The Wayfaring Buckeye Hostel

2407 Indiana Ave, Columbus, OH 43202, New California, United States

2-star hotel

Guest rating: 4.6 / 5

Overview

The Wayfaring Buckeye Hostel is a 2-star budget hostel set in Columbus's lively University Area, offering a casual, communal alternative to traditional hotels. It combines simple dorm and private room accommodations with a range of shared social spaces, including a cozy wood hut, a porch, and two lounges. The property is a 3-minute walk from public transit, making it easy to explore the city without a car.

Rooms

Accommodations range from straightforward dorm beds to private rooms, all with free Wi-Fi, lockers, and access to shared bathrooms. Upgraded rooms add flat-screen TVs, minifridges, and air-conditioning for guests wanting a bit more comfort. Reviewers have noted that some private rooms can be small, so travelers seeking hotel-standard privacy or spacious quarters should set expectations accordingly.

Dining & Freebies

A continental breakfast is included, along with complimentary coffee and tea, though guest feedback on the food's quality and self-serve format is mixed. Two shared kitchens give guests the option to cook their own meals. Other freebies include loaner bikes, laundry facility use, and limited on-site parking.

Amenities & Recreation

Standout on-site features include an outdoor hot tub, barbecue facilities, and guest computers, plus the social lounges and porch mentioned above. These communal spaces make the hostel a popular choice for guests looking to relax and meet fellow travelers after a day of sightseeing.

Location

The hostel sits close to several of Columbus's cultural landmarks, including the Wexner Center for the Arts (1.5 km) and the Ohio History Center (1.5 km), with the Columbus Museum of Art, Ohio Statehouse, North Market Downtown, and Franklin Park Conservatory all within roughly 4-7 km. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is farther out at about 19 km, better suited to a dedicated day trip.

Best for

This hostel best suits budget-conscious travelers, solo backpackers, and social travelers who value communal amenities like shared kitchens, lounges, an outdoor hot tub, and loaner bikes over private hotel-style service. Its University Area location and proximity to transit also make it a fit for students, visiting academics, or anyone prioritizing walkable access to museums and cultural sites over polished accommodations.

Travel tips

Public transit is just a 3-minute walk away, making it easy to reach downtown Columbus attractions like the Ohio Statehouse, North Market, and Scioto Mile Fountain without a car. Loaner bikes are available on-site, a convenient option for reaching nearby spots like the Wexner Center for the Arts and Ohio History Center, both under 2 km away. Because some reviewers reported unstaffed front desk hours, confirm check-in logistics and contact numbers in advance, especially for late arrivals.

What guests say

Guest reviews frequently highlight the free continental breakfast and outdoor hot tub as standout perks, along with the comfortable communal living room. However, a recurring negative theme concerns inconsistent staffing at the front desk, with some guests reporting difficulty reaching anyone at reception. Other complaints center on cleanliness of private rooms and shared areas like the porch, as well as dissatisfaction with the self-serve breakfast quality in some private-room stays. Overall sentiment skews positive, with location convenience cited as a consistent strength even among more critical reviews.

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