Columbus' BEST Hotel Near Ohio State? (Hampton Inn & Suites Review!)
Okay, buckle up, because we're about to dive deep into the Hampton Inn & Suites near Ohio State. Forget polished travel brochures, this is the real deal, the brutally honest, slightly chaotic review you actually want. And trust me, after staying there, I've got opinions.
Columbus' BEST Hotel Near Ohio State? (Hampton Inn & Suites Review!) - Because Let's Be Real
First things first: Accessibility. Okay, Hampton Inn & Suites usually does a pretty solid job here. Plenty of elevators – essential, especially after a long day of thrashing around campus and trying to find parking. The lobby? Generally good, spacious, and easy to navigate. I'd imagine wheelchair accessibility within the rooms is up to par, but I'm not personally in a position to confirm that. I did see visual alarms in the hallways - a definite plus for accessibility. Not enough hotels consider these things.
Rambling Before the Good Stuff: First Impressions, You Know?
The first thing that always hits me when I walk into a hotel is the scent. Is it… fresh? Generic? Like a hospital (ick)? Thankfully, Hampton wasn't horrible. Kinda clean, neutral, maybe a hint of whatever cleaning product they're using. Look, I'm a simple person, I just want a room that doesn't smell like a teenager's locker room or a grandma's mothball collection. Hampton (generally) delivers on that.
The Room Itself: My Sanctuary (Kinda)
Right, down to the nitty-gritty. The room. This is where it gets real. I'm going to cover that, for sure.
- Air Conditioning: Crucial in Columbus! The air con worked. Thank GOD. Couldn't survive without it.
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!: YES! Now, here's where Hampton nailed it. Free Wi-Fi!! And it actually worked. I mean, I’m a blogger - I need that. I was able to stream a movie, upload photos to my Instagram, and not have to wrestle with a glacial Wi-Fi connection. This is HUGE.
- Internet access – LAN, Internet access - wireless: Yep, all in, and both worked.
- Desk, Laptop workspace: Crucial. I could actually work, which is…surprising for me at a mid-range hotel.
- Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea: Bless their hearts. The coffee situation was… passable. Let's be honest, I’m a coffee snob. But hey, free is free, and it got me going.
- Bathroom: Standard. Clean. Adequate. The pressure in the shower was pretty good, which, honestly? A win.
- Blackout curtains: A lifesaver. I need my beauty sleep, and these did the trick.
- The Bed: Ah, the bed. I'm a sucker for a good hotel bed. This one was decent. Comfortable enough to pass out after a long day of… well, whatever I was doing. It was a little hard, maybe, but I slept. Which is all that matters, sometimes.
- The TV: The TV worked, that's all I wanted.
I liked the extra long bed, because, you know, sometimes you just need to stretch out.
OKEY DOKEY, now for where I'm going to be more brutal, because I have to be real…
- Noise Levels: Okay, here's the thing: I was near the elevator. And, well, you could hear it. Not constantly, but it was there. If you're a light sleeper, request a room away from the elevator. Important.
- Room Decorations: Basic. Generic. I'm not expecting a Monet, but, you know, a splash of color wouldn't kill anyone.
- Mini Bar: This is where it gets messy. I feel like the mini-bar was practically empty. I may have a tendency to "borrow" things, so I don't mind.
- Room Sanitization opt-out available: I didn't even notice that it was an opt-out. Shrug
- Socket near the bed: Brilliant! Where did that come from?
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Food Fight
Look, I'm a food person. I take food seriously. Hampton Inns often have a "free breakfast," and this one did.
- Breakfast [buffet]: It’s…a breakfast. I think they had the usual suspects: some sort of scrambled eggs (questionable), waffles (always a win, if you like waffles), fruit (surprisingly fresh, even), and the, uh, "oatmeal" situation. Let's just say, if you're a picky eater, bring your own breakfast.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: They did have coffee.
- Coffee Shop: No coffee shop, you probably just got the coffee from the breakfast
- Restaurants: No proper restaurant but, you know, breakfast.
- Poolside bar: No poolside bar. Who would have guessed, right?
- Snack bar: Nope. This is an "eat before you come" situation.
Here's the thing: The breakfast isn’t amazing, but it's free. And I, for one, cannot complain about a free waffle.
