Eylul Tunc 
Columbus, the capital of Ohio, is a super interesting and diverse city. It’s also home to funky festivals, sports events, and cool attractions, making it a desirable destination. If this sounds like a good fit for your next trip, it’s time to start thinking about where to stay in Columbus, Ohio.
No worries, I’m here to help! I compared all the Columbus neighborhoods and picked out the 3 best places to stay in Columbus, Ohio.
The ultimate spot for your first trip to Ohio’s capital is Downtown Columbus, where you’ll find the best museums, theaters, restaurants, and hotels.
For each of the areas I recommend in this post, I also handpicked the top hotels for all types of travelers, from luxury to budget. So, as soon as you choose a hotel in Columbus, Ohio, go ahead and make a reservation – early booking guarantees you get to stay at amazing hotels at the best prices!
Let’s go!
Quick Picks for Your Stay
If you want to book now, these are the best hotels in Downtown Columbus, Ohio:
Contents
Here’s the map with the 3 best areas to stay in Columbus, Ohio that I will be talking about in this post, so you can visualize them:
- Columbus Downtown: for first-timers
- Italian Village & Short North: the coolest area
- University District: for nightlife
1. Downtown Columbus – where to stay for the first time
Downtown Columbus is the lively heart of the city! During your stay in Downtown, you can explore the city’s top attractions, go for relaxing walks along the Scioto River, and immerse yourself in the city’s diverse culinary scene. The Downtown area is centrally positioned, so it’s also very convenient for exploring the rest of the city!
Here, you can roam around Capitol Square (map), catch a show at the Ohio Theater, and visit one of several museums, such as the Veterans National Monument and Museum and the Center of Science and Industry (COSI)!
Not to mention the great dining places in the area, from international restaurants to craft breweries, cool bars, and hip coffee shops on every corner. In terms of food, you’ll have countless options to choose from!
Other attractions that are definitely a must during your stay in Downtown Columbus are the Scioto Mile Promenade (map), the Bicentennial Park (map), and the perfectly landscaped Topiary Park (map).
There are plenty of other cool things you can do in Downtown Columbus! You should definitely check out the North Market Downtown (map), and if you’re a sports fan, catch a baseball game at Huntington Park (map). And if you’re visiting with kids, I’m sure they’ll love John F. Wolfe Columbus Commons (map), a cool park with a carousel!
The cool thing is that you can reach any place by car or foot: the area offers pedestrian-friendly facilities (like bike lanes and bus stops) and many parking spots!
If you want to explore your surroundings a bit more, you should visit the German Village! Situated directly South of Downtown, this laid-back neighborhood boasts charming architecture and many unique shops. While in the German Village, visit Schiller Park (map) – if you’re lucky, you might get to see a show or a live performance!
TIP: Beer enthusiasts will appreciate the Brewery District! Located South of Downtown and West of the German Village, this neighborhood abounds with beer bars and restaurants – it’s an amazing spot for a night out!
Hotel LeVeque, Autograph Collection
If you’re looking for luxury and comfort right in the city center, Hotel LeVeque Autograph Collection is the best place to stay in Columbus, Ohio! Here, you can enjoy a cocktail at the on-site bar, stay in shape at the fitness center, or even make use of the business center.
Other options in Downtown Columbus
Located just near the Greater Columbus Convention Center, this pet-friendly hotel offers free WiFi and a pool
A budget-friendly 3-star hotel offering a good breakfast, access to a pool, bar, and on-site parking
This luxuriously furnished apartment has a spacious living room, a full kitchen, and a comfy bed, plus a balcony
Seeing as Downtown is the best area to stay in Columbus, Ohio, the good hotels are quick to sell out. This doesn’t mean you should compromise on quality! If there’s no availability for your dates in any of the recommended hotels, here are a few more great options (2 luxury and one mid-range hotel), ordered from most to least expensive:
- Renaissance Columbus ($$$) – this 4-star hotel features an outdoor pool, a spa tub, and an on-site American restaurant that’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast and valet parking are available at an extra charge.
- Hilton Columbus Downtown ($$$) – guests at the Hilton Downtown can enjoy access to an indoor pool and a witness center, choose from several breakfast options, and benefit from private parking.
- Hyatt Regency Columbus ($$) – a 3-star hotel with air-conditioned rooms, a bar, a restaurant, and a 24/7 front desk. Other perks include room service, free Wi-Fi, and access to a sun terrace.
