8 Hotels Near Ohio State University for Football Fans

The Blackwell Inn is so close to Ohio Stadium that you could chuck a football from the hotel and make the 20-yard line. (Okay, that’s a bit of an exaggeration.) From your hotel room, you’ll be able to see crowds of football fans streaming into the stadium in a sea of scarlet and gray. There’s absolutely no better place to stay on game day if you want to be in the middle of the action!

Speaking of game day, The Blackwell Inn has their own special way of celebrating the Buckeyes. Before and during the game, you can enjoy a smorgasbord of delightful eats, served up in a seasonal buffet prepared by Blackwell chefs. Sip on a spicy Bloody Mary, or grab an ice cold beer, locally crafted with pride right here in Columbus. After all, half the fun of game day is relaxing with friends and family, and sharing in the excitement of kickoff together.

Springhill Suites by Marriott is located a mere half mile from Ohio Stadium — close enough that you can hear the cheers and almost feel the heat of stadium lights. In fact, the second you walk into the Springhill Suites lobby, you know you’re surrounded by Buckeye fans. You’ll love the sprawling mural of the Columbus skyline that’s perched behind the front desk, and the numerous hints of Buckeye pride that are sprinkled throughout the hotel. Can you find them all?

Here at Springhill Suites, you’ll love the crisp, sophisticated feel of the rooms and the bright, airy decor that allows you to just relax. Grab a cocktail at the hotel bar and recline fireside on the outdoor patio, complete with a cushioned seating area and a backlit waterfall that sets the mood.

Homewood Suites by Hilton is tucked away in leafy Upper Arlington, where well-kempt houses sit perched back from sidewalks on winding neighborhood roads. Restaurants, family parks, and golf courses dot this quiet suburb of Columbus, making Homewood Suites the perfect place to stay if you have youngin’s in tow, or if you simply want a peaceful place to rest your head after whooping it up at the game. Don’t let it’s quiet location fool you — Upper Arlington is tremendously walkable.

Homewood Suites sits across the street from Whole Foods Market and right next door to La Chatelaine French Bakery and Bistro, and Hudson 29 Kitchen + Drink. Satisfy your craving for Japanese Ramen at Fukuryu Ramen, or enjoy a local brew at Crimson Cup Coffee Shop for a bright start to game day. You’ll just have to lace up your walking shoes and explore the area. When you’re feeling like winding down in the room, you’ll love the sophisticated, urban feel of the decor, complete with calming, muted colors that make you go “ahhhh.”

When I first discovered that Hyatt Place has an “E-Room” where you can use complementary computers and printers, I fell in love. This is a hotel that keeps the digital age in mind, making it easy to respond to that quick email or print out those game tickets on the fly.

Their commitment to progress also appears in their architecture and design. There are modern touches and innovative flourishes that make the experience here truly unique, from the circular bar to the contemporary art, you’ll leave feeling inspired.

Hyatt Place is located in Grandview Yard, where you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Columbus skyline and a wealth of dining opportunities just steps away. What’s more, Grandview is a city that loves sports, with baseball triangles and public tennis courts just waiting for you to break a sweat after cheering on your favorite team.

Courtyard by Marriott is straddling downtown Columbus and easy-going Grandview Heights, which is just down the street from Ohio Stadium, allowing you a close stay to both downtown and the excitement of the stadium lights. Feeling like exploring the town after the game? Experience Columbus culture by heading to the Arena District, downtown, and the Short North Arts District, where you can lay your eyes on gorgeous local art, sip on locally-crafted beer, and experience what Columbus is famous far: exquisite local eats. After all, there’s nothing like a winning game to work up quite the appetite.

But dare I say you don’t even have to venture that far. Courtyard by Marriott is located in the freshest, hippest part of Grandview, called Grandview Yard, which is chock-full of some of Columbus’ finest places to dine. You’ll want to start at Hofbrauhaus Brewery & Restaurant, whose festive outdoor bier gaarten and crisp brews come to you with a 400 year history. With roots in Munich Germany, Hofbrauhaus only has 7 locations in the United States, so be sure to pop into this gem while you can. If you’re looking to stay in for some Courtyard coziness, The Bistro serves up healthy and seasonal eats for when your belly starts growling. Located right here in the hotel, you’ll be able to surf the web and chow down on nutritious chef-prepared meals.

