“This relaxed hotel located just five miles north of Columbus downtown offers a casual vibe, spacious rooms, plenty of high-quality amenities, and exceptional value for money.
Check PriceIn This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Hotels in Columbus, Ohio
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Hampton Inn & Suites Columbus/University Area | 4.6 |
| Runner Up | Courtyard by Marriott Columbus OSU | 4.6 |
| Best Budget Hotel | Home2 Suites by Hilton Columbus Dublin | 4.6 |
| Best Luxury Hotel | Le Méridien Columbus, The Joseph | 4.6 |
| Best Pet-Friendly Hotel | Hyatt Place Columbus/Osu | 4.5 |
*Ratings are from Google Reviews at the time of publication and can change
Our Top Pick: Hampton Inn & Suites Columbus/University Area
- Located in Riverview, roughly 1 mile from Ohio State University, 2.6 miles from the Ohio Stadium, and 5 miles from downtown Columbus
- Pet friendly
- Free area shuttle
- Spacious rooms
- Amenities include an indoor pool, 24-hour fitness center, a coffee/cocktail bar, and a 24/7 convenience store
Our Runner Up Pick: Courtyard by Marriott Columbus OSU
“This affordable, unfussy hotel offers spacious, contemporary rooms, great food, and excellent amenities in a central location just 2 miles from Columbus downtown.
Check Price- Located just 2 miles from downtown Columbus
- Good for kids
- Bright, modern rooms
- Amenities include free parking, a restaurant, bar, gym, indoor pool, convenience store, and a business center
Our Budget Pick: Home2 Suites by Hilton Columbus Dublin
“This very laid-back hotel offers down-to-earth, modern rooms and a very contemporary vibe at excellent prices and is located just 10 miles from downtown Columbus and 6 miles from Columbus Zoo.
Check Price- Located near the intersection of Highway 33 and I-270, 6 miles from the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, and 10 miles from downtown Columbus
- All-suite residence
- Pet friendly
- Amenities include free hot breakfasts and parking, an indoor saltwater pool, 2 patios, a 24-hour convenience store, a fitness room, and a coin-operated laundry
Best Luxury Hotel in Columbus, Ohio: Le Méridien Columbus, The Joseph
“This posh, refined hotel in the trendy Short North area combines outstanding amenities with a central location that puts you at the very heart of the downtown action.
Check Price- Located in the Short North Arts District
- Pets receive their own beds and food bowls
- Chic rooms with custom-designed beds
- Amenities include valet parking, an upscale restaurant and bar, a 24-hour fitness room, a spa, and a lobby lounge with art exhibits
Best Pet Friendly Hotel in Columbus, Ohio: Hyatt Place Columbus/OSU
“A contemporary hotel with warmly decorated rooms that’s happy to host your furry or feathered friends and family members.
Check PriceVisitors keen to bring their non-human family members along on their trip to Columbus have many options at their disposal, but the best of them has to be the OSU area’s Hyatt Place Columbus.
This very casual, laid-back hotel is located just a short drive from most of Columbus’ main attractions in the Ohio State University area and offers comfortable, cozy rooms and extends a warm welcome to visitors traveling with families and pets.
If you don’t feel like doing too much driving during your stay, then the free local area shuttle service provided by the hotel will let you take in the sights and attractions hassle-free. Other winning amenities offered by the Hyatt Place Columbus include a large indoor pool, a 24-hour fitness center, business center, free parking, a coffee/cocktail bar, and a 24/7 convenience store.
Hyatt Place Columbus/OSU Key Features:
- Located just a 5-minute drive from downtown Columbus
- Pet and family-friendly
- Free local area shuttle service
- Amenities include an indoor pool, a 24-hour fitness center, business center, free parking, an on-site restaurant, a coffee/cocktail bar, and a 24/7 convenience store
Who Should Visit Columbus, Ohio
The reasons to visit ‘The Discovery City’ run into the dozens. Whether you’re there on business, for a romantic break, to take in the arts scene, or for a family vacation, Columbus is packs plenty of attractions to keep you entertained for the duration of your stay. Among the most notable of these attractions are its thriving and ever-growing arts scene, its wealth of urban green spaces, its sports and concert venues, areas of historical interest, award-winning zoo, and generally lively, modern vibe that’s punctuated in places by highly endearing touches of the traditional in areas like German Village.
