Top 52 Cheap Hotels in Columbus, 2026. Rooms from US$30/night

Good to know

Columbus at Broad and High

614 RUNNING TOUR
City Fit Tours' 614 RUNNING TOUR starts at the Greater Columbus Convention Center and covers 4.3 miles in about 1.5 hours. The route follows the Scioto River banks and passes the home stadiums of Columbus teams, taking in the sporting grounds and riverfront on a guided run. It typically runs on Friday mornings and alternating Sundays, so it suits travelers who want a guided overview at a running pace.
Columbus Museum Sundays
Columbus Museum of Art on East Broad Street is free every Sunday, and its Broad Street campus also admits visitors aged 25 and under free each day. One adult caregiver accompanying children 16 and under is free too, with no advance registration for individual visits. Groups of eight or more should register at least a week ahead to guarantee entry.
Broad and High
Broad Street runs east-west and High Street north-south, meeting at the center of Columbus's address grid. Address numbers increase as you move away from that crossing, and N, S, E or W in a street address marks its side of the grid. The directions divide downtown into northeast, northwest, southeast and southwest quadrants. Use the crossing to orient an unfamiliar address before choosing which way to walk.
COTA Tap to Pay
Tap a contactless bank card, phone or watch on COTA buses, or pay in the Transit app; both count toward COTA's fare cap. App and COTA Smartcard payments include free transfers within two hours. Line 7 serves John Glenn Columbus International Airport, but it is a local route, not an airport express; use the Transit app's live map to follow its airport stop and connections.

WINTER VALUE
- January
- February
January and February are usually cheapest: post-holiday demand fades, and cold, snowy days deter leisure trips. Expect many standard rooms around $90-$140 nightly, except during major events.
MILD SEASONS
- April
- October
April and October balance value with milder weather: highs are often comfortable, though rain or chilly evenings are possible. Fewer summer visitors keep typical rooms near $120-$190 nightly.
EVENT SPIKES
- Ohio State home football weekends
- Arnold Sports Festival
- Major conventions
Ohio State home football weekends and the March Arnold Sports Festival can fill hotels; major convention dates add pressure too. Book early, as rates can jump well above $200 per night.

Major Events

February - March

Arnold Sports Festival

One of the largest multi-sport fitness festivals in the world, drawing roughly 200,000 visitors to the Greater Columbus Convention Center over a late-February/early-March weekend, often pushing rates up 80-150% to $250-$350+ per night.

June

The Memorial Tournament

A premier PGA Tour event held at Muirfield Village Golf Club in nearby Dublin, Ohio, that draws golf fans and hospitality crowds who frequently book hotels in Columbus, typically raising rates 50-100% to around $220-$300 per night.

July - August

Ohio State Fair

The ten-day fair at the Ohio Expo Center in late July and early August attracts nearly a million visitors, boosting downtown and north Columbus hotel rates by roughly 40-80% to $180-$250 per night.

October

Columbus Marathon

One of the country's largest marathons brings thousands of runners and their families downtown on an October weekend, with rates typically climbing 50-100% to $200-$300 per night near the start and finish areas.

September - November

Ohio State Buckeyes Home Football Games

Home games at Ohio Stadium draw over 100,000 fans to Columbus on fall Saturdays, with hotel rates often surging 100-200% on game weekends to $250-$400+ per night, especially for marquee matchups.

Various Throughout the Year

Major Conventions & Trade Shows at the Greater Columbus Convention Center

Large national conventions, trade shows, and conferences held throughout the year can add 40-80% to nightly rates, pushing averages from around $130-$160 up to $200-$280 depending on the event size.

Where to Stay in Columbus

Not sure where to stay? Compare these Columbus districts to find the best fit for your plans, budget, and preferred pace.