Things to do in Downtown Columbus
- Admire the architecture at Capitol Square and catch a show at the Ohio Theater
- Visit the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) and the Columbus Museum of Art
- Learn some history at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum
- Walk or bike the Scioto Mile Promenade, Downtown’s best riverfront destination!
- Unwind in Bicentennial Park or at Topiary Park
- Explore the stalls at the North Market Downtown
- Catch a game at Huntington Park and grab a beer at Wolf’s Ridge Brewing (map)
- Explore the nearby German Village and the Brewery District
2. Italian Village & Short North District – the coolest areas
Located a 5-min drive North of Downtown Columbus, the Italian Village and the Short North Arts Districts, are vibrant neighborhoods dotted with numerous bars and eateries that attract a young crowd. Whether you’re a foodie, a party person, or you’re traveling with family, these 2 neighborhoods are definitely the coolest places for your stay in Columbus!
This residential Italian Village is also home to a big Irish and African American community, so it has a special multicultural vibe that you will immediately feel wandering around its pedestrian-friendly streets.
The Italian Village is a great neighborhood to engage in many activities with the family! Here, you can have picnics in the beautiful Italian Village Park (map), featuring a playground, and visit the famous St. John the Baptist Catholic Church (map).
If you happen to be here during fall, you absolutely have to attend the Italian Festival, where you’ll taste delicious Italian dishes like (of course) pizza, live music, parades… you might even forget you are in the US!
The neighboring Short North District, not even a 10-min walk from the Italian Village, is known for its contemporary art exhibitions and galleries and multicultural vibe (that’s what the two areas have in common!).
With its several bohemian cafes, vintage shops, record stores, craft beer bars and restaurants, this is definitely the coolest area in town! Here you will also find lively nightlife, due to the big LGBT community and many gay-friendly bars and clubs!
PRO TIP: If you’re an art lover, I highly recommend you visit Otherworld, an immersive art museum located just a 15-min drive from Short North. This experience is super fun for kids and adults alike, but make sure you get tickets in advance – they’re available exclusively online!
Last but not least, the 2 areas are well connected by public transport with the rest of the city, so you can also have access to the best attractions of Columbus Downtown… What more do you need?
Le Méridien Columbus, The Joseph
This 4-star accommodation has one of the best locations in the Italian Village area, and some great amenities to make you enjoy your trip to the fullest! You’ll find a great on-site restaurant and bar, as well as business facilities. A plus? The hotel gives you access to free Wi-Fi and parking on site!
Other options in Italian Village & Short North District
This top-rated 3-star hotel offers rooms with private bathrooms and free toiletries and provides a 24-hour front desk and Wi-Fi
This is the cheapest accommodation in the area, with air-conditioned rooms, an outdoor dining area, and free private parking
Enjoy an extended stay at this 2-bedroom apartment that has a private patio and a fully equipped kitchen
Things to do in Italian Village & Short North District
- Have a picnic with the family in the Italian Village Park
- Visit the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church
- Enjoy a hearty meal at the Budd Dairy Food Hall (map)
- Visit the Otherworld art museum
- Have a fun night at the Northstar Cafe in the Short North (map)
- Spend a relaxing day at Goodale Park (map)
Subscribe here to get up to 35% off your accommodation for your next trip!
3. University District – where to stay in Columbus for nightlife
Where can you find the best nightlife in town if not near the University? The University District is mostly a residential neighborhood, but it has a super lively atmosphere! Located a 10-min drive North of Downtown Columbus, the University District hosts Ohio State University (OSU), one of the most important universities in the country!
FUN FACT: Columbus Campus is the 4th-largest university campus in the United States, hosting more than 1,000 student organizations and the biggest college football programs.
And with the many cool clubs and bars with live music, the area is a perfect choice where to stay in Columbus to enjoy some good nightlife! But that’s not all: the University District is home to many green parks, restaurants, and shopping options… so you have plenty to do even during the day!
The Ohio Stadium (map) is situated at the heart of the neighborhood, so if you want to catch a football game, be sure to check the schedule! The Summit Music Hall (map) is a popular live music venue, but if you’re looking for bars and more laid-back eateries, be sure to go for a stroll along North High Street (map) – you’ll find everything there!
And with the very well-connected public transport system, you will reach the other neighborhoods in Columbus very easily, so you take a break from partying and enjoying everything this cool city has to offer you!
However, if you’re staying in the University District, I highly recommend you rent a car! If you do so, you can drive yourself to and from the airport – it’ll only take you 20 minutes – and visit other cool neighborhoods and attractions.
