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Where to Stay in Columbus

Where to Stay in Columbus

Columbus Ohio, USA Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Full Spectrum of Lodging Options

  • Hostels

    Limited independent options for solo or budget-conscious travelers, like The Wayfaring Buckeye Hostel.

  • Affordable Hotels/Motels

    Chains like Motel 6 and Super 8, typically within the city outskirts or close to major highways.

  • Mid-Range Hotels

    National chains like Holiday Inn and Hampton Inn, with rooms often including free breakfast and Wi-Fi.

  • Luxury Hotels

    High-end properties like The LeVeque Tower, offering refined service and upscale amenities.

Unique Local Accommodation Types

  • Boutique Hotels

    These feature unique design, local art, and service, like The Joseph in the Short North.

  • Bed & Breakfasts (B&Bs)

    Mainly in historic German Village, they provide an intimate local experience.

  • Self-catering Places

    Platforms like Airbnb and VRBO offer entire apartments or houses, ideal for longer stays.

  • Camping and Outdoor Accommodation

    No going camping in the city, but nearby state parks like Alum Creek offer campgrounds.

Neighborhood Guide

A detailed breakdown of Columbus's neighborhoods and their character.

Downtown & Arena District

Pros
  • Central location, easy access to convention center, sports venues, Scioto Mile, COTA hub.
  • Energetic during events, many restaurants and recreation options.
Cons
  • Can be quiet on non-event evenings/weekends.
  • Parking can be costly, fewer independent shops.
  • Can be noisy during events.

Short North Arts District & German Village

Pros
  • Energetic, artistic, pedestrian-friendly.
  • Many galleries, shops, and restaurants.
  • Historic charm, quiet, unique shops/restaurants, picturesque brick streets.
Cons
  • Can be noisy, higher accommodation prices, parking can be difficult.
  • Less nightlife in German Village, brick the walking surfaces can be uneven.

University District & Franklinton

Pros
  • Budget-friendly accommodation and dining, lively student atmosphere.
  • Emerging arts scene, breweries, unique industrial vibe, more affordable.
Cons
  • Can be very busy and loud during the school year.
  • Parking is difficult, ambiance is mainly student-oriented.
  • Franklinton is still developing, fewer traditional tourist amenities.

Safety, Proximity, and Ambiance

Safety Considerations:

Most popular tourist areas are generally safe during the day and evening. Exercise common sense safety measures, especially after dark.

Noise Levels and Ambiance:

Downtown and Arena District can be noisy during events. German Village and Victorian Village are generally more peaceful and residential.

Booking Strategies

Smart booking helps you find the best accommodation at a reasonable price, especially during peak travel times.

Advance Booking & Negotiation

  • High Season (Summer, October): Book 3-6 months in advance.
  • Shoulder Season (April-May, September, November): Book 1-3 months in advance.
  • Low Season (December-March): Booking 2-4 weeks in advance usually suffices.
  • Negotiating walk-in rates is not a common practice in the U.S. Hotel industry.

Deposit & Cancellation Policies

  • Policies vary by property and platform; always check specifics before booking.
  • Many hotels free cancellation up to 24-72 hours before check-in. Non-refundable rates are cheaper but less flexible.
  • Vacation rentals often have stricter cancellation policies.
  • Prices are highest during the summer months and fall (OSU football). Lower prices are found in winter (Jan-March).

Trusted Booking Platforms

Vacation Rentals AND Special Places to stay

User Advice

Flexibility

Flexibility with travel dates allows taking advantage of lower prices during off-peak times.

Read Carefully

Read cancellation policies carefully, especially for non-refundable options, to avoid unexpected charges.

Direct vs. OTAs

Compare prices on OTAs, then check direct hotel websites for potential loyalty benefits.

Accommodation Recommendations

Here are some top picks across different categories, for your search.

Top Picks by Budget

Budget Options

For affordable stays:

  • Hostel: Wayfaring Buckeye Hostel
  • Budget Hotel: Red Roof Inn Columbus Downtown - Convention Center
Mid-Range Options

Comfort and value for money:

  • Drury Inn & Suites Columbus Convention Center
  • Hampton Inn & Suites Columbus Downtown
  • Graduate Columbus (Short North)

Luxury & Unique Stays

Luxury Hotels

For a premium experience:

  • The LeVeque Tower, Autograph Collection
  • Hotel Columbus, Curio Collection by Hilton
  • Hilton Columbus Downtown
  • The Joseph, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Columbus
Properties with Cultural or Historical Significance

For unique ambiance and heritage:

  • The LeVeque Tower, Autograph Collection (historic deco)
  • German Village Guest House (authentic B&B in a historic district)

Family-Friendly Options

  • Hotels with Pools and Suites

    Chains like Embassy Suites or Residence Inn often possess more space, kitchenettes, and indoor pools.

  • Vacation Rentals

    Airbnb or VRBO offer houses or larger apartments, providing more space and kitchen facilities.

  • Location Considerations

    Properties near family attractions like COSI or with easy access to Scioto Mile green spaces are ideal.

Solo & Long-Stay Accommodations

  • Solo Traveler Recommendations

    Wayfaring Buckeye Hostel for meeting people. Hotels in Short North or Downtown for walkability and access to entertainment.

  • Long-Stay Accommodations

    Extended-stay hotels like Residence Inn or Homewood Suites offer suites with kitchenettes and laundry.

  • Furnished Apartments

    Airbnb or local corporate housing providers offer furnished apartments for monthly rentals.

Considerations for Your Stay

Choose what fits

Your ideal accommodation in Columbus depends on your budget, travel style, and the experience you seek.

  • Urban explorer: Downtown or Short North
  • History enthusiast: German Village B&B
  • Family trip: Extended-stay hotel or vacation rental
Book early for events

Columbus experiences high demand during major events like OSU football games, large conventions, and summer festivals.

  • Plan for in advance best availability.
  • Expect price increases during peak times.
  • Consider alternative neighborhoods if central options are fully booked.

Local Amenities & Services

Guest Services

Most hotels provide standard guest services, including concierge, room service, and luggage assistance. Vacation rentals may offer host-specific support.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi is standard in most places to stay. Confirm availability and any potential fees directly with your chosen property.

Accessibility

Travelers with accessibility needs should verify specific accommodations and facilities directly with hotels or rental hosts.

Where to Stay in Columbus. Hotels, Neighborhoods, Accommodation