“This relaxed hotel located just five miles north of Columbus downtown offers a casual vibe, spacious rooms, plenty of high-quality amenities, and exceptional value for money.
Check PriceImportant Factors to Consider
- Budget. Columbus has a wide array of hotels that cater for visitors will all types of budget. As you might expect, the pricier of these offer the most central location, upscale amenities and luxurious rooms, but a high standard of accommodation can be found without breaking the bank, as seen in the items listed on our ‘budget hotels’ list, below.
- Location. Columbus is a large city, which means that unless you happen to choose a hotel that is at the heart of the downtown area or one that offers a local shuttle service, some degree of driving is liable to be likely during your stay if you aim to take in all the sights. If you plan on remaining car-free during your stay and are looking for a more walkable neighborhood with enough attractions to keep you entertained without having to use public transport, we’d recommend staying in the Short North Arts District, which provides easy access to the city center as well as the most unique vibe outside of German Village. The OSU (Ohio State University) area north of the city center offers a more laid-back atmosphere but visitors opting for a hotel in this area should bear in mind that trips to the city center will require a 10/15-minute drive if their hotel doesn’t offer a complimentary shuttle.
- Hotel type. Although Columbus might be a little short on truly upscale, luxury hotels or one-of-a-kind boutique hotels, it more than makes up for it with its wealth of residences oriented towards business travelers, families, and those working on a tighter budget. One feature common to many of the hotels in the Columbus area is event space and business centers, with numerous hotels across the city featuring both along with other facilities geared towards business travelers. Generally speaking, the trendier and more stylish of Columbus’ hotels are to be found in the Short North Arts District and the more business-oriented variety in the uptown area just west of Columbus downtown. As a general rule, the further any hotel is located from the city center, the more likely it is to be family friendly and pet friendly.
- Amenities. As with any destination, when booking your hotel in Columbus it’s a wise policy to list a few amenities that are non-negotiable (pet friendly, spa, and/or gym, for example) to narrow down the options and then work through those remaining using a simple process of elimination until you have created a shortlist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to do around Columbus, Ohio?
Columbus is home to a high number of attractions that will appeal to visitors with varying interests and tastes. The most notable of these include the following:
- Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
- Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
- Columbus Museum of Art
- The Scioto Mile (33 acres of parkland in downtown Columbus)
- Shopping at Polaris Fashion Place, Short North Arts District, Grandview, and German Village
- Ohio Theater
- Architecture from the 1800s in German Village
- Wagner-Hagans Auto Museum
- Hayden Falls Park
- Short North Arts District
- North Market Farmer’s Market
- Center of Science and Industry (COSI)
- Ohio Statehouse
- Huntington Park (baseball field)
- The Topiary Park
What is Columbus, Ohio known for?
Columbus is home to one of the largest universities and football schools in all of in North America and also one of the country’s best zoos. It is also boasts one of the largest and best municipal park systems nationwide, with a total of 16 parks spread over an area of 24,000 acres.
How many hotel rooms are there in Columbus, Ohio?
According to Experience Columbus, at present there are just under 27,000.
How much is a cab from the Columbus airport to downtown?
At the time of writing, standard fares from the airport to downtown cost approximately $23.50.
Other Hotels in Columbus We Reviewed
“This relaxed hotel located just five miles north of Columbus downtown offers a casual vibe, spacious rooms, plenty of high-quality amenities, and exceptional value for money.
