Ohio’s capital Columbus might not be flamboyant, but it more than makes up for it with its wallet-friendliness. Also, it boasts excellent art and food scene and is the country’s second-largest university campus. Moreover, Columbus is a pool city, from hotels to a slew of public ones. In fact, cooling off at the community pool is one of the top summer activities in Columbus, Ohio. But when you’re visiting the city, you’d rather have a pool in the comfort of your own hotel, wouldn’t you? The best hotels with pools in Columbus, Ohio, feature a mix of both indoor and outdoor ones and are the perfect base to explore this city.
What makes it all the better is that there’s so much to explore here in this city. These include sights right from the Columbus Museum of Art and the Franklin Park Observatory to the stunning Inniswood Metro Gardens. If that wasn’t enough, then Columbus is also home to the Columbus Zoo And Aquarium, one of the largest zoos in the world. So, if you’re headed to Columbus next, then make sure to bring a swimsuit along so you can cool off in your hotel pool at the end of a long day. To that end, here are the 11 best hotels with pools in Columbus, Ohio, including both outdoor and indoor pools.
Table of contents
- Best Western Suites Columbus Ohio
- Hilton Columbus at Easton
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Columbus Polaris
- Courtyard by Marriott Columbus OSU
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Columbus – Worthington
- Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center (Powell)
- Renaissance Columbus Downtown Hotel
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Columbus Dublin
- Hampton Inn & Suites Columbus/University Area
- Drury Inn & Suites Columbus Convention Center
- Hilton Columbus Downtown
- Our Verdict!
- Where to Stay in Columbus?
- Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Columbus:
- Recommended Activities In Columbus:
Best Western Suites Columbus Ohio
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Best family-friendly. If you’re looking for family-friendly hotels in Columbus, Ohio, with a pool, then look no further than the Best Western Suites. The small but lovely hotel boasts a fabulous indoor pool area, complete with a hot tub by the side. Kids will love splashing in the indoor pool, while adults can unwind in the hot tub or catch a workout in the fitness center. Huge windows let lots of natural light in, along with lashings of sunlight. Comfy lounge chairs with free towels are a blessing, while the shallow end is perfect for your kids to play. Meanwhile, you can enjoy a soak in the hot tub while keeping an eye on them.
There’s nothing about the family-friendly hotel that you won’t like. Begin your day with a free hot breakfast buffet, which is not only money-saving but will also be enjoyed by your children. Moreover, the rooms are immaculate and spacious, with fridges, microwaves, and even soaking tubs. Rounding up the amenities is the guest laundry and the free parking.
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Hilton Columbus at Easton
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Best for romance. Are you looking for a romantic hotel in Columbus, Ohio, with an indoor pool? Then you’ll love the Hilton Columbus at Easton. The chic and upscale hotel lies a 10-minute drive from Downtown Columbus. The all-white indoor pool area is so savvy and sophisticated that you’ll forget it’s an indoor pool. The lovely rectangular pool with a shallow end is perfect for dips, complete with a hot tub for soaking by the side. Trendy white loungers, chairs, and sofas lie by the side, complete with throw pillows for you to enjoy a comfortable perch after a pool visit. The huge paned-glass windows let in lots of natural light and even sunlight at certain times and angles. If this isn’t a romantic scene, we don’t know what is.
The sprawling hotel features a historic colonial design and lots of greenery around, dotted with colorful flowers. After a dip in the pool, you can enjoy a cocktail at the lobby bar. There’s even a 24-hour fitness center if you both like to work out and a nice restaurant to enjoy a romantic dinner. At the end of the day, retire to your lavish rooms that have a bevy of high-tech mod-cons, sexy glass-enclosed showers, and Italian marble baths.
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Homewood Suites by Hilton Columbus Polaris
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The Homewood Suites by Hilton Columbus Polaris is one of the best hotels in Columbus, Ohio, with a pool. It lies in the serene neighborhood of Polaris near the Polaris Mall, around 15 minutes from Downtown. The indoor pool area at the Homewood Suites is quite large for a hotel of its size and even has daybeds by the side. So, you can enjoy a relaxing dip in the pool and relax for a while before getting back to the grind. Since the hotel provides beach towels, you also don’t need to pack one separately.
The Homewood Suites has always been an overall favorite for travelers to Columbus. The suites are particular standouts with bright-colored décor, think lime green furnishings, and hot pink accent walls. Besides the cheerful vibe, they also have separate living areas and full kitchens. Apart from a fitness center, the hotel even has a basketball court for those who love sports. A hot breakfast buffet is complimentary, as is the weekday social hour with snacks and drinks.
