Planning to visit Ohio but don’t know which city to visit? Then why don’t you consider spending your next vacation in Columbus? Dubbed the biggest small town in the US, this state capital is known for having many things for travelers. From its expansive green parks to downtown attractions, one will never have a bad day in Columbus. Not to mention, there are also zoos, historic villages, and museums that’ll make your days extra busy! Even if you’re on a budget, nothing can stop you from having a memorable Columbus trip, as there are plenty of cheap hotels in Columbus. Though affordable, they’re still fitted with awesome facilities that’ll awe you. Whether you’re searching for cheap hotels in downtown Columbus or cheap hotels in East Columbus Ohio, here are our recommendations!
Table of contents
- Hampton Inn & Suites Columbus-Downtown
- Hyatt Place Columbus/OSU
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Columbus East – Reynoldsburg
- Days Inn by Wyndham Columbus East Airport
- Residence Inn by Marriott Columbus OSU
- Hilton Garden Inn Columbus-University Area
- Hampton Inn West
- Hampton Inn Columbus-East
- DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Columbus Downtown
- La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Columbus Airport Area
- Home2 Suites By Hilton Columbus Downtown
- Top Affordable Bars in Columbus
- Top Affordable Restaurants in Columbus
- Free Things To Do in Columbus
Hampton Inn & Suites Columbus-Downtown
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Say hello to the first (out of three) Hampton Inn hotel on this list! Hampton Inn & Suites Columbus-Downtown is ranked one of the best cheap hotels in downtown Columbus for many reasons. One of them is its convenient location. Guests staying here can walk to several popular local attractions, including Capitol Square, Central Ohio Fire Museum, BalletMet, Goodale Park, Nationwide Arena, Ohio Theater, and many more! Of course, you can also find tons of eateries around the hotel.
Another reason why we think this Columbus hotel is worth being named one of the best cheap hotels in Columbus is because it offers free daily breakfast and complimentary Wi-Fi! In addition to that, those who want to unwind can also take a dip in the indoor swimming pool or spend a good minute in the sauna to relax. Want to get your blood pumping? Hit the fitness center instead! Finally, each guestroom is comfy and features everything you need, including a flat-screen TV and a work desk.
Hyatt Place Columbus/OSU
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One of our favorite cheap hotels in Columbus is none other than Hyatt Place Columbus/OSU. This hotel is loved by many as good places surround it for you to visit. Travelers will be thrilled to know that the Ohio Craft Museum, Goodale Park, Capitol Square, Ohio Theater, and many more are within easy reach. Not to mention, there are plenty of eateries that are ready to nourish your body! Need to catch your super early flight? Don’t worry, as the airport is not more than a 10-minute drive away!
After your interesting urban adventures, feel free to relax in your room! It’s furnished with plush bedding and fluffy pillows, so you’ll be guaranteed a restful sleep. On top of that, there’s also free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, and a mini-fridge. When you need some drinks, you can head down to the on-site gallery! Yes, you read that right! The gallery features a coffee and wine cafe, allowing you to enjoy yourself after admiring the art displayed there. For more similar hotels, check out the best hotels near Columbus Ohio airport!
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Columbus East – Reynoldsburg
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One of the best cheap hotels in East Columbus Ohio that catch our attention the most is Holiday Inn Express & Suites Columbus East – Reynoldsburg. Off I-70, this budget hotel is only a few miles away from the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum and Fort Rapids Indoor Waterpark Resort, so you can rest assured you and your family will always have things to explore. On top of that, the Port Columbus International Airport is only a short drive away, which is a big plus for those who want to stay near the airport.
Like other cheap hotels in North Columbus Ohio, this hotel boasts relaxed rooms equipped with the best amenities. No matter which room you choose, you can expect free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, a work desk, and a coffee maker. If you’re willing to spend more, you can upgrade your room and have a mini-fridge and microwave! As one of the top cheap hotels in East Columbus Ohio, breakfast buffet and parking are complimentary. In addition, guests are also invited for a workout session in the fitness center and heated indoor pool.
Days Inn by Wyndham Columbus East Airport
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Up next is Days Inn by Wyndham Columbus East Airport, one of the best cheap hotels in East Columbus Ohio. Apart from being affordable, this hotel offers easy access to the airport. Not to mention, parking is available for free! What’s more, places like the Magic Mountain Fun Center, Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, Airport Golf Course Columbus, and more are only a short drive away.