Check PriceWe looked at 20 other hotels in Columbus, Ohio. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best hotels in Columbus list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option for your trip. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
- Budget Hotels in Columbus, Ohio
- Luxury Hotels in Columbus, Ohio
- Pet-Friendly Hotels in Columbus, Ohio
Budget Hotels in Columbus, Ohio
Conveniently located just 3 miles from the airport and 5 miles from downtown Columbus, this very affordable, clean, practical hotel is a great choice for those heading to Columbus on business or for a flying visit.
Columbus Airport Marriott Key Features:
- Located 3 miles from Columbus International Airport and 5 miles from downtown Columbus
- Informal vibe
- Amenities include a free airport shuttle, free parking, an American grill restaurant, a bar, 24/7 fitness center, business center, 18 meeting rooms, and laundry facilities
Cost: $101
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Columbus – Worthington
A simple but very functional hotel with modern rooms and excellent business facilities located in the Crosswoods Business Park, roughly a 15-minute drive from downtown Columbus.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Columbus – Worthington Key Features:
- Located in Crosswoods Business Park, a 15-minute drive from downtown Columbus and 12 miles from the airport
- 17,000 sq. ft. of banquet and event space
- Amenities include an on-site restaurant serving a breakfast buffet and all-day American specialties, an indoor pool, whirlpool and fitness center, free parking, 22 meeting rooms, a 7,500 sq. ft. ballroom, and a business center
Cost: $89
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Columbus OSU
A laid-back, informal hotel with spacious rooms and excellent amenities located in the Ohio State University area, roughly 10.5 miles from Columbus Downtown.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Columbus OSU Key Features:
- Located 3 miles from I-71, 5 miles from the COSI Columbus Science Museum, and 9 miles from Hollywood Casino Columbus
- Relaxed rooms with flat-screen TVs, desks, and tea and coffee-making facilities; suites with minifridges, microwaves, pull-out sofas, and separate living areas
- Perks and amenities include hot breakfast, parking, an area shuttle, indoor pool, hot tub, 24-hour exercise room, a laid-back lounge, bar, business center, meeting space, and laundry facilities
Cost: $105
Four Points by Sheraton Columbus Ohio Airport
Located just 2 miles from Port Columbus International Airport, this casual hotel is the ideal choice for business travelers looking for unfussy but comfortable accommodation that provides easy access to the downtown area.
Four Points by Sheraton Columbus Ohio Airport Key Features:
- Located just off I-670, 2 miles from Port Columbus International Airport and 3 miles from downtown Columbus
- Cajun restaurant and bar
- Amenities include a free airport shuttle, free parking, a restaurant and bar, a 24/7 fitness center, heated indoor pool, 3 meeting rooms, and a 24-hour business center
Cost: $119
This fantastically affordable, all-suite hotel packs a lot of appeal for the price, boasting unpretentious, spacious, comfortable rooms, great amenities, and a modern but very laid-back vibe.
Comfort Suites Key Features:
- Located Less than a mile from I-71, 3 miles from the forest trails and picnic areas in Scioto Grove Metro Park, and 8 miles from Columbus downtown
- Roomy, modern suites
- Amenities include free hot breakfast and parking, an indoor pool, a fitness room, and coin-operated laundry facilities
Cost: $89
Drury Inn & Suites Columbus Grove City
This unfussy hotel 10 miles from downtown Columbus offers traditional, spacious rooms and perhaps the most comprehensive list of amenities of all the budget hotels on our list.
Drury Inn & Suites Columbus Grove City Key Features:
- Located in Grove City, 10 miles from Columbus downtown and 1 miles from Pinnacle Golf Club
- Pet friendly
- Perks and amenities include free hot breakfasts, free soda and popcorn, free parking, an indoor and outdoor pool and whirlpool, 24-hour fitness center, 24-hour business center, a guest pantry, guest laundry, same-day dry cleaning, and a convenience store
Cost: $100
A very hip, stylish hotel with a chic, modern vibe located 1 mile from both Sharon Woods Metro Park and Inniswood Metro Gardens and 11 miles from Columbus downtown.