Most Central
Downtown
- first-time visitors
- business travelers
- sports and concert fans
Best for
first-time visitors, business travelers, sports and concert fans
Price point
$$-$$$ – rates can rise during conventions, major games, and large events.
Walkability score
8/10 – walk to the Ohio Statehouse, Scioto Mile, and downtown venues; use a rideshare for German Village or the university area.
Hotel highlight
Many hotels are full-service high-rises with on-site restaurants and meeting rooms.
Top landmark
Ohio Statehouse
Arts and Dining Hub
Short North Arts District
- gallery visitors
- restaurant seekers
- nightlife fans
Best for
gallery visitors, restaurant seekers, nightlife fans
Price point
$$$ – popular dining and entertainment streets can mean higher room rates.
Walkability score
9/10 – walk along High Street to galleries, restaurants, and the Short North Arch; downtown is also within walking distance.
Hotel highlight
Boutique hotels often feature contemporary design and local art, rather than the large meeting spaces common downtown.
Top landmark
Short North Arch
Historic Residential Base
German Village
- history-minded visitors
- couples seeking a quiet stay
- travelers who prefer small inns
Best for
history-minded visitors, couples seeking a quiet stay, travelers who prefer small inns
Price point
$$-$$$ – lodging is limited, and small historic properties can cost more than their size suggests.
Walkability score
7/10 – walk to Schiller Park, the Book Loft, and neighborhood cafes; plan a longer walk or ride to reach downtown.
Hotel highlight
Small inns and guesthouses often occupy restored 19th-century brick homes; check for stairs and limited parking before you book.
Top landmark
The Book Loft of German Village

Price range for hotels in Columbus

Cheap hotels in cities across the world — search by destination, filter by price, and book the stay that fits your trip.

⬆️ The highest price

USD 199

⬇️ The lowest price

USD 30

💸 Average price for

4-star hotels

USD 81

3-star hotels

USD 85

Apartments

USD 102

Cheap hotels in Columbus worth considering

Based on guest reviews over the last 12 months

Budget Friendly Stays:

Motel 6-Columbus, Ga

Family Fun Hotels:

Hampton Inn Columbus/South-Fort Benning

Extended Stay Comfort:

Staybridge Suites Columbus - Fort Benning By Ihg

Business Ready Accommodations:

Courtyard By Marriott Columbus

Historic Appeal for Travelers:

Americana Cottage Closest Historic Bnb To Benning

Pet Friendly Options:

La Quinta By Wyndham Columbus North

Luxury Escapes:

Columbus Marriott

Cozy and Quaint Retreats:

Near Downtown&Parks- The Cozy Guest Cottage

Modern Amenities:

Home2 Suites By Hilton Columbus

How to get to Columbus

Transport options from nearby airports and stations

Airports

Columbus Metropolitan (CSG)

Columbus Mckenna AAF (MKF)

FAQs about hotels in Columbus

The main things you should know before booking a hotel

What are the average nightly rates for hotels in Columbus?

Average nightly rates in Columbus range from $70 to $150, depending on the season and location. During peak seasons like summer and major local events, prices may increase by 20-30%.

Which hotels in Columbus offer the best amenities for families?

Hotels like the Hampton Inn Columbus/South-Fort Benning and Country Inn & Suites By Radisson, Columbus, Ga, provide family-friendly amenities, including pools, complimentary breakfasts, and spacious rooms.

Which hotels near downtown Columbus provide unique views?

The Comfort Inn Columbus Near Fort Benning and Courtyard By Marriott Columbus offer nice views of the Chattahoochee River and riverfront parks, catering to both leisure and business travelers.

What are the most highly-rated hotels in Columbus based on guest reviews?

Top-rated hotels include the Columbus Marriott and Hilton Garden Inn Columbus, both receiving high ratings for customer service, cleanliness, and comfort.

Which budget-friendly hotels are available in Columbus?

Budget options like Motel 6-Columbus, Ga and Baymont By Wyndham Columbus Ga offer rates around $60 to $80 per night, making them suitable for cost-conscious travelers.

Are there hotels in Columbus suitable for couples looking for a romantic stay?

Yes, the Courtyard By Marriott Columbus and Homewood Suites By Hilton Columbus feature comfortable accommodations with romantic dining options nearby, ideal for couples.

Key Facts About Hotels in Columbus

This guide evaluates 54 hotels in Columbus, providing essential information to help you make informed accommodation choices while exploring the city.

Typical nightly prices range from $100 to $250.

About 8 km to downtown attractions like the Columbus Museum of Art.

Local taxes amount to approximately 17.5%.

Peak travel seasons are summer and major holiday weekends.

Book in advance during events at the Greater Columbus Convention Center for best rates.

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52 Best Cheap Hotels in Columbus

Hotels Across Columbus, United States — Search by City, See the Full Price

Columbus at Broad and High

614 RUNNING TOUR

Columbus Museum Sundays

Broad and High

COTA Tap to Pay

Columbus Hotel Prices by Season

WINTER VALUE

MILD SEASONS

EVENT SPIKES