After a long day, you can relax by the seasonal outdoor swimming pool or take a dip. As expected from one of the best hotels in East Columbus Ohio, high-speed Wi-Fi is also available for free, and guests who want to snack can get some from the vending machines. Then, end the day by chilling in your room fitted with all the standard amenities you’d expect from one of the best cheap hotels in Columbus.
Residence Inn by Marriott Columbus OSU
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Overlooking the Olentangy River, this modern two-star hotel is also worth consideration. One of the best cheap hotels in Columbus, Residence Inn by Marriott Columbus OSU is a well-located all-suite hotel. From this hotel, the Jack Nicklaus Museum, Ohio Stadium, Ohio Historical Center, Victorian Village, and of course, Ohio State University are only a short drive away. As if that’s not enough, you can also find plenty of restaurants and cafes around the hotel.
As with some cheap hotels in North Columbus Ohio, the hot breakfast buffet and parking are free. Apart from that, guests can also burn some calories in the indoor pool and on-site gym. Down for a drink? Feel free to stop by the bar! On top of that, there’s also a comfy TV lounge with a fireplace, which is the perfect spot to meet new friends and chillax.
Hilton Garden Inn Columbus-University Area
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As the name suggests, Hilton Garden Inn Columbus-University Area is a modern hotel set near the Ohio State University. Because of this, you can expect the surrounding area to feel a bit lively and youthful. Apart from the university, this hotel is also close to some of the city’s top hotspots. They include Jack Nicklaus Museum, Jerome Schottenstein Center, Ohio Stadium, Ohio Historical Center, and Natural Resources Park.
Are you here for a staycation? Perfect! You can take a dip in the hotel’s swimming pool or jacuzzi whenever you want. Aside from that, there’s also a restaurant that never fails to keep everyone full and happy! Of course, free high-speed is also available so you can show off how great the hotel is to your followers. Finally, each guestroom is equipped with all the standard amenities you’d expect. There’s a coffee maker so you can have your daily dose of caffeine, a flat-screen TV for entertainment, and a desk for those who need to finish their work.
Hampton Inn West
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You can’t talk about the best cheap hotels in Columbus without mentioning Hampton Inn West. This casual hotel is less than 10 miles away from places like the Hollywood Casino Columbus, Ohio Craft Museum, Ohio Stadium, Italian Village, and more. Getting around is pretty easy, and guests can park their vehicles in the hotel’s parking area for free! Even better, there are numerous restaurants surrounding the hotel, so you’ll never be hungry.
Like other cheap hotels in North Columbus Ohio, this hotel is extravagant without expensive. Here, you’ll be able to lounge and rest in one of the inviting, comfy rooms fitted with everything you need. You’ll also get to enjoy complimentary morning meals! During your spare time, feel free to make a splash in the indoor swimming pool or sweat it out in the fitness center. Moreover, the front desk at this hotel is staffed 24 hours a day!
Hampton Inn Columbus-East
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Another hotel that’s considered one of the best cheap hotels in East Columbus Ohio is Hampton Inn Columbus-East. Like other cheap hotels in Columbus, this hotel features plenty of great amenities that guests can enjoy. When the weather is insanely hot, feel free to take a refreshing dip in the indoor pool. It’s pretty big and open all year long. Or, you can also burn some calories in the modern fitness center. Meanwhile, those here for business can take advantage of the on-site business center.
Every room on the property is fitted with free high-speed Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV with HD channels, a work desk that comes complete with an ergonomic chair, and a coffee maker. Of course, the bed is extremely comfy too! Named one of the best cheap hotels in East Columbus Ohio, this property offers many free perks, including free parking and a hot breakfast! And when it’s time to go out, the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum and Taylor Square Shopping Center are only moments away.
DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Columbus Downtown
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If what you want are contemporary, cheap hotels in downtown Columbus, then DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Columbus Downtown may be the one. Thanks to its hard-to-beat location, you’ll never run out of things to see and do. The city’s top hotspots like the Italian Village, Columbus Museum of Art, BalletMet, Natural Resources Park, and more are within easy reach. Are you looking for something to munch? Fret not; countless restaurants and cafes are sprinkled around the hotel, making it one of the best cheap hotels in Columbus for food bloggers and lovers.