Aloft Columbus Westerville Key Features:
- Located 10 miles north of downtown Columbus, just off I-270
- Stylish, hip vibe
- Pet friendly
- Amenities include an indoor pool, a lounge, snack bar, fitness center, meeting space, and a trendy bar with live music
Luxury Hotels in Columbus, Ohio
Renaissance Columbus Downtown Hotel
This 4-star hotel is located about as centrally as they come and offers a range of outstanding amenities, most notably a polished restaurant and lavish rooftop pool and sundeck.
Renaissance Columbus Downtown Hotel Key Features:
- Located in downtown Columbus within easy walking distance of the Columbus Museum of Art, the COSI Columbus science center, and Greater Columbus Convention Center
- Chic, stylish vibe
- Amenities include a posh restaurant and a bar, a gym, a seasonal rooftop pool, whirlpool tub, over 22,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, and room service
Cost: $269
Courtyard by Marriott Columbus Downtown
This Columbus uptown version of the OSU-area hotel listed above offers contemporary, comfortable rooms and excellent amenities within easy walking distance of all of Columbus’ main attractions.
Courtyard by Marriott Columbus Downtown Key Features:
- Located in Uptown Columbus, a 10-minute walk from the Ohio Statehouse and a 12-minute walk from the Center of Science and Industry
- Large outdoor courtyard and lobby
- Amenities include an American restaurant, a bar, a business center, 4 meeting rooms, an indoor heated pool, a whirlpool, and an exercise room
Cost: $199
Sheraton Columbus Capitol Square
This centrally located, stylish hotel offers plush rooms, great food, and ample amenities and is located at the very heart of Columbus downtown.
Sheraton Columbus Capitol Square Key Features:
- Across the street from the Ohio Statehouse and with Downtown views, this elegant hotel on the edge of a park is a 3-minute walk from the 1928 Spanish Baroque-style Ohio Theater
- Pet friendly
- Amenities include a casual restaurant and a bar, a coffee bar, 24/7 fitness center, a business center, and 16,500 sq. ft. of meeting space
Cost: $161
Hampton Inn & Suites Columbus-Downtown
This causal but wonderfully stylish hotel has a modern vibe, amenities galore, and is located in the hippest, trendiest part of town—the Short North Arts District.
Hampton Inn & Suites Columbus-Downtown Key Features:
- Located in the trendy Short North Arts District, a 6-minute walk from downtown Columbus
- Rooms have flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, desks, free WiFi and custom-designed beds
- Amenities and perks include free parking, daily hot breakfast, breakfast bags to go, an indoor pool, a large exercise room, a business center, 4 meeting rooms, and valet parking
Cost: $215
A swish, polished hotel with amenities that leave many of its competitors in the shade and a location that’s hard to beat for those keen to be at heart of everything that’s happening.
Hilton Columbus Downtown Key Features:
- Located in downtown Columbus and connected to the Greater Columbus Convention Center via a skybridge
- Pet friendly
- Amenities include a bistro and bar, a fitness center, an indoor pool and hot tub, 24-hour business center, and over 32,000 sq. ft. of meeting space
Cost: $229
If a nigh-on regal, stately feel and posh vibe are your thing, this luxurious, plush hotel in the Easton area could well be the bolthole for you.
Hilton Columbus at Easton Key Features:
- Located in Easton, 5.3 miles from Port Columbus International Airport and 10 miles from downtown Columbus
- All rooms and suites feature classic decor, custom-designed beds, flat-screen TVs and WiFi
- Amenities include a free airport shuttle, an upscale restaurant, sports bar, lobby lounge, cafe, heated indoor pool, whirlpool tub, a fitness center, a business center, and 30,000 sq. ft. of meeting space
Cost: $151
The Westin Great Southern Columbus
Situated in a French Renaissance-style redbrick building that dates back to 1897, this hotel in the downtown business district offers straightforward rooms in combination with a very sophisticated vibe.