For The Sake of Being Extra: Things To Do & Ways to Relax
- Fitness center: I'm also a gym person, so I check out the gym. I'm not going to lie, the gym was kinda depressing. Some treadmills, some weights. Nothing spectacular. It gets the job done in a pinch, I guess.
- Swimming Pool [outdoor]: I saw a swimming pool, but did not get to go, because it was raining. I'm so disappointed.
Cleanliness and Safety: Gotta Be Safe, You Know?
This is where Hampton shines. Their commitment to staying safe feels… well, genuine.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Good.
- Daily disinfection in common areas. Professional-grade sanitizing services: These are the things that give me peace of mind.
- Hand sanitizer, Safe dining setup: Excellent. They're paying attention.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Yes.
- Staff trained in safety protocol, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: All good.
Services and Conveniences: The Perks (and the Downers)
- Concierge: Nope.
- Cash withdrawal: Nope.
- Elevator: Yes.
- Doorman: Nope.
- Facilities for disabled guests: Yes.
- Gift/souvenir shop: No.
- Laundry service: Yes.
- Luggage storage: Yes.
- Parking: Free parking! A definite plus near a college campus.
- Daily housekeeping: Yes.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site]: Free parking! A major win in Columbus.
- Airport transfer: Nope.
- Taxi service: Easily available.
The Verdict: Would I Stay Again?
Honestly? Yes. It’s a solid, reliable hotel. Clean, convenient, and with some seriously good Wi-Fi. It's not a luxury experience, but it's comfortable, safe, and gets the job done. The free breakfast is a bonus, even if it's not Michelin-star material.
Final Score: 7.5/10
My Hampton Inn & Suites Near Ohio State Offer: "Unlock the Buckeye Buzz: Your Stress-Free Stay Awaits!"
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- Free, High-Speed Wi-Fi (Seriously, it’s great!)
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Escape to Paradise: Hilton Vacation Club Riviera Beach & Shores Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly-organized travel itinerary. This is a Hampton Inn & Suites Columbus/University Area adventure, seen through the bleary eyes of a weary traveler. Get ready for the ride, and try not to judge my questionable life choices along the way. (Day 1: Arrival and the Quest for Caffeine)
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH). Ugh, flying. Why do I do this to myself? Always a gamble, always a delayed flight, always a tiny, plastic bag of pretzels. Managed to snag a slightly better deal on a rental car… hopefully, they don't try to upsell me on a "premium" this time. (Insert exasperated sigh here.)
- 1:30 PM: The Great Rental Car Debacle of 2024 - Okay, so the "slightly better deal" included a tiny, tiny car. Like, fit-for-a-gnome tiny. I swear, I'm going to need a crowbar to get my suitcase in the trunk. And the lady at the counter gave me the side-eye when I asked if there was a bigger car available. "Sir, this is a compact. Your reservation clearly states…" blah blah blah. Whatever. I'm over it. (But I will definitely leave a passive-aggressive review online later).
- 2:30 PM: Arrive at Hampton Inn & Suites Columbus/University Area. Thank the heavens for GPS, because finding this place felt like navigating a hedge maze. First impressions? Clean. And thank god for the air conditioning! Columbus in July? Lord have mercy.
- 2:45 PM: Check-in. Smooth sailing, thank goodness. The front desk guy, bless his heart, actually smiled when I asked for a room away from the elevator. A win!
- 3:00 PM: The Caffeine Emergency. This is a Code Red situation. The airplane coffee was… well, let's just say it tasted like sadness and regret. Must find a good coffee shop, and I mean immediately. My Yelp search leads me to a place called "Fox in the Snow Cafe." Sounds promising. Driving directions initiated.
- 3:30 PM: Fox in the Snow. Okay, this place is adorable. And the coffee? Heavenly. Worth the drive, worth the stress. Got a pastry too; a perfect croissant. Seriously, this is a moment. I could probably live here. (Don't tell the lady at the rental car desk).
- 4:30 PM: Stroll through the Short North Arts District. Bright colors everywhere. Lots of galleries, and shops. Mostly window shopping for now, but I definitely saw a few things I wanted to buy.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at North Market Columbus. The food hall! Amazing smells and a bewildering array of choices. I settled on some delicious tacos from a place called "Hoyt's." Yum!
