Columbus hotels

The Junto is one of the best hotels in Columbus and the city’s only fully independent lifestyle hotel. It’s right across from the worth-exploring Center of Science and Industry and the Scioto river.

I found their lobby is one of the best places in the city to spend an afternoon, with low-slung sofas, a well-stocked bar, food service and plenty of workspaces for catching up on emails. And to of course people watch.

The hotel has various rooms, suites, and apartment-style lofts to suit every traveler. My top pick is the Artist’s Suite, which has a plush bay window seat where I could put my feet up, settle in with a book, and sip on a coffee from the hotel’s friendly on-site café, Maudine’s.

The Joseph is one of the best hotels in Columbus for art fanatics. This upscale boutique hotel, located right in the heart of the Short North Arts District, is filled with contemporary artworks.

A large portion of the art comes from the local Pizzuti family’s private collection – find more just a block away at the Columbus Museum of Art at The Pizzuti. If you’re so inclined, you can even buy some of the works on display.

This unique stay is complemented by it’s vibey neighborhood. During my stay, I spent a happy summer evening with a famed Jeni’s ice cream from just up the street, before strolling to nearby Goodale Park for some live music.

If you’re after a truly iconic stay, Hotel LeVeque is the place to come. Located downtown in the most gorgeous Art Deco building from 1924, this is one of the best hotels in Columbus. From here you can easily stroll to the revitalized riverfront and if you need more time in the great outdoors, the hotel concierge can arrange kayaking or stand-up paddle excursions on the Scioto River.

The hotel has a range of glamorous rooms to choose from, as well as a few suites with wet bars. The property is also dog friendly and gave my pup her very own bed, fit for a queen. Downstairs on the mezzanine level you’ll find the on-site brasserie, Keep Kitchen, and the Art Deco Liquor Bar. I highly recommend signing up for their specialized mixology class, where I learned how to properly serve a stellar Sidecar cocktail.

The largest hotel in town, this is also one of the best hotels if you want to be in the heart of downtown. Located within walking distance of the foodie favorite North Market and the Short North Arts District, it has all the amenities you’d expect from a Hilton property. These include a giant fitness center, an indoor pool, and EV charging. It’s also pet-friendly.

The hotel itself is filled with local art and has multiple award-winning restaurants to choose from. My favorite is their live-fire restaurant, aptly named FYR, where it's all about open flames and smoky flavors. If you decide to splurge with a few friends, the Skyline Suite (with extra adjoining rooms) has a butler’s pantry and a full bar set up.

This quirky-themed hotel, centered around the Ohio State University, is one of the best hotels in Columbus for students and travelers. Be transported back to your college days with this nostalgic experience – though expect a serious upgrade on the sort of campus accommodation you were used to.

The Graduate is located in the heart of the Short North Arts District (and attached to a Shake Shack). For me, it has just the right vibe for a fun getaway. The rooms and suites are stylishly preppy – think stripes, plaid, and championship flags in deep reds, greens, and blues. The Homage Bar is an old-school dive bar with a distinct college flavor. I recommend ordering a round of beers and pretzels and showing off your skills at NBA Jam, the 90s arcade game.

The sleekly modern AC is one of the best hotels in Columbus if you’reheading to an event at Nationwide Arena. It’s conveniently located in the heart of the Short North Arts and Arena Districts, and right across the street from the iconic North Market and Goodale Park.

The numerous rooms and suites are minimal with a calm, neutral palette that instantly made me feel at ease. It was a perfect respite after a busy day exploring the art galleries nearby – they even have sound machines to help set you sleep.

One of my favorite things about the AC is the natural Korres bath amenities, made with Greek herbs and flowers. But before you decide to snooze, head up to the rooftop bar and restaurant, Lumin. Here you can take in that famous Midwest sunset with a happy hour that serves great tapas.

If you want to be centrally located and to be able to walk around downtown Columbus, this is a fantastic place to stay. This Canopy property is a solid option that offers minimal fuss – though it has enough pizzazz to make it worth a stay. Rooms and suites are simply decorated, with fun touches like complimentary orange socks and eye masks.

I particularly loved their pet-friendly policy (with doggie bowls available on request), and the fact the gym was never too full. They also have great fire pits at both their dining spots: breakfast on the patio at Central Market House or upscale dining at the rooftop restaurant Goodale Station.

The hotel is located within walking distance of all the entertainment districts, and there are free bikes you can borrow. My favorite local find was the Mad Lab Theater on North 3rd Street, where they do great improv.

The vibe of this laid-back hotel can be summed up by the fact the check-in area is at the bar. Here, you’ll receive a room key as well as a drink to kick back with. Located in the northern part of the Short North Arts District, it’s a suitably hip place to stay in one of the coolest parts of town.

This is a great hotel for meeting people, whether that’s at the pool table and arcade games in the lobby bar or hanging out by the rooftop pool. The compact rooms are cleverly designed and highly functional, with multiple wall pegs for hanging everything from jackets and bags to dog leashes. Meanwhile, you’ll find an ironing nook (complete with a bright pink iron) in the hallway, another great spot to strike up a conversation with a fellow guest.

This vast contemporary property offers easy access to the Arena District and the attached Convention Center. But it’s also a serene bike ride south to the hip Brewery District, or a little further on to the charming German Village (don’t miss the indie book store, The Book Loft).

Hopping on a bike is one of the easiest ways to explore Columbus, and the city has its own bike ride-share app for doing just that. Ask the concierge to point out the nearest bike rack, right outside the hotel.

The one-bedroom suites can’t be beaten if you’re traveling with family and need extra space to work or relax. It has a separate kitchen and a plugged-in desk area (perfect for video calls). I also really appreciated the 24-hour gym, stocked with all the latest equipment.

Located in the northern part of the city, this is one of the best hotels in Columbus for those planning an extended stay. The rooms and suites are spacious and have a calming, minimal aesthetic. Best of all, the hotel offers free parking. For me, when spending a whole week in town for work, the one-bedroom suite delivered. It has a built-in full kitchen, which was great for nights when I wanted to cook a simple meal.

The area, Polaris, is just a 15-minute drive from downtown but has enough to keep you entertained day and night. Here you’ll find everything from fine dining and extensive shopping options to fitness classes that range from boxing to barre. There’s also a giant cinema and an in-demand golf driving range.