Columbus, OH: Hotel & Motel Planning Guide

Seasonality of Columbus, Ohio

Columbus isn't your typical tourist destination. As a city with many large businesses, hospitals, and a giant university, it attracts professionals and students as well as recreational visitors. Ohio's capital is also Ohio's largest city, with an estimated population of about 150,000 shy of a million people. So when you're visiting Columbus, think about the school year for timing business conventions.Ohio State University events will, understandably, consume considerable hotel space in the city, so if you're visiting make sure it's not during graduation or any big college games. Columbus also has several conference centers downtown, so it's smart to check if any large gatherings are happening that might make the prices of downtown hotels increase during certain weeks.Ohio has a beautiful fall, which you can see if you drive to the outskirts of Columbus or take a journey into the Hocking Hills. It gets chilly in the winter, with January seeing an average high of only 36 degrees, but many facilities in the city deck themselves out for the holiday season, and you can usually find "The Nutcracker" on stage if you visit during the holidays. Summers are relatively humid, but nothing a U.S. Southerner couldn't handle.

Best Discounts in Columbus, Ohio

It's always smart to shop for hotels with discounts in mind, and in Columbus you'll find many hotels that provide AAA, AARP, senior, and military discounts. The TownePlace Suites Columbus Worthington has a stellar senior discount. As long as you present your ID and are over 62, you can earn a discount that's several dollars lower than their AAA discount. The TownePlace Suites is a 2.5-star suburban hotel, located near the Columbus Zoo and the Polaris mall. The senior discount makes it an affordable choice for those who want a little pampering.The Econo Lodge Worthington costs less and offers both AAA and senior discounts of the same rate. The Econo Lodge also offers a government and military rate which is slightly higher than their other discounts, but will still save you money on their already affordable rooms. The Red Roof Inn Columbus West - Hilliard is another affordable option with all three discounts available. Several of their most affordable rooms are made even lower cost with applicable AAA, seniors, and military discounts. Unlike the Econo Lodge, the Red Roof Inn offers the same rate for all three discount types.If you're an AAA member and want to stay in a three-star hotel, the Homewood Suites Columbus Dublin offers a free breakfast, a fitness facility, and an indoor pool. Stay in a one-bedroom suite with a queen bed from Monday through Thursday to take advantage of their AAA discount rate and get the best value for this hotel.

Best Value Options in Columbus, Ohio

Get a comfortable hotel experience without paying luxury prices when you stay in Columbus by booking at the Four Points by Sheraton Columbus-Polaris. It sits near the upscale Polaris shopping mall, giving you access to restaurants and tons of shopping in northern Columbus. Get an extra-comfortable bed and free Wi-Fi for an affordable price at the Four Points.The Holiday Inn Columbus N - I-270 Worthington is located in the same neck of the woods as the Four Points by Sheraton, which means it's also near the same great shopping and food. To get to the center of Columbus and the downtown area from the Holiday Inn, just take nearby I-71 due south. The Holiday Inn has an indoor pool, a fitness center, and spacious rooms.Head to Dublin Ohio, which is northeast of Columbus, for the Sonesta Es Suites Columbus Dublin. This three-star property has a seasonal outdoor pool, a fitness center, free breakfast, and they allow pets. The Sonesta Es Suites has a reputation for being a clean facility with friendly staff, providing an overall excellent value for the price of the rooms.

Stay Near the Columbus, Ohio Airport

The Port Columbus International Airport directly connects to many major cities across the U.S. You can travel from Columbus to connect with most major airport hub cities, which means staying near the airport is often a must if you're visiting Columbus for business, or need to stop over for the night. Because the airport is a major part of Columbus, you can find several quality hotels within a mile of the terminal.The closest hotel to the airport is the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Columbus Airport, which makes it ideal for anyone catching an early flight. The most inexpensive option is the Days Inn Columbus Airport. It's just over a mile away, but the room rates are affordable and perfect for those on a budget, especially if you'll only be staying one night. Since access to the airport is important, many of the closer hotels have room rates well over $100 a night, making the Days Inn (which is under $100 a night) a great value.Come visit Columbus, whether you're thinking of starting a new business and need somewhere to set up shop, or you want to visit Ohio and have access to lots of great activities. University sports, a huge science center, lots of hospitals, and considerable high-end shopping make Columbus a fun place to explore. Plus, it has several lovely neighborhoods that are wonderful to take a walk through, no matter the season. 