- 7:00 PM: Post taco-coma entertainment, and then I went back to the the hotel. The hotel's free wifi is a bit iffy, but, hey, it's free!
- 9:00 PM: Crash. Bed. Sleep.
(Day 2: A Full Day in Columbus - Or, “Everything is Bigger in Ohio”)
- 7:00 AM: Wake up. The complimentary breakfast at the Hampton Inn is… well, it's free. But hey, there's a waffle maker, and that's the most important thing. Plus, the orange juice is probably mostly sugar, but, again, free.
- 8:00 AM: Walk around the Ohio State University campus. Massive. Seriously, this place could house a small city. The buildings are impressive, and so is the sheer volume of students milling about. I felt old. Very old.
- 10:00 AM: COSI. Columbus's science museum. I went here because I'm a sucker for anything interactive. And, oh my god, this place is epic. I could have spent the entire day there! I learned about electricity, saw a planetarium show, and got hopelessly lost in the dinosaur exhibit. This is a must-do, people. Even if you think you're too cool for science.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch! I grabbed a quick bite at the COSI cafe – surprisingly good, actually.
- 2:00 PM: The Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. My brain needed a break from science! And this place is stunning. The glass houses are filled with exotic plants and flowers and you can just smell the serenity!
- 4:00 PM: I went back to the hotel to rest.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a place called "Lindey's" in German Village. This place is cute. German Village is charming. The food at Lindey's? Divine. I had their famous schnitzel, and it was pure comfort food bliss.
- 8:00 PM: Stroll through German Village. Cobblestone streets. Brick houses. Everything smells of history and maybe, just maybe, a hint of gingerbread. This whole area is like stepping into a postcard.
- 9:00 PM: Back to the Hampton Inn. More sleep, more dreams of delicious things.
(Day 3: Departure, or the End of the Ohio Adventure)
- 7:00 AM: Breakfast again. Waffles, because, well, why not?
- 8:00 AM: Attempt to pack my suitcase. Failed miserably, of course. Stuffing it back into the tiny rental car trunk is going to be a Herculean task.
- 9:00 AM: Check out of the hotel. Smooth, efficient, and thankfully, no lectures about elevators.
- 9:30 AM: Gas up the rental car. Because apparently, that's a thing I have to do.
- 10:00 AM: Driving back to the airport. I'm already missing Fox in the Snow.
- 11:00 AM: Rental car drop-off. Praying they don't find any new "damages."
- 11:30 AM: Airport chaos. Security lines, delayed flights, overpriced airport food. The usual.
- 1:00 PM: Boarding the plane. Goodbye, Columbus! You were surprisingly awesome. And hey, at least the pretzels on this flight are a different flavor. Silver linings, people, silver linings.
Final Thoughts:
Hampton Inn & Suites Columbus/University Area? Solid choice. Clean, comfortable, and a good base of operations. Would I stay again? Definitely. Columbus itself? A total surprise. I didn't know much about it before, but it's a vibrant, interesting city with a whole lot to offer. And the food? Don't get me started. My waistline may never forgive me. But hey, that's the price of adventure, right? Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go lie down. And maybe look up plane tickets to Columbus again.
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Is the Hampton Inn & Suites Columbus/OSU considered *the* hotel near Ohio State? (Like, REALLY near?)
Okay, let's be honest. When they say "near," hotels get a little... creative. The Hampton Inn & Suites? Yeah, it's definitely closer than that hotel way out by the airport, but... "steps from the Horseshoe"? Not exactly. You're looking at a brisk walk (maybe 15-20 minutes depending on how fast you're going and how many times you stop for a caffeine fix. Which, let's be real, is multiple). Technically, yes, it’s near. Practically, consider it a decent walk, or a super-quick Uber ride (which is often easier when you're loaded down with Buckeye gear and questionable pre-game decisions). It’s not *the* closest, but it's close enough to be a really solid choice. And hey, that little bit of walking can be good for you, especially before you spend the day binge-watching football, eating pizza and drinking beer.
Is the "free breakfast" actually worth it at the Hampton Inn & Suites? Or is it the usual hotel sad-fest of rubbery eggs and sad cereal?
