated when the tyke gets a little too hands-on with new friends at the zoo.