Since you’re visiting on a crisp autumn day, you’ll want to relax on the outdoor patio, appropriately called “The Courtyard!” Bring a coffee or a cocktail and sit with your loved ones under the stars and string lights, with a large firepit and perfectly-manicured landscaping. I promise, this is going to be your new favorite hangout during your stay here, and you’ll want to take notes on the perfectly curated landscaping.

Perched on the Olentangy River and just a 5 minute drive to the stadium, the mood here at Hampton Inn & Suites feels modern, sleek, and unassuming, inviting you to kick off your shoes and stay a while by the built-in fireplaces in the lobby. From the choice of textures to colors, and even the location of the hotel itself, you get a sense that every little detail was intended for max enjoyment.

That’s why Hampton Inn & Suites deserves consideration — the small details delight, inviting you to relax deeper and enjoy yourself. The laid-back rooms offer wooden lap desks, for typing away at your laptop while lounging on the bed. The shower pressure will have you walking on a dream, and even the light fixtures in the lobby look like effervescent bubbles floating into the sky.

When I stayed here at Hampton Inn & Suites, I requested a room with a river view, and I could not have been happier to throw the curtains aside for some sunshine and views of the meandering Olentangy River. Nothing was more relaxing than watching the river flow, and the wind rustling the trees. Walkers and joggers will love the Olentangy Trail that winds along the river and offers a chance to get fresh air and break a sweat, just steps from the hotel door.

Come for the football, stay for the elegance of downtown Columbus. Le Meridien dares visitors to fall in love with Ohio’s capital city by wooing with fine local art, bold architecture, and a focus on rejuvenation. In fact, they have entire spa suites dedicated to the art of relaxation, with rain showers, deep tissue massage, and facials that will leave you feeling refreshed. Try a full-body scrub, a couple’s massage, and sip on some wine in the relaxation lounge. You’ll end up floating through the hotel, sipping on wine, delighting in the finely-curated collection of local art that’s prevalent throughout the hotel. Whether you spent all day cheering for the Buckeyes or pampering yourself in the spa suites, the Meridien has just the thing for when you work up an appetite. Enjoy Soul at the Joseph, eclectic cafe in the morning sunshine and lively cocktail bar under the stars, offering European-inspired cuisine all day long.

Le Meridien stands as a chic glass colossus over the Short North Arts District, offering incredible views worthy of a toast. After appreciating the view from your room, I encourage you to explore the Short North, considered the “Art and Soul” of Columbus. Here you can poke your head into some of the finest local art galleries, shop at locally-owned eclectic shops, and experience the ethnic roots of cuisine in Columbus, from divine imported pastas at Marcellas (seriously, try the Spaghetti Alla Carbonara), to The Happy Greek, a Columbus legend that serves up Greek favorites from Moussaka to Gyros.

Hilton Columbus Downtown is out to prove that “art has a home” at the Hilton. As soon as you step into the bright, open-air lobby, you’ll appreciate a whole new meaning to the word “contemporary.” Between its marble floors, colorful modern art, and chunky spiral staircase that leads up to the rooms, you’ll feel instantly welcomed by all the spaciousness and natural light.

Try to count how many art pieces you can find, including the ones on the ceiling of each room! (According to their website, the hotel uses over 2 miles of art canvas. It’s hard to believe until you see it for yourself.) After you swim some laps in the pool or enjoy a few miles on their state-of-the-art workout equipment, be sure to dine at Gallerie Bar & Bistro, situated right in the lobby. Here, you can enjoy being surrounded by modern art while dining on some of the finest chef-prepared, award-winning cuisine. It’s the kind of meal that elicits a “whoa!” from diners before picking up their forks, and for good reason. The food might be local, but the presentation carries a flair of Europe.

After a winning game, you’ll feel like celebrating. This is the perfect time to head to the Gallerie Bar for some world-class cocktails, where you can toast the winning team while sipping on your favorite mixed drink in a vogue setting.