If you have some time, definitely check out the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in the Franklin Park neighborhood (15-min drive), and the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium near the city of Dublin, Ohio – 25 mins away by car from the University District.
And if you’re into shopping, you can either drive out to Polaris (20-min drive) and shop at the Polaris Fashion Place (map), or head to Easton (also 20-mins away) and check out the Easton Town Center (map).
Columbus Marriott Residence Inn
One of the best hotels for your trip to Columbus, Ohio, is located in the University District, only a mile from Ohio State University! This pet-friendly hotel offers an indoor pool to relax after visiting the best attractions in the city and even a business center. Guests particularly love the delicious breakfast… don’t forget to try it; it’s free!
Other accommodation options in University District
The rooms at this hotel are furnished with modern amenities, and there’s also a 24/7 convenience store
Just a 5-min drive from OSU, this hostel offers private rooms and dorm beds, plus an outdoor hot tub
This newly remodeled 1-bedroom apartment is pet-friendly, has a full kitchen, and provides free street parking
Things to do in the University District
- Go watch an Ohio State Buckeyes football game at the famed Ohio State Stadium
- See what’s on at The Summit Music Hall
- Go bar hopping along North High Street
- Drive out to visit the Franklin Park Conservatory and the Columbus Zoo
- Do some shopping at Polaris Fashion Place or the Easton Town Center
| 👑 Luxury price: | US$220 |
| 💵 Mid-range: | US$140 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | US$100 |
| 📍 Best area: | Downtown Columbus |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Hotel LeVeque |
| 🧳 Best mid-range hotel: | Drury Plaza Hotel |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Holiday Inn Columbus |
FAQs about where to stay in Columbus
📍Which is the best area where to stay in Columbus, Ohio?
The best area to stay in Columbus is Downtown Columbus, perfect for first-time travelers to the city. Here, you can explore the city’s top attractions and stay in amazing hotels, like the Hotel LeVeque and Drury Plaza Hotel.
🚦Is Downtown Columbus, Ohio safe?
Yes, the Columbus Downtown area is safe, as well as all the other areas recommended in this post. You can move around all these areas freely, even at night, but you should exercise caution – as you would in any other large city.
✅ Is Columbus, Ohio, worth visiting?
YES! Columbus has a lot to offer in terms of culture and entertainment, so it’s definitely worth the visit. It may not be as popular as some other major cities in the US, but that only makes the experience better.
💵 Which are the best hotels where to stay in Columbus, Ohio, on a budget?
The best hotels in Columbus to stay on a budget are The Wayfaring Buckeye, in the University District area, or the 50 Lincoln Short North, in the Short North Area. The price per night at these hotels ranges from US$80 to US$130.
👪 Which is the best area where to stay in Columbus, Ohio for families?
The best area to stay in Columbus, Ohio for families is the Short North District, located North of Downtown Columbus. Stay in the luxurious Le Méridien Columbus or the more affordable Moxy Columbus.
🚶 Is Downtown Columbus walkable?
Yes, the Downtown area of Columbus is walkable, but it can be tiring for some people. So, if you don’t feel like walking, you can rely on public transport, get an Uber, or rent a car.
💸 Are there any luxury resorts near Columbus, Ohio?
No, there are no typical luxury resorts near Columbus, but there are some great luxury hotels in the city, such as Hotel LeVeque and the Renaissance Columbus in Downtown, and Le Méridien Columbus in Short North.
🌟 What are the best 5-star hotels in Columbus, Ohio?
There are no 5-star hotels in Columbus, but there are some great 4-star hotels in the city, like the Columbus Marriott Residence Inn in the University District and the Hilton Columbus Downtown in the Downtown area.
Final thoughts on where to stay in Columbus, Ohio
Here we are at the end of this extensive neighborhood guide on where to stay in Columbus, Ohio! I hope the post was helpful and you’ve already picked out an area for your trip to the city.
But if you’re still undecided about where to stay in Columbus, Ohio, here are my 2 favorite hotels with a central location in the Downtown area:
- Hotel LeVeque – one of the best luxury hotels in the city, offering room service, access to a fitness center, and multiple breakfast choices
- Drury Plaza Hotel – a comfortable hotel with a pool, a hot tub, and a 24-hour front desk
Whatever you choose, don’t forget to book your hotel as soon as you can… places here sell out super fast!
If you have any questions about Columbus, Ohio, and where to stay, please leave them in the comments. I’ll be happy to reply!
Have an amazing trip!
Elena
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