Looking for where to stay in Columbus, Ohio? We’ve got you.
Whether you’re planning a weekend trip, attending a big event at the Convention Center, or you’re a local just looking for a staycation with a skyline view, downtown Columbus has more hotel options than you’d expect (and they’re all pretty freakin’ great).
In this guide, we’ve broken everything down based on the type of trip you’re taking, the kind of experience you want, and yes, how far your hotel is from attractions like the Ohio Statehouse (which we’re using as the center of downtown), the Convention Center (your nightlife and Short North anchor), and the Ohio Union at Ohio State (because some of us are still tied to campus life).
If we missed your favorite spot, let us know here.
Cool, Trendy Hotels Near Downtown Columbus
The Moxy | ⭐️⭐️⭐️
808 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215
Right in the heart of the Short North, The Moxy perfectly captures the energy of the neighborhood. You check in at the bar — yes, really — and everything about it is youthful, funky, and a great base for exploring. It’s a 30-minute walk to both the Ohio Statehouse and Ohio State’s campus, and just 10 minutes to the Convention Center.
Book here
The Graduate | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
750 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215
This hotel bleeds Scarlet & Gray. The rooms are decked out in Ohio nostalgia, and Homage Bar on the ground floor feels like a cozy time warp to the 1970s. Just a few blocks south of The Moxy, it’s an 8-minute walk to the Convention Center, a 30-minute walk to the Statehouse, and just over 30 minutes to Ohio State’s campus.
Book here
Le Méridien Columbus, The Joseph | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
620 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215
A boutique hotel surrounded by nightlife and top-notch restaurants. Inside, you’ll find over 500 pieces of art from the Columbus Museum of Art’s Pizzuti Collection. Be sure to visit Soul Bar and hit up spots like The Guild House (shoutout to Neil behind the bar), The Pearl, Marcella’s, and Rooh. It’s a 2-minute walk to the Convention Center, 25 minutes to the Statehouse, and 35 minutes to Ohio State.
Book here
Where to Stay For the Rooftop Lounge Lovers
AC Hotel Columbus Downtown
517 Park St, Columbus, OH 43215
This spot has a sleek rooftop bar, Lumin Sky Bar and Kitchen (which is being replaced with Astra Rooftop this summer), that offers beautiful panoramic city views of Goodale Park, downtown Columbus, and the Short North. It’s 40 minutes boots-on-the-ground to campus, 3 minutes to the Convention Center, 30 seconds to North Market, and a 22-minute walk to the Statehouse. It’s just off High Street, meaning close to the action but a little more chill.
Book here
Canopy By Hilton Columbus Downtown Short North | ⭐️⭐️⭐️
77 E Nationwide Blvd, Columbus, OH 43215
Just a short walk from Nationwide Arena and the Convention Center, this hotel has not one but two rooftop patios with views of the city. Goodale Station, the rooftop restaurant, is solid for upscale bites and drinks. You’re also next door to one of the most beautiful restaurants in the entire country. Seriously.
Book here
The Junto | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
77 Belle St, Columbus, OH 43215
Across the river from the Scioto Mile and Hotel LeVeque, The Junto sits right in the Franklinton Arts District. It’s walkable to COSI, the National Veterans Memorial and Museum, and Land-Grant Brewing. It’s a 25-minute walk to the Convention Center, 15 minutes to the Statehouse, and over an hour to campus — but only 11 minutes by car or 37 by bus. Don’t miss the rooftop bar, The Brass Eye. Great views, even better sunsets.
Book here
Hilton Columbus Downtown | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
402 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215
This hotel is basically attached to the Convention Center, so close that if a baby crawled from the lobby, they’d be there in five minutes (don’t try this). It has FYR, an award-winning restaurant, and the tallest rooftop bar in Columbus in Stories on High. It’s an 18-minute walk to the Statehouse, 45 minutes to campus, or just 8 minutes by car.
Book here
For the Fancy Pants
Hotel LeVeque, Autograph Collection | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
50 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215
One of the most iconic hotels in the entire state, Hotel LeVeque delivers a high-end, unforgettable stay. Between the starry turndown service and the on-site Keep Restaurant & Bar, this is downtown luxury done right. Palace Theatre is in the same building. It’s a 5-minute walk to the Statehouse, 13 to the Convention Center, and about an hour to campus—11 minutes by car or 23 by bus.
Book here
Le Méridien Columbus, The Joseph (again!) | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Because it truly does both: classy boutique experience and nightlife proximity. Refer to the listing above for all the juicy details.
Functional and Friendly Hotels
Holiday Inn Express Columbus Downtown | ⭐️⭐️
650 S High St, Columbus, OH 43206
Simple, clean, and located in the Brewery District, right next to German Village. This spot is a 20-minute walk to the Statehouse, 30 minutes to the Convention Center, and a 14-minute drive or 30-minute bus ride to campus. The accessibility to Columbus’ favorite neighborhood, German Village, is the real highlight here.
Book here
Drury Plaza Hotel Downtown | ⭐️⭐️⭐️
88 E Nationwide Blvd, Columbus, OH 43215
Nothing fancy, but who needs fancy when the rooms are spacious and the value is excellent? Situated right across from the Convention Center, 18 minute walk to the Statehouse, and about a 50 minute walk to campus.
Book here
Courtyard Columbus Downtown | ⭐️⭐️⭐️
35 W Spring St, Columbus, OH 43215
Solid choice with everything you need. A 13-minute walk to the Statehouse, 7 minutes to the Convention Center, and about 50 minutes to campus — 20 by bus or 10 by car.
Book here
Renaissance Columbus Downtown Hotel | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
50 N Third St, Columbus, OH 43215
From the rooftop pool to the Club Lounge and Bar 41, the Renaissance offers some unexpected perks. It’s just 2 minutes from the Statehouse, 13 to the Convention Center, and an hour walk to OSU (10 minutes driving or 25 minutes by bus).
Book here
Sonesta Columbus Downtown | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
33 E Nationwide Blvd, Columbus, OH 43215
Right by the Arena District, this hotel is perfect for Blue Jackets games or concerts at KEMBA Live. Bonus points for their loft rooms with exposed brick and floor-to-ceiling windows. It’s 5 minutes to the Arena District, 2 minutes to the Convention Center, 17 to the Statehouse, and 45 to OSU.
Book here
The Westin | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
310 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215
A historic hotel near German Village, with one of the most beautiful ballrooms in the city. It’s a 10-minute walk to the Statehouse, 22 minutes to the Convention Center, and a 13-minute drive (or 30-minute bus ride) to campus.
Book here
Bonus Hotel Buckeyes Fans and Families
The Blackwell Inn | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
2110 Tuttle Park Pl, Columbus, OH 43210
If you want to be right on campus, this is your move. It’s attached to the Fisher College of Business (of which I am an alum!), has friendly staff, and spacious rooms. While it’s about an hour walk to the Convention Center, you’re only 9 minutes away by car or 20 minutes via bus.
Book here
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re visiting for work, heading to a concert, catching an Ohio State game, or just treating yourself to a night downtown, there’s no shortage of places to stay in Columbus. From boutique luxury to practical and budget-friendly, there’s something for everyone.
If you want to find Things to Do in Columbus while you’re visiting, you can find them here!