Welcome to Fort Rapids in Columbus, Ohio - central Ohio's first indoor waterpark resort - where 60,000 square feet of wet, wild, western fun is waiting for the whole family. Come hang your hat in one of our villa family suites. Then zip and splash down 12 unique water rides, win big at the Gold Rush Arcade or grab some grub at the Branding Iron Grille. Make your reservation today.
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The wild, wet, West is waiting for you.
Star Rating:
Local Attractions:
Fort Rapids Indoor Waterpark, The OSU Campus, Eastland Mall, Downtown Columbus, Columbus Zoo, Easton Towne Shopping Center, COSI, State Capitol, The Ohio, Palace and Southern Theatres,
Hotel Reviews for Fort Rapids Indoor Water Park Resort
3.0out of 5Based on 390 guest reviews, Average
Based on 430 traveler reviews
Value
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
Excellent
93
Very Good
66
Average
56
Poor
66
Terrible
149
Most Recent Traveler Reviews:
“Great indoor water park, marginal hotel”
May 2, 2013
LuvMyFood13, Vincent, Ohio | Trip type: Family
We stayed at Fort Rapids with a school group. The waterpark itself was great fun. Some fantastic slides, nice pools, a nice arcade section, etc. It is more than I...
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We stayed at Fort Rapids with a school group. The waterpark itself was great fun. Some fantastic slides, nice pools, a nice arcade section, etc. It is more than I would normally expect for an indoor waterpark. Absolutely no complaints with this. The hotel itself is a different discussion entirely.
We had an individual room in the "tower" section of the hotel while most of the kids shared a couple of rooms in the suite section. The suites were very nice and seemed very well kept and equiped. However, the tower section is severly overdue for a renovation. The first room we checked into had several issues. We went to use the supplied hair dryer (attached to the room wall) which promptly shorted out and smoked. The faucet in the sink leaked notably all over the counter-top when turned on, the room furniture was a mix of "well used" and un-usable. So we requested a new room. The second room was in better shape. However, it became very apparent that the electrical system in the tower is way over-taxed. As it was, the supplied micro-wave and mini-fridge were not working due to the GFCI being tripped and not working. The in-room coffee maker had to be moved to use a different outlet (the one the TV - CRT incidentally, at least 10 years old - was on). This outlet was the only one on the entire wall (no longer allowed with current electrical code) and had a six outlet extender on it to make everything workable in the room. The beds were basic, but reasonably comfortable. The doors also were showing their age.
The staff seemed sincerely interested in making our stay a good one. No complaints and they were quick to attempt to correct things as much as they could.
The in-hotel resteraunt food was acceptable and not too terribly high priced (for hotel fair), but the service was very slow.
Overall, I would suggest the following - if you can afford a suite, then an overnight stay should be very enjoyable. Otherwise, find a nearby hotel and stay there and by a day pass (if that is possible) into the water park itself. You will feel better about it overall and enjoy yourtrip better that way. « less
Read management response to this review.
Management response from Fort Rapids, Manager
We are sorry to hear that you were not satisfied with your room in the tower, we understand you were frustrated about various issues with your room . We admit that the tower rooms are a bit dated, but are glad to announce that there are plans to update them in the near future. We are happy to hear that you had a great time in the waterpark, and that the staff was so helpful. Did you ask to speak to a manager while you were here? We would appreciate you giving us a call, so that a manager can speak to you about your visit at 877-33-SPLASH, we would be happy to hear from you and hopefully change your perception of us. Thank You.
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“Fun but...”
Apr 29, 2013
Wyakin, Ohio | Trip type: Family
This is the second indoor waterpark we stayed at so we had expectations. We loved the waterpark, it was awesome for little ones and had enough that our older son...