A visit to Columbus Recapped

Ohio's state capital is a likeable place to visit, with the massive Ohio State University just one of its sprawling structures. Columbus is set in Ohio's rural center, making the city an exciting place to see, not only because it's the only destination there is. Columbus transformed from a former patch of farmland into a fledgling city. The city was built entirely from scratch in 1812, with carefully planned points still evident in the cityscape. Statues portraying its namesake surround the city's well-designated streets. Tourists visit the Santa Maria, a replica of Christopher Columbus' ship, docked like the real thing at the Scioto River. The lively college city may seem to live behind the shadows of Cleveland or Cincinnati, but the tourists love Columbus for what it is - a less crowded old town, filled with a vibrant nightlife, charming Germanic architecture, and interesting museums. The orderly downtown area is not without surprises, as Columbus boasts of the most active gay scenes in the nation. Head to the Brewery or the Short North Arts District, and see that there's no need to take that 2 hour trip to the next urban town.

"I like Columbus, Ohio, because it's Pleasantville for real", says author Bobby Lee.

For a small city, Columbus has a lot to offer. The Ohio state capital, Columbus is situated almost exactly in center of the state. The city is home to several notable buildings, including Ohio State University; Ohio Stadium, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, The Ohio Statehouse and Capitol Square. The Franklin Conservatory and Botanical Garden offers an incredible horticultural display with many acres of breathtaking outdoor and indoor gardens. The Topiary Park is where art and nature truly collide and this makes it one of the most acclaimed parks in country. The eclectic mix of neighborhoods only adds to the creative and vibrant culture in Columbus.

Which Budget Hotels in Columbus Can Travelers Go for?

Varsity Inn is one of the best cheap hotels in Columbus. The hotel provides with an easy commute between the University and Downtown Columbus. The hotel offers clean, comfortable amenities that are perfect for individual or group travelers. Comfort Inn north is another low budget hotel that provides comfortable rooms and amenities you can count on at minimal price. Its location makes it easier to explore all that Columbus has to offer while enjoying the stay at hotel. Drury Inn & Suites, Red Roof Plus, Fairfield Inn & Suites are also some of the best low budget Columbus hotels worth going for.

Which Luxury Hotels in Columbus Can Travelers Go for?

Renaissance Columbus Downtown Hotel, this stylish hotel in Columbus is very close to Ohio Statehouse and Columbus City Center shopping; the convention center and German Village are located at a miles distance. The Columbus' fitness center is located on the roof overlooking the skyline of the city. The Westin Columbus hotel is another Luxury hotel in the city. Set in a French Renaissance-style building, this traditional hotel is situated within walking distance to many famous landmarks of the city. Free perks include a 24-hour gym and WiFi in public areas. The Blackwell and Sheraton Columbus are also the two most popular luxury Columbus hotels.

What All is There to Experience in Columbus?

Visitors to Columbus can expect plenty of interesting and unique things to do. The city is one of the few cities in the world which has an amazing mix of historical and recreational sites. The Ohio Statehouse in Columbus is a Greek architecture style building very popular with tourists. It is open to the public along with Capitol Square and the Senate building and atrium. For history aficionados and travelers interested in politics, a visit to the capitol building would suffice all senses. Wexner Center for the arts, an Ohio State University museum is another very popular place. If flowers are enticing, then Franklin Park Conservatory is the place to go to. A trip to this city would be considered incomplete without a visit to historic German Village. Strolling through tree-lined that remind of the 19th century streets among an array of charming homes, restaurants and shops could just be another pastime.