Hotels near Jerome Schottenstein Center, Columbus

Red Roof Inn PLUS+ Columbus-Ohio State University is an economy-class hotel at 441 Ackerman Road, on the north side of the Ohio State campus area. It suits travelers who want a low-cost, no-frills place to sleep close to the arena.

Location and Distance

• About 0.7 miles (roughly 1.2 km) north of the arena, so it's a short 3–5 minute drive in normal traffic.
• Walking is possible for some, about 15 minutes, but the route runs along busy roads. You may prefer a rideshare or your own car after a late event.
• It's close to the campus area, which helps if you're also visiting the university, the medical center, or nearby restaurants.

Pros

• Value: Red Roof Inn PLUS+ properties are generally among the more affordable options near the arena. That matters on concert or game nights, when nearby prices tend to spike.
• Convenient for events: The short drive makes arrival and departure easy, and you avoid staying downtown.
• Car-friendly: Properties of this type typically offer free surface parking, which saves money compared with downtown garages. Confirm this when booking.
• Practical amenities: Expect the basics, such as Wi-Fi, a simple room setup, and 24-hour front desk service. The brand is also known for being pet-friendly, but check current policy and fees.

Cons

• Basic experience: This is an economy hotel, so expect modest décor, limited on-site dining, and fewer extras than a full-service or upscale hotel.
• Variable condition: Older economy properties can show wear. Check recent guest reviews for cleanliness, noise, and room updates before booking.
• Event-night traffic: Even at 0.7 miles, traffic near the arena can be slow right before and after big events. Plan extra time.
• Walkability: The area is more car-oriented than a downtown or campus-core hotel, so don't count on a pleasant evening stroll.

Who It's Best For

• Concert and sports fans who want to keep costs down.
• Drivers who want easy parking and quick access to the arena.
• Short stays where you mainly need a clean bed and a shower.

Who Might Want Something Else

• Travelers who want a walkable, lively neighborhood or upscale amenities.
• Guests who are sensitive to older décor or noise.
• Anyone planning a longer, leisure-focused stay who wants a pool, a full restaurant, or a fitness center. Check what this property currently offers.

Bottom Line

A solid budget choice with a convenient location for the arena. It won't wow you with amenities, but it offers good proximity and value. Before booking, check the latest reviews, parking details, and event-night rates.

Fairfield Inn & Suites Columbus OSU is a reliable, mid-priced hotel on Olentangy River Road. It is best for travelers who want a clean room, solid amenities, and an easy trip to arena events without paying campus-adjacent prices.

Location and Getting to the Arena

• Distance: It's roughly 1 mile north of the arena, about a 5-minute drive or rideshare in normal traffic.
• Walking: It's technically walkable (about 20–25 minutes), but Olentangy River Road is a busy corridor. Most guests will probably prefer to drive or use a rideshare, especially at night or after a late event.
• Event days: Traffic and parking around the venue get heavy before and after concerts and games. Staying a short drive away lets you avoid the worst of the congestion and the higher prices of hotels right by the arena.

What to Expect

• Rooms: Fairfield properties typically offer clean, modern, and functional rooms with comfortable beds, a work desk, and a small fridge and microwave in many rooms. Suites give families and groups more space.
• Breakfast: A complimentary hot breakfast is a hallmark of the brand and a real money-saver before a full day of events or sightseeing.
• Amenities: Expect free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, and an indoor pool. Confirm current details with the hotel before booking.
• Parking: Hotels in this area usually include on-site parking, which is a big advantage over downtown options. Check whether any fee applies.

Pros

• Short drive to the arena at a lower price than many closer options
• Free breakfast and the consistent quality of a well-known brand
• Easier parking and a calmer atmosphere than the busiest event areas
• Good for families, groups, and anyone who wants extra space

Cons

• Not ideal for walking to the venue
• A car or rideshare is needed for most outings
• The area is more practical than lively, so don't expect nightlife at your doorstep
• Prices and availability can climb quickly on major event or university weekends, so book early

Verdict

This is a sensible, comfortable base for attending events at the arena if you value convenience, free breakfast, and parking over being steps from the entrance. It's a good fit for families, groups, and budget-conscious visitors. If you want to walk to the venue and stay in the middle of the action, look at hotels closer in.

