Located smack in the middle of Ohio, Columbus is the state’s bustling capital city. While it tends to get overshadowed by Cleveland and Cincinnati, Columbus will surprise any skeptic with its thriving arts scene, seriously impressive food scene, and popular annual festivals and sporting events. No matter what time of year you visit, there’s always something fun happening in Columbus!

Columbus is home to The Ohio State University, which means the city is buzzing with youthful energy and Buckeye spirit. Whether you want to root for the Buckeyes at a football game or cheer on The Clippers at a baseball game, rest assured that this city takes its sports very seriously.

But if sports aren’t your thing, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy in Columbus. You can fill your days by perusing public art installations and galleries in the Short North Arts District, taking riverfront strolls along the beautiful Scioto Mile Promenade, and going shopping in the early-1900s-style Easton Town Center. 

You won’t go hungry here, either. With the farm-fresh eats at the 145-year-old North Market, the Italian pizzerias in the Italian Village neighborhood, and the diverse restaurants in Short North and downtown, Columbus is a town for foodies. Plus, this city is home to dozens of craft breweries, perfect for sipping a creative brew at the end of an action-packed day! 

With so much to see and do, you’ll want a nice hotel room to come back to after the end of a long day. Luckily, Columbus is brimming with trendy boutique hotels, luxurious riverside retreats, and family-friendly all-suite hotels. So many, in fact, that you might have a hard time choosing the perfect one. So we’ve created a list of the 12 best hotels in Columbus, Ohio, to help you plan your perfect getaway!

Where to Stay in Columbus

It’s no surprise that most of the best hotels in Columbus, Ohio, are clustered around the downtown area. This is where you’ll find major tourist draws like the Ohio Statehouse and Nationwide Arena, as well as the city’s best restaurants, museums, and nightlife venues. If this is your first time in the city, you can’t go wrong with a hotel in downtown Columbus!

If you’re looking for the coolest places to stay in Columbus, look no further than the Italian Village and Short North areas. You’ll find these two adjacent neighborhoods roughly a mile north of downtown, so the location is ultra-convenient. 

Short North is the city’s arts district, so you’ll find all sorts of colorful street art murals, funky cafes, vintage shops, and buzzing breweries in this part of town. This is also where you’ll find the coolest boutique hotels in Columbus! Foodies will definitely want to stay in the Italian Village, which is home to some of the city’s hottest restaurants.  

You’ll also find a wide range of hotels in the University District, which is just a few miles north of downtown. This is an excellent base if you plan on visiting The Ohio State University campus during your trip to Columbus. 

And if you’re in town to shop till you drop, you’ll have hundreds of shops and restaurants to choose from in the Easton Town Center area, which is just 15 minutes from downtown Columbus.

The 12 Best Hotels in Columbus, Ohio

1. Hotel LeVeque

When it comes to the best hotels in Columbus, Ohio, it’s tough to beat Hotel LeVeque. You’ll find this boutique retreat in an art-deco high-rise right in the heart of downtown Columbus. Not only will you have all sorts of luxurious amenities, but many of the rooms and suites at Hotel LeVeque boast beautiful views of the Scioto River!

You can choose from 33 different room types. No matter which you choose, you’ll love the gilded, Gatsby-esque furnishings and the celestial-inspired decor (including telescopes in each room!). Style aside, the 49-inch smart TVs, in-room coffee maker and mini-bar, and marble ensuites with rainfall showers and designer toiletries will make you feel right at home.

If you don’t feel like going far for dinner and drinks, the hotel is home to The Keep Kitchen & Liquor Bar. In keeping with the hotel’s Roaring Twenties vibes, expect 1920s style, modern French-influenced dishes, and excellent craft cocktails, perfect for relaxing at the end of a long day.

2. Moxy Columbus Short North

If you’re looking for cool hotels in Columbus, Ohio, look no further than Moxy Columbus Short North. Nothing about this place is ordinary. For example, you’ll check in at the bar and receive a drink token with your room key, which you can cash in whenever you’d like!

The efficient and stylish rooms are cleverly designed to make the most of the space. You’ll be able to get work done at the fold-out desk, hang your belongings on the walls with the clever pegs, and keep up with your favorite shows with the 55-inch smart TVs and lightning-fast Wi-Fi.

If you’re willing to upgrade, the Balcony Rooms offer a bit more space as well as a cool private outdoor patio with a table and chairs. There’s also the option of booking a Trundle Room if you’re traveling with a friend and don’t want to share a bed.

Moxy Columbus Short North is all about having a good time, which means the bar here offers three daily happy hours! Explore the rest of the hotel, and you’ll also find a pool table, plenty of Instagrammable lounge areas, a fully outfitted gym, a 24/7 market for food and drinks, and a great outdoor terrace on the 6^th Floor.

While there is an on-site restaurant that serves excellent American fare, this place is located in the Short North Arts District, which means you’ll have easy access to some of the best restaurants in Columbus!