Ugh, hotel breakfasts. It’s a gamble, isn't it? The Hampton Inn & Suites' free breakfast? I'd say it’s… better than some. Look, you're not getting a Michelin star experience, but it's usually decent. The waffles? Always go for the waffles. They're the best thing you’ve got going for you. They also usually have a nice variety of cereals and fruit. The egg, sausage, and whatnot? Eh. Sometimes good, sometimes… rubbery. It's a *breakfast*. You're not there for a culinary revelation; you're there to fuel up before you go spend the day cheering (or sobbing) for your team. Consider filling up for free and then grabbing a proper brunch outside.
What are the rooms at the Hampton Inn & Suites like? Are they clean?
Okay, okay, this is important. Rooms matter. I remember *one time*, I stayed in a hotel… (shudders). The Hampton Inn & Suites? Generally, yes. They're clean. They're not, like, *sparkling* clean, but they're clean enough. You're not going to find mysterious stains or questionable hairs. The beds are comfy (important!), the bathrooms are functional, and the AC works (again, *very* important in Columbus in the summer!). They’re usually pretty quiet, too, which is a *major* win when you're nursing a post-game headache. My one major gripe? The lighting. Always too dim. But hey, that’s just me. Overall though, I've always been satisfied with the cleanliness of the rooms.
Is there a pool at the Hampton Inn & Suites Columbus/OSU?
Yep, there's a pool! It’s a nice little pool, too. Nothing Olympic-sized, but perfectly serviceable for a quick dip after a long day of... well, whatever you’re doing. It's usually pretty well-maintained. And hey, if you're traveling with kids, it’s a lifesaver. I've even taken a midnight swim myself a time or two after a particularly… eventful game. Just remember your towel. Don't be *that* guy stealing towels, okay?
Parking situation? Is it a nightmare like it is everywhere else near OSU?
Okay, buckle up. Parking near OSU on game day is… legendary. "Legendary" as in, "you’ll be circling the block for an hour and then paying an exorbitant amount to park in some random person’s yard" legendary. The Hampton Inn & Suites does have parking, which is *huge*. It's not free, of course (nothing is free, especially in Columbus on game day). But it *is* convenient. You’re not wandering around, praying to the parking gods for a spot. It helps minimize the stress. Pay attention to the directions from the hotel to the parking lot. It can be a little confusing after a couple of beers... or even just after a long day. Trust me on this one!
Okay, let's talk service. Is the staff friendly at the Hampton Inn & Suites? Any horror stories?
Hmm, service. This is where things get a little… variable. Mostly friendly, that's my general experience. But I've had a few hiccups here and there. Nothing truly awful, thankfully. I once had a particularly grumpy front desk person, but honestly, I was probably grumpy myself. You know, pre-coffee, post-flight, general travel grumpiness. But overall, I’ve found the staff to be pretty helpful and accommodating. They usually try to do what you need. I'd say their hospitality is pretty good, compared to most hotels, they're pretty good.
Is there a gym at the Hampton Inn & Suites? Because, you know, gotta work off all those pre-game nachos...
Yes, there's a gym! It's… a hotel gym. Let's just say it's not the most *inspiring* space in the world. You'll usually find a few treadmills, some weights, and maybe a stationary bike. It’s functional. It's there. If you're a serious gym rat, you'll probably be disappointed. But for a quick workout to offset the inevitable game day indulgences? It does the trick. I wouldn’t plan on spending hours there. For any sort of serious workouts, it's best to find a gym away from the hotel.
Proximity to bars and restaurants? Can I stumble safely back after the game?
Okay, this is important. Location, location, location! And yes, the Hampton Inn & Suites is in a pretty good spot. You’ve got a decent selection of bars and restaurants within walking distance. Not *super* close – a few blocks, maybe. But you can definitely stumble back (use caution, of course!). If you’re *really* loaded, take an Uber or Lyft, just to be safe. You're not in the middle of nowhere. You're in a college town, where there's always a party.
Anything I should REALLY know before booking the Hampton Inn & Suites near OSU? Any dealbreakers?
Okay, my dealbreaker? Price, mostly. Especially on game days, the price of this hotel can skyrocket. Book *way* in advance, or expect to pay a premium. It’s a supply and demand thing. The better your planning is, the better your price is. Also, be prepared for noise! It's a busy area, especially onHotel Haven Now
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