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Courtyard by Marriott Columbus OSU
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Best value for money. The Courtyard by Marriott Columbus OSU is one of the best value hotels with indoor pools in Columbus, Ohio. The indoor pool area features a spacious deck that’s peppered with comfy chairs. So, post a swim or a dip; you can relax for a bit right by the pool. The hotel even provides seafoam towels, so you don’t have to bring your own. Large floor-to-ceiling windows ensure natural light during the day, unlike many other indoor hotel pools. Moreover, the pool is five feet deep, so you can practice some laps rather than just enjoy dips.
In terms of value-for-money hotels, the Courtyard by Marriott Columbus OSU is the best out there. With regard to facilities, it offers everything you’d possibly need for a pleasant and comfortable stay. These include a business center, a store, a gym, free parking, and a casual bar and restaurant that serves dinner and free breakfast. Moreover, the rooms are spacious, modern, and bright, and the higher-category ones even have sofa beds and patios. It’s no wonder that it’s one of the best budget Columbus, OH, hotels with indoor pools.
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DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Columbus – Worthington
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The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Columbus is one of the swankiest hotels in Columbus, Ohio, with a pool. The indoor pool area is especially large, with one wall entirely made up of floor-to-ceiling glass windows. It overlooks the lush foliage and also lets natural light and sunlight in as you enjoy a swim. Although the pool is more suited for dips rather than a swim, it’s a great place to unwind after a day of exploring Columbus. The best part? There’s a hot tub beside you to soak your sore muscles.
There’s a lot more than the Doubletree Hotel Columbus/Worthington has to offer, including a business center, a gym, and laundry facilities. It even features a superb restaurant serving American meals and room service. Finally, the rooms here will leave you impressed. They come with a host of mod-cons, designer bath amenities, and signature linens.
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Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center (Powell)
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Best indoor and outdoor pools. The Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center (Powell) might be located 20 minutes north of Columbus Downtown. But it’s one of the best hotels in Columbus, Ohio, with both indoor and outdoor pools! The lovely outdoor pool area is nothing less than that at a resort, complete with comfy daybeds and chairs with pool towels. You can even order cocktails and snacks from the hotel restaurant and bar, which is a rarity. The indoor pool area, on the other hand, is ideal for when the weather turns colder. It’s spacious and features floor-to-ceiling windows that allow natural light to stream in. Overall, they are the perfect places to unwind on the property.
The hotel is one of the most lavish ones, surrounded by lots of lush landscaped gardens. It also has a business center, a state-of-the-art gym, and even a superb restaurant on the property. Moreover, all rooms are slick with all modern creature comforts, plus free Wi-Fi and stunning views. It’s no surprise that this is one of the best Columbus, OH, hotels with indoor pools as well as outdoor ones.
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Renaissance Columbus Downtown Hotel
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The Renaissance Columbus Downtown Hotel is one of the best hotels with pools in Columbus, Ohio. In fact, it’s one of the very few hotels with seasonal outdoor pools in the city. The chic outdoor pool area overlooks the skyline of Downtown Columbus and is one of the rare rooftop perches in the heart of Downtown. Enjoy a cooling swim in the pool before retiring to the pool deck, which is lined with red loungers, daybeds, and sofas. Moreover, there are even chairs and tables under parasols in the background. Fluffy white towels, soft throw pillows, and potted foliage aside, you can even enjoy cocktails and appetizers as the light breeze envelops the deck. In short, it’s the perfect place to unwind on the property.
Besides the seasonal rooftop pool, the hotel also has a sleek fitness center and a superb restaurant serving American cuisine. Plus, the bar is also open for lunch and dinner and is excellent for a nightcap before retiring for the night. Also, all rooms at the hotel feature a bevy of creature comforts and sweeping views of Columbus from the windows.
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Home2 Suites by Hilton Columbus Dublin
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If you’re looking for all-suite hotels with indoor pools in Columbus, Ohio, then look no further than Home2 Suites by Hilton. The lovely and bright pool area enjoys lots of natural light due to two walls of floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Colorful chairs dot the pool deck, which is perfect for keeping your belongings and towels as you enjoy a dip in the cool waters. Moreover, you can spend some quiet time here after your pool visit. The potted foliage only adds to the cheery vibe.
Aside from the indoor pool, the suites hotel also features free Wi-Fi, a hot buffet breakfast every morning, a business center, and barbecue facilities. Moreover, the rooms are the highlight here. They all come with kitchenettes with fridges, microwaves, and dishwashers. So, if you want to save on food or whip up quick, untimely meals for your kids, then this is the place to stay.
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Hampton Inn & Suites Columbus/University Area
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The Hampton Inn & Suites Columbus/University Area is one of the best hotels with pools in Columbus, Ohio. The indoor pool area radiates an extremely cozy vibe with its grey and white color palette. The four-foot-deep pool is heavenly for a dip rather than a swim, after which you can cool off on the comfy chairs and tables fringing the pool deck. There are even cushy red couches to the side, where you can order snacks and beverages from the hotel’s restaurant, which is rare. So, it’s no wonder why the Hampton Inn & Suites is also one of the best hotels in Columbus, Ohio.