3. Le Méridien Columbus, The Joseph

Le Meridien Columbus is a great option if you’re searching for boutique hotels in Columbus, Ohio. Plus, you’ll be smack in the middle of the Short North Arts District and just steps from all of the bars, restaurants, and shops on High Street.

You’ll love the boutique rooms, which feature in mid-century decor, plush custom-designed beds, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Short North. Plus, you’ll get handy extras like high-speed Wi-Fi and in-room coffee makers.

The Presidential Suite is the best room in the house and well worth it for a special occasion. You’ll love lounging around the swanky living area, taking in the city views from the floor-to ceiling windows, and mixing up drinks at the wet bar.

If you feel like treating yourself, the hotel offers personalized Spa Suites, where you can get a variety of pampering massages and treatments in your own luxe space. And if you want to keep up with your workout routine during your stay, the 24-hour fitness center has everything you need.

Once you work up an appetite, head down to The Guild House for delicious farm-to-table dishes and international wines. For after-dinner drinks, Soul at the Joseph serves up creative cocktails, craft spirits, and boutique wines.

4. Graduate Columbus

If it’s not obvious by now, you’ll find some of the coolest hotels in Columbus in the Short North Arts District, and Graduate Columbus is no exception. This trendy hotel is set right on bustling High Street and just one mile from The Ohio State University, so everything is within easy reach. And if you want to get out and explore, Graduate Columbus even offers free bike rentals!

Everything about this unique hotel screams school spirit and local pride, so expect tons of over-the-top references to local icons, Ohio history, and the Buckeyes throughout the hotel.

You’ll absolutely love the plaid-clad rooms, which all feature writing desks, large flat-screen TVs, and deluxe ensuites with Malin + Goetz amenities. If you need more space, book one of the Studio Suites, which offer a stylish living room with a wet bar and a separate bedroom.

If you want to dine at the hotel, you can enjoy classic American meals at the Trophy Room. There’s also a Shake Shack right next door if you just want to bring dinner back to your room after a long day. And don’t worry if you overindulge during your trip because there’s a 24-hour fitness center on the second floor, perfect for fitting in your daily workout!

5. AC Hotel by Marriott Columbus Downtown

AC Hotel by Marriott Columbus Downtown is one of the best Columbus hotels if you’re looking for a place near the Greater Columbus Convention Center or Nationwide Arena. Not only will all of downtown’s main attractions be within easy reach, but this luxurious hotel offers all sorts of cool amenities.

One of the best reasons to book a stay at AC Hotel is the chic rooftop bar. Lumin Sky Bar and Kitchen is the perfect place to take in panoramic sunset views over Columbus while sipping a handcrafted cocktail and grazing on Spanish tapas. 

The European-inspired rooms aren’t too shabby, either! You’ll love getting comfy on the plush platform bed and having a Netflix night with the 55-inch smart TV. All rooms also boast sound machines, rainfall showers, complimentary Wi-Fi, and floor-to-ceiling windows with city views.

In the mornings, you can squeeze in a quick workout in the 24-hour gym before enjoying a European-style breakfast at AC Kitchen. From signature baked croissants, domestic cheeses, and fresh fruits to savory tarts, artisan meats, and a variety of yogurts, you’ll have everything you need to fill up for another day on the town!

6. Aloft Columbus University District

Aloft Columbus University District is an excellent option if you’re looking for places to stay near The Ohio State University. Campus is less than a mile away. Plus, you’ll be surrounded by a range of restaurants and attractions. 

The rooms here are the epitome of cool and are outfitted with comfy platform beds, cozy workstations/dining areas, and 42-inch flat-screen TVs. Plus, you’ll love the bathroom, which comes with a luxurious rainfall showerhead and deluxe Dry Bar amenities. 

When you’re not lounging around your room, take a dip in the plunge pool, work up a sweat in the Re:charge gym, and pick up grab-and-go snacks at Re:fuel. The hotel’s W XYZ bar is the place to go after a fun-filled day on the town. The bartenders here mix up excellent specialty cocktails, and if you’re lucky, there might even be some live music to groove to!

7. Sonesta Columbus Downtown

Sonesta Columbus Downtown is one of the best hotels in Columbus if you want to be based downtown. Not only will you have easy access to all of the city’s best attractions, but all of the guest rooms were recently renovated, so expect everything to be new and top-of-the-line.

Whether you’re traveling solo or with the family, you’ll have a wide variety of room types to choose from. Even the standard rooms boast retro-style furnishings with plush platform beds, cozy sitting areas, and large workstations. Plus, you’ll love being able to brew your morning coffee with the Keurig coffee maker each morning!

If you need more space, the One-Bedroom Champion Suite offers a living room with a sleeper sofa and a separate bedroom for extra privacy.