Furthermore, you’ll be greeted with a fresh chocolate chip biscuit upon check-in, which is superb! On top of that, each suite at this gay-friendly Columbus hotel is ridiculously huge. You can find amenities such as a flat-screen TV, air purifier, seating area, free Wi-Fi, and more in each room. Don’t also forget to take advantage of the on-site fitness center so you can stay fit and healthy during your vacation. For dinner, you can head down to the President’s Restaurant! No wonder it’s named one of the best cheap hotels in downtown Columbus!
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Columbus Airport Area
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Those looking for simple and cheap hotels in East Columbus Ohio should consider spending their nights at La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Columbus Airport Area. This affordable hotel is only a short distance away from the airport, and we’re sure guests will appreciate the free parking facility. Though from the airport, you don’t have to worry about being far from the fun Columbus has to offer! Some of the city’s hotspots like the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, Airport Golf Course Columbus, MalletMet, Franklin Park Conservatory, and more are a short drive away.
After a tiring but memorable day of exploring every corner of Columbus, head back to the hotel and rest in the warm, comfortable room. Each room on the property is fitted with a coffee maker, fridge, microwave, and a flat-screen TV. As one of the top cheap hotels in Columbus, it also offers vending machines, a cozy shared lounge, as well as a 24-hour front desk. On top of that, this pet-friendly hotel in Columbus also provides free Wi-Fi that can be accessed in all areas.
Home2 Suites By Hilton Columbus Downtown
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Sitting on top of this list is Home2 Suites By Hilton Columbus Downtown, one of the most popular cheap hotels in downtown Columbus. Yes, it’s not the cheapest, but it’s still affordable enough for budget-savvy travelers. We highly recommend this all-suite hotel if you’re traveling in groups. Each room on the property is airy and has its own living area and work desk to keep you comfy and productive throughout your stay. As with other cheap hotels in Columbus, a flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi are available. Better yet, you can also take advantage of the fully-equipped kitchen to whip up your favorite food!
Those who can’t or are too lazy to cook have nothing to worry about. Every morning, guests are invited to have a classic American breakfast at the on-site restaurant. For something lighter, you can grab some snacks and drinks at the on-site mini-market or one of the vending machines. Meanwhile, those who want to keep their body in shape can lift weights and do some cardio in the fitness center instead. Other notable amenities include BBQ facilities, a business center, as well as an outdoor fireplace. When it’s time to venture out, you’ll be happy to know that places like the Columbus Museum of Art and Capitol Square are only a short distance away.
Top Affordable Bars in Columbus
- Bodega – Those searching for cheap bars should take a look at Bodega. It has a casual yet lively atmosphere, making it a great place for a drink. Plus, it has 47 taps of full craft beer deliciousness!
- Local Bar Short North – Lively is the perfect word to describe this bar. It’s an energetic pub with karaoke, music, and happy-hour deals! The prices are extremely reasonable, and there are pool games too!
- The Library Bar – This is a vintage sports bar that provides daily drink specials, as well as karaoke and pool. The bar is super clean, and the staff is super friendly. There’s also a dartboard for extra entertainment.
Top Affordable Restaurants in Columbus
- Hot Chicken Takeover – Here, you can expect spicy Nashville-style fried chicken and Southern sides. Many of its menus are under 11 USD, and the extras like the waffles and pudding are great as well.
- Press Grill – This is a cozy hangout that offers cheap drinks, hot dogs, pizza, wings, and other American comfort food. The fries are exceptionally good, and we love the burgers too!
- Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace – Offering awesome service and a comfy atmosphere, you won’t regret eating here. The hot dogs are excellent, with many different options on the toppings. Plus, most of its menus are under 10 USD!
Free Things To Do in Columbus
- Orton Geological Museum – During weekdays, you can visit this museum for free. Besides witnessing the 24-foot skeleton of Cryolophosauraus ellioti, you’ll also be able to check out other dinosaur bones and teeth.
- Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum – Here, you can admire the works of one of Ohio’s most famous cartoon illustrators. Permanent collections include highlights from Ireland’s career, and visiting exhibits focus on similar artists and themes.
- Polaris Fashion Place – You don’t have to spend any money at this place. Every Thursday night during the summer, you can come here to enjoy the live music. You should arrive early to get a front-row seat!