Holiday Inn Express & Suites Columbus OSU-Medical Center by IHG
3045 Olentangy River Rd, Columbus, OH 43202, New California, United States
3-star hotel
Guest rating: 4.3 / 5
Overview
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Columbus OSU-Medical Center is a budget-friendly, 3-star hotel located at 3045 Olentangy River Rd in Columbus, Ohio. It sits just a 9-minute walk from Ohio State University's west campus and about 3 miles from Ohio Stadium, making it a practical base for anyone visiting the university area. The property is part of the IHG family and carries a strong public rating of 4.3 from 1,958 reviews.
Rooms & Suites
Standard rooms are straightforward but functional, featuring a work desk, flat-screen TV with premium cable channels, minifridge, microwave, coffeemaker and a high-pressure showerhead in the bathroom. Suites step things up with a kitchenette and a separate living area that includes a dining table and a sofa bed, useful for longer stays or families needing more space. Some guests have noted that rooms and bathrooms can feel dated, though most describe them as clean and comfortable.
Dining
A free breakfast is included with every stay, with guests generally describing the food as good quality, though a few found it merely average. An express shop in the lobby offers a selection of snacks and beverages for guests who want a quick bite outside breakfast hours.
Amenities & Recreation
On-site facilities include an indoor pool and hot tub, a fitness center, a business center and free parking, along with free WiFi throughout the property. Multiple reviewers singled out the pool as spacious and a highlight of their stay, alongside comfortable beds and abundant in-room outlets for charging devices.
Location & Surroundings
The hotel's Olentangy River Road location puts it close to several Columbus attractions, including the Wexner Center for the Arts (about 3 km away), Columbus Park of Roses (about 2.3 km away), and the Ohio History Center (about 3.9 km away). Farther afield, guests can reach the Columbus Museum of Art, COSI, North Market Downtown, the Ohio Statehouse, and Franklin Park Conservatory, all within roughly 6-9 km, as well as the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium about 16.7 km away.
Best for
This hotel suits budget-conscious travelers visiting Ohio State University, whether for campus events, medical center visits, or Ohio Stadium game days, given its short walk to the west campus and proximity to the stadium. Families and small groups traveling together will appreciate the suites with kitchenettes, sofa beds, and the policy allowing kids 19 and under to stay free with an adult. It also works well for leisure travelers who want easy access to Columbus's museum and park district without downtown hotel prices.
Travel tips
Since the hotel is close to Ohio State University, expect higher demand and pricing around home football games and major campus events at Ohio Stadium, so booking ahead during those weekends is wise. Many of Columbus's top attractions, such as COSI, the Columbus Museum of Art, and the Ohio Statehouse, are several kilometers away, so having a car or rideshare access will make sightseeing easier. The nearby Columbus Park of Roses and Wexner Center for the Arts are close enough for a short walk or quick drive if you want a nearby outing.
What guests say
Guests consistently praise the friendly and helpful front desk staff, clean and comfortable bedding, and the spacious indoor pool and hot tub as highlights of their stay. The free breakfast is generally well-received, with several guests calling it good quality, though a couple described it as just okay. In-room conveniences like the microwave, fridge, and abundant outlets, along with unexpected kitchenettes in some suites, were noted as pleasant surprises. On the negative side, a subset of reviewers mentioned the property feels dated, and a few specifically flagged cleanliness issues in bathrooms, including dirty shower heads and stained floors.
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