The Westin Great Southern Columbus Key Features:
- Located in downtown Columbus’ business district
- Set in a French Renaissance-style building dating back to 1897
- Amenities and perks include a 24-hour gym, breakfast/lunch grill, a wood-paneled bar with a seasonal patio, 12,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, and a grand ballroom
Pet-Friendly Hotels in Columbus, Ohio
Holiday Inn Express Columbus – Dublin
This very affordable and practical hotel offers plenty of amenities, a modern vibe, clean, airy rooms, and is more than happy to have you bring your pets along with you for your stay.
Holiday Inn Express Columbus, Dublin Key Features:
- Located near Interstate 270, 4.1 miles from Ohio State University Airport and roughly 11 miles from Columbus downtown
- Rooms and suites have work desks, 32-inch flat-screen TVs, microwaves, minifridges, and coffeemakers
- Kids under 19 stay free with an adult
- Amenities include free parking, complimentary hot breakfast, an indoor swimming pool, a business, and a fitness center
Cost: $85
Red Roof Inn Columbus – Ohio State Fairgrounds
For those traveling with their pets and working on a tighter budget, they don’t come any better than this simple, unfussy little hotel in the Worthington area.
Red Roof Inn Columbus – Ohio State Fairgrounds Key Features:
- Located off Interstate 71, 7 miles from the Ohio Expo Center & State Fair, and 12 miles from Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
- Kids 17 and under stay free with an adult
- Amenities and perks include continental breakfast, free parking, and a fitness room
Cost: $52
This contemporary hotel in the Dublin area north of Columbus is handily located for trips to Indian Run Falls and Hayden Falls Park with your four-legged traveling companions.
Hyatt Place Columbus/Dublin Key Features:
- Located in the Dublin area, 6.5 miles from Muirfield Village and a 11 miles from downtown Columbus
- Simply furnished rooms come with free WiFi, 42-inch flat-screen TVs, minifridges, wet bars, and separate living and sleeping areas
- Amenities and perks include a 24/7 market, a coffee and cocktail bar, an outdoor pool, and a 24-hour fitness center
Cost: $96
Residence Inn by Marriott Columbus Polaris
This hotel might be a little out of the way as regards quick and easy access to the city center, but more than makes up for it with impressive amenities, a pet-friendly policy, and large, modern suites.
Residence Inn by Marriott Columbus Polaris Key Features:
- Located near the Polaris Fashion Place mall, 6 miles from Alum Creek State Park Beach and 11 miles from Ohio State University
- Contemporary studios have kitchens, iPod docks, free WiFi, pull-out sofas, desks, and flat-screen TVs
- Amenities and perks include hot breakfast, free parking, evening socials, grocery delivery service, a 24/7 convenience store, an indoor pool and hot tub, a sports court and gym, a business center, a meeting room, and laundry facilities
Cost: $140
Nationwide Hotel & Conference Center
This conference hotel might market itself to those visiting Columbus on business but is just as suitable for those traveling with their pets and looking for modern, spacious accommodation at a very reasonable price point.
Nationwide Hotel & Conference Center Key Features:
- Located on the edge of the 40-acre Highbanks Metro Park, 16 miles from downtown Columbus
- Georgian-style building
- Amenities include 35 meeting rooms a business center, fitness center, 1 indoor and 1 seasonal outdoor pool, a restaurant, free parking, a patio, and a bar
Cost: $87
Staybridge Suites Columbus-Airport
Located just a mile from the airport, this casual, all-suite hotel is a great choice for those making a flying visit to Columbus and also ideal for those traveling with pets, with the hotel boasting a pet-friendly policy and plenty of nearby green spaces for walks.
Staybridge Suites Columbus-Airport Key Features:
- Located 1 mile from John Glenn Columbus International Airport and 5 miles from the Greater Columbus Convention Center
- Simply furnished suites come with free WiFi, kitchens, sitting areas, flat-screen TVs, and DVD players
- Perks and amenities include free parking, an airport shuttle, breakfast buffet, evening socials with snacks, a fitness center, an indoor pool, a BBQ, and guest laundry facility
Cost: $110