What also makes the hotel so excellent is the rest of its offerings. It provides a sleek fitness center, free Wi-Fi access, and a 24-hour front desk. What’s more, its complimentary breakfast is one of the best around – think cereal, eggs, juices, waffles, and more. Plus, rooms feature plush beds, modern bathrooms, coffeemakers, and refrigerators. Finally, there’s even free parking and a complimentary shuttle into the city.
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Drury Inn & Suites Columbus Convention Center
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The Drury Inn and Suites is one of the best all-suite Columbus, OH, hotels with indoor pools as well as an outdoor one! Both the pool areas sit side-by-side on the property, with the outdoor pool area set within a sprawling deck. It even features chairs and tables under parasols so you can enjoy a bite after a swim or a dip. The indoor pool areas sit next to it, with a floor-to-ceiling glass wall separating the two. Moreover, the indoor pool area even has a bubbling hot tub, which is a blessing for soaking sore muscles after a day of exploring Columbus.
The all-suite hotel offers free Wi-Fi and a business center and even serves free popcorn and soda in the lobby. What’s more, the rooms and suites at this hotel feature separate living areas with sofa beds, fridges, and microwaves.
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Hilton Columbus Downtown
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The Hilton Columbus Downtown is one of the overall best hotels with pools in Columbus, Ohio. Its dim-lit indoor pool area is moody and sensuous, making this the perfect place to stay with your partner. The gorgeous turquoise pool is perfect for enjoying a dip and some romantic and intimate moments with your partner. The dim lights only add to the romantic ambiance. There are comfy chairs, couches, and fluffy towels to enjoy a bit of peace after your pool time.
The rest of the hotel is equally bespoke and sensuous. It features a stunning artwork collection of more than 150 original pieces, which is a unique addition. It also has a fitness center and three superb restaurants for enjoying a romantic and intimate meal. What’s more, you can even order room service to spend a quiet night in the room, each of which is contemporarily furnished with slick ensuite bathrooms.
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Our Verdict!
While we have this amazing list of the best hotels in Columbus, Ohio, with a pool,
- Best for romance: Hilton Columbus at Easton
- Best value for money: Courtyard by Marriott Columbus OSU
- Best indoor and outdoor pools: Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center (Powell)
- Best family-friendly: Best Western Suites Columbus Ohio
Where to Stay in Columbus?
Columbus is nestled just two hours south of the southern shores of Lake Erie, which is also one of the best winter vacation spots in the US. It sits on the banks of the Scioto River, right in the center of the state. So, where does one stay while visiting Columbus? To begin with, we have the business district of Downtown, which is also home to breweries, restaurants, bars, and theaters. If you love great and even better food, head to the Italian Village. It’s also where the lush Italian park lies and the place that hosts the vibrant Italian Festival. Party monsters and social butterflies will love the youthful energy and lively nightlife of the University district. Finally, we have Polaris, which is surrounded by one of the largest shopping malls in the city, Polaris Fashion Place. It also has lots of restaurants, theaters, and shops.
Columbus is also a mere two-hour drive from Cleveland on the shores of Lake Erie, so you might also want to check out the best hotels in Cleveland. There’s a lot to explore here, and culture vultures will especially like the many museums and galleries in Cleveland.
Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Columbus:
- Alana’s – With an ever-changing menu, Alana’s is the perfect place to enjoy a gourmet meal in Columbus. Think curried corn soup, French toast, pork chop with black beans, black fig, lamb Relleno, and more, all made from locally sourced ingredients.
- Claudiana Italian Restaurant – You cannot miss eating at this Italian restaurant in Columbus. Begin with a plate of traditional Italian cheese and meats, then go for a classic pepperoni pizza.
- Lindsey’s: This upscale bistro in the charming German Village is always a great place to eat at. The large, leaf-filled patio is crowded in summer, and there’s a long waiting time. After all, who wants to get up from such a fabulous setting – and fabulous food, right? During winter, the interiors with red-leather banquettes, ti-tiled ceilings, a copper bar, and cobblestone streets are perfect for dinner and conversations. The tie-wearing servers serve purely ‘90s bistro dishes. Think angel hair pasta, beef tournedos, and French onion soup.
Recommended Activities In Columbus:
- Columbus: Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure – There’s no better way to discover the famous landmarks and hidden gems of a city better than a scavenger hunt! Discover Columbus on this smartphone-guided scavenger tour, which begins at the Trinity Episcopal Church. Make your way through parks, hotels, theaters, war memorials, and the Capitol grounds, and explore the city in a unique way.