Explore the hotel, and you’ll also find a state-of-the-art gym with a Peloton bike as well as a newly renovated meeting space. The hotel also features an excellent restaurant, Vine + Forge, where you can enjoy locally sourced American food and handpicked wines.

8. Residence Inn by Marriott Columbus OSU

Residence Inn by Marriott Columbus OSU is one of the most unique hotels in Columbus, perfect if you’re looking for a home away from home during your trip. Perched right on the banks of the Olentangy River, you’ll be a stone’s throw from The Ohio State University, so this is an ideal option if you want to be based near campus.

The standard studio rooms at this all-suite hotel boast living areas with a love seat and extra-large workstation, along with a swivel TV that you can watch from the sofa or the bed.

There’s also a surprisingly functional kitchen with two burners, a full-size fridge, a coffee maker, microwave, and dishwasher. You’ll also have the option of upgrading to a 1- or 2-bedroom suite if you need more space. 

Freebies include Wi-Fi, parking, and a hot breakfast buffet each morning. Plus, there’s also an indoor pool and gym where you can get some exercise. While you can cook meals in your own kitchen, MODA Restaurant and Bar offers tempting happy hour specials, Angus beef burgers, and specialty cocktails.

9. Home2 Suites By Hilton Columbus Downtown

Home2 Suites by Hilton Columbus Downtown is yet another all-suite hotel situated in downtown, near the Columbus Museum of Art. With so many excellent amenities, you’ll have everything you could possibly need for a comfortable and productive stay.

The studios are all outfitted in stylish retro decor. You’ll love having movie nights with the 42-inch HDTV, getting work done at the ergonomic workstation, and resting up on the king-size Serta Suite Dreams bed. Plus, you can even prepare your own meals in the well-equipped kitchen if you prefer not to dine out.

And if you need more space or are traveling with extra people, you can book the one-bedroom suite which boasts a separate bedroom and living room. 

The hotel offers complimentary hot breakfast each morning, that is if you don’t want to make your own. There’s also a fitness center, business center, and laundry facilities in case you need to wash your clothes during an extended stay.

10. Sheraton Suites Columbus Worthington

If you’re looking for budget-friendly places to stay in Columbus, Ohio, Sheraton Suites Columbus Worthington might just be the perfect pick! This all-suite hotel offers a home-away-from-home atmosphere and is located just 15 minutes from The Ohio State University campus. 

Opt for the standard suite, and you’ll get a contemporary bedroom with a large smart TV and a modern ensuite. Barn doors lead out to the living room, which boasts a sleeper sofa, a second flat-screen TV, and a kitchenette with a coffee maker and microwave. There’s also the option to book one of the Club Level rooms, which gives you exclusive access to the Club Lounge.

In your downtime, you can splash around in the indoor and outdoor pools, work up a sweat in the 24/7 fitness center, or go shopping in the nearby Polaris Fashion Mall. The hotel is also home to The Grill Restaurant and Bar, where you can dine on American dishes and sip local brews at the end of a long day!

11. Marriott Columbus OSU

Whether you’re in town for work or play, the Marriott Columbus OSU is one of the best hotels in Columbus, Ohio, especially if you want to be near The Ohio State University campus.

The rooms are especially stylish and are outfitted with polished dark wood floors and mid-century decor. There’s a large workstation and free high-speed internet in case you need to get work done, or if you just want to kick back and relax, there’s a 55-inch flat-screen perfect for movie nights.

Upgrade to the Large Executive King Room, and you’ll get tons of extra space, floor-to-ceiling windows with beautiful views, and access to the exclusive M Club Lounge. You can have delicious meals delivered to your room 24 hours a day, or if you prefer to dine at the hotel’s restaurant, MODA serves up an excellent selection of pizzas, salads, and sandwiches for dinner. 

There’s also an indoor pool and fitness center if you’d like to get some exercise during your stay, as well as an on-site convenience store where you can pick up snacks and drinks to bring back up to your room.

12. Aloft Columbus Easton

If you’re searching for boutique hotels in Columbus, Ohio, Aloft Columbus Easton is a very cool option. You’ll find this hip hotel tucked away in the up-and-coming Easton Town Center area, just 15 minutes from downtown Columbus. Plus, if you stay in this neighborhood, you’ll be surrounded by all sorts of cool shops, bars, and restaurants!

In the mornings, you can fuel up on a breakfast bowl at the Re-fuel restaurant. And in the evenings, WXYZ Bar is the perfect place to mix and mingle over cocktails while grooving to live music. There’s also a chic outdoor terrace where you can kick back and relax, as well as a gym and indoor pool. 

Once you’re ready to retire to your room, you’ll love the industrial-chic style and the modern amenities. Each space is outfitted with a 55-inch flat-screen TV, a mini-fridge, and a glass-enclosed shower with Bliss Spa toiletries.

That completes our list of the 12 best Columbus hotels! Did we miss any cool boutique hotels in Columbus? Comment below so we can add them to the list!

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