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This is the second indoor waterpark we stayed at so we had expectations. We loved the waterpark, it was awesome for little ones and had enough that our older son wasn't bored. Many of the attractions could have used some paint or replacements. The arcade had a lot of "out of order" games not necessarily marked as such, and the prizes are pathetic. The food was below average. We ate at the Branding Iron (a on-site steak house) and ordered 2 12-oz steaks, the waiter came back and said they only had 8-oz. So we switched to the 8-oz; then we heard other waiters telling customers they were out of steaks entirely. They didn't miss much--the steaks weren't very good; tough with little flavor. My children both liked their meals, my oldest had a burger and youngest had pizza. We also pre-purchased the breakfast there for the following morning (didn't save a dime by doing that we found out later), that was OK. Typical buffet breakfast, except my kids didn't like the pancakes or danishes (luckily we found french toast sticks on the other side of the buffet), no one came around to check on us and we had to request coffee. Could not even get a glass of water. On the up-side all the staff members we spoke with were very nice and helpful. The room was OK, we upgraded to the one with the kids bunk beds. The kids liked that. The king bed was comfortable. There were a few issues, like the light fixture hanging from the ceiling and no fan in the bathroom otherwise it was clean and cozy. They are supposed to be adding on and adding a sushi buffet (which is an interesting choice considering the "western" theme) so we may go back if there is a good deal. « less
“Great for a family overnight getaway.”
Apr 18, 2013
oceanlover226, Miamisburg, Ohio | Trip type: Family
We checked in on a Friday afternoon- polite front desk, got a room on the 7th floor. The decor is western and overall pleasant. The lobby has a beautiful fireplace...
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We checked in on a Friday afternoon- polite front desk, got a room on the 7th floor. The decor is western and overall pleasant. The lobby has a beautiful fireplace with worn couches. The building is a bit run down (it's an old Holiday Inn highrise...10 floors maybe?). Carpets are old, rooms are showing their age, but no bed bugs and the room was clean, including the bathroom. Only complaint- 3 bulbs were out in the bathroom, but I did not notify the desk since 2 were still working. The elevators were quick. We ate at the restaurant- our server was fabulous, the food very good- 3 meals, drinks and a tip about $40. (Breakfast buffet was awesome as well). The waterpark area is very large, we mainly stayed in the baby area. The temperature was about right, it got cold for the little ones after an hour or so. The lifeguards average age was about 17 and seemed to have different rules- some allowed you to go down the smaller slides with a child on your lap and others would not. But there were plenty of them walking around so that was reassuring with having little ones. The snack bar food was appropriate. The bathroom/locker rooms are not the newest or cleanest, bring flip flops! Clean towels provided; lots of tables but they were all taken by 11 am on Saturday with a towel or bag 'marking' them. You can swim all day with the passes, however check in 4 and check out 11, like most other places. Arcade was big and fun, but the floor was disgusting. It did not appear to have been vaccuumed in a week. The staff in the arcade- average age again around 16 or 17, and seemed bothered that we were there. Overall, for the price and fun we would come back. « less
“Disgusting!!!”
Apr 16, 2013
A M, Canal Winchester, Ohio | Trip type: Family
I have never written a review before but I could not let my experience go to the wayside. The bathrooms in the waterpark area were disgusting. I told an employee...
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I have never written a review before but I could not let my experience go to the wayside. The bathrooms in the waterpark area were disgusting. I told an employee that look like a manager about it and he said he would get housekeeping on it. That was Saturday evening. The next morning we went back to the waterpark and went into the bathrooms. They were in the same condition. This was first thing in the morning when it opened. It clearly was not cleaned the night before when I mentioned it to the manager and it wasn't cleaned before it opened. One of the little boys I had with me fell and scraped his knee. I took him to first aid and there wasn't anyone around at all. The first aid room was disgusting with trash all over the floor and counters. I tried to get a paper towel out of the dispenser and it was empty. I had to go to the nasty bathroom to wash his scrape. The concession area was nasty also. The staff working at the concession were not attentive at all. When I approached the concession stand I was ignored. Finally when someone came to assist me he just walked up to the counter and looked at me with ear buds in his ears. He didn't say, "hi, can I help you?" He didn't take out he ear phones. He just looked at me like what do you want. It's a shame that the waterpark is so poorly ran. It's a great park but not kept up at all. I will not be taking my family back there again. « less
Read management response to this review.
Management response from Fort Rapids, Manager
We are sorry that your visit to Fort Rapids did not meet your expectations, and the waterpark was not in the conditions it should have been. We are currently working on improving the way our staff does business, as we know there are some issues that need addressed immediately. We would really appreciate it if you would call and speak to a manager regarding your visit, so we can further investigate the situation and hopefully change your opinion of Fort Rapids. Our phone number is 877-33-SPLASH, we look forward to your call.
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“Had a blast”
Apr 8, 2013
ricks622, Chesapeake, Virginia | Trip type: Family
Had a blast, the indoor park was clean, the room were decent and the hotel staff was great. The price was right and would go back. The only problem was...
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Had a blast, the indoor park was clean, the room were decent and the hotel staff was great. The price was right and would go back. The only problem was it was packed that day and there were not enough rafts to go around and some of the lifeguards are absolutely worthless. There were two life guards / employees at the top of the tube tower. One was not doing anything and got mad because she got wet... WERE AT A WATER PARK!. The line moved quicker when she left and only one was working it all. Because of these issues I only give 3 stars. « less
These reviews are the subjective opinions of individual travelers and not of TripAdvisor LLC nor of its partners.
Slip into the pillowtop bed with premium bedding for a good night's rest. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and premium TV channels with pay movies are offered for your entertainment. A coffee/tea maker is supplied. Bathroom amenities include complimentary toiletries. A desk, daily housekeeping, and an iron and ironing board are among the conveniences offered. This room is Non-Smoking.
Standard King with Sleeper Sofa
One King Bed or
One Sleeper Sofa Bed
Slip into the pillowtop bed with premium bedding for a good night's rest. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and premium TV channels with pay movies are offered for your entertainment. A coffee/tea maker is supplied. Bathroom amenities include complimentary toiletries. A desk, daily housekeeping, and an iron and ironing board are among the conveniences offered. This room is Non-Smoking.
Standard Two Doubles
Two Double Beds
Slip into the pillowtop bed with premium bedding for a good night's rest. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and the flat-screen TVs offers pay movies. A coffee/tea maker is supplied. Bathroom amenities include complimentary toiletries. A desk, daily housekeeping, and an iron and ironing board are among the conveniences offered. This room is Non-Smoking.
Water Park Promotion King
One King Bed
Slip into the pillowtop bed with premium bedding for a good night's rest. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and premium TV channels with pay movies are offered for your entertainment. A coffee/tea maker is supplied. Bathroom amenities include complimentary toiletries. A desk, daily housekeeping, and an iron and ironing board are among the conveniences offered. This room is Non-Smoking.
Water Park Promotion Two Doubles
Two Double Beds
Slip into the pillowtop bed with premium bedding for a good night's rest. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and premium TV channels with pay movies are offered for your entertainment. A coffee/tea maker is supplied. Bathroom amenities include complimentary toiletries. A desk, daily housekeeping, and an iron and ironing board are among the conveniences offered. This room is Non-Smoking.
Amenities - Fort Rapids Indoor Water Park Resort
Air conditioning
Airport Shuttle
Alarm clock
ATM
Central location
Clothes drying
Conference facilities
Credit card accepted: Mastercard/Visa
Credit card accepted: American Express
Credit card accepted: Discover
Dinner available
Electronic key card
Elevator
Express Check-Out
Facilities for the disabled
Fax available
Fitness and health center
Free local calls
Games room
Hairdryer available
Handicap accessible
Central heating
Ice Maker
Internet - wireless
Internet is Complimentary
Ironing facilities
Jacuzzi
Laundry facilities
Licensed bar
Movies in room
Microwave in room
Non-smoking rooms
24 hours opened
Office or business center
Private bathroom in room
Radio in room
Refrigerator
Restaurant
Self controlled heating/cooling system
Shop
Shower
Swimming pool - indoor
Tea and coffee making facilities
Telephone in all rooms
Telephone - Free local calls
Television
TV room
Video Games in Room
Voicemail
Pet Friendly?
Sorry, pets are not allowed.
Airport & Shuttle Information - Fort Rapids Indoor Water Park Resort
Port Columbus (CMH) 8 mi. Complimentary shuttle, please call ahead for hours of operation.
Airport Shuttle? Yes! There is an airport shuttle.
Local Shuttle Info: Easton Town Centre $50 round trip per van load
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Previously Known As: Fort Rapids Indoor Waterpark Resort, Fort Rapids Indoor Waterpark Restort, Fort Rapids Resort, Holiday Inn Columbus East Airport Area, Holiday Inn Fort Rapids Resort, Holiday Inn Ft. Rapids Waterpark Resort, Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites at Ft. Rapids Indoor Wa, Holiday Inn Hotel at Fort Rapids
Based on 430 traveler reviews 
Value
“Disgusting!!!”
Standard King
Standard Two Doubles