Residence Inn by Marriott Columbus OSU is an all-suite, extended-stay style hotel at 3100 Olentangy River Road. It sits roughly 1 mile (about 1.7 km) north of the arena, a short drive on event days.

Location and Convenience

• Distance: A 5–10 minute drive in normal traffic. Walking is possible but not ideal, since the route runs along busy roads, especially after dark or in bad weather.
• Event-day traffic: Roads around campus can back up before and after big games and concerts. Leave extra time and consider a rideshare for the return trip.
• Surroundings: The Olentangy River Road corridor puts you near Ohio State's campus, with easy access to restaurants, shops, and major roads.

What to Expect

• Suites: Residence Inn properties typically offer studio and one- or two-bedroom suites with a separate living area and a full kitchen or kitchenette. This is much roomier than a standard hotel room.
• Breakfast: Complimentary hot breakfast is a standard perk of the brand, which helps on busy event mornings.
• Amenities: Expect free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, and guest laundry or similar conveniences. Confirm the details before booking, as offerings can change.

Best For

• Families and groups: Extra space and a kitchen make it easier to spread out and save on meals.
• Multi-night stays: Tournaments, graduations, move-in weekends, and business trips all suit the extended-stay setup.
• Travelers who want comfort over proximity: You trade a walkable location for more room and a quieter base.

Things to Consider

• It is not within easy walking distance of the arena, so plan on driving or using a rideshare.
• Parking may carry a fee or fill up during busy weekends, so check the current policy.
• Rates tend to rise sharply on game and event dates. Book early.
• Ask whether the hotel offers any local shuttle service. Availability is not guaranteed.

Verdict

A solid choice if you value space, a kitchen, and a free breakfast over being steps from the venue. It works especially well for families and longer visits, but anyone who wants a short walk to the arena should look at options closer in.

The Marriott Columbus OSU is a full-service, brand-name hotel at 3100 Olentangy River Road. It sits on the north side of the Ohio State campus area, along the main Olentangy corridor. It suits travelers who want a dependable room and standard Marriott service while staying close to the arena.

Location and Distance

• Distance: The hotel is roughly 1 mile (about 1.7 km) north of the arena. That is a short drive, and a manageable rideshare or even a long walk in good weather.
• Getting there: Olentangy River Road is a major route, so rides are quick on normal days. On game or concert nights, expect heavier traffic and surge pricing for rideshares, so leave extra time.
• Walkability: The distance is walkable but not ideal after dark or in cold or rainy weather. Most guests will want a car or rideshare for event nights.

What to Expect

• Brand consistency: As a Marriott property, you can expect a standard room setup, a work desk, a coffee maker, and Wi-Fi. Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and redeem points.
• On-site amenities: Hotels of this type typically offer a fitness center, a pool, and an on-site restaurant or bar. Confirm the current amenities and hours with the hotel before booking, since these can change.
• Parking: Parking is usually easier here than at hotels in the dense campus core. This is a big plus if you're driving to an event. Check whether parking is free or charged.

Pros

• Close enough to reach the arena in minutes by car
• Reputable brand with consistent quality and loyalty benefits
• Convenient for visitors to the university, hospitals, and nearby businesses
• Generally easier driving and parking than hotels in the busiest campus areas

Cons

• Not within comfortable walking distance for most people on event nights
• Prices can rise sharply during football weekends, graduation, and major arena events
• The area is more road-oriented than a lively entertainment district, so there are fewer nightlife options within walking distance

Best For

• Concert and sports fans who plan to drive or take a rideshare
• Families visiting students or attending campus events
• Business travelers who want a familiar chain hotel near the university

Tips

• Book early for major event dates, since rooms near campus sell out quickly.
• Compare rates for a direct booking against third-party sites. Member rates can be lower.
• Plan your return trip in advance, because rideshare wait times spike right after events end.

Verdict

The Marriott Columbus OSU is a solid, practical choice if you value comfort, a trusted brand, and easy parking over being within walking distance. It's less ideal if you want to walk to the arena, but for most drivers and rideshare users, it offers a good balance of convenience and quality.

This Holiday Inn Express & Suites is a mid-range, dependable choice on Olentangy River Road, north of the Ohio State campus. It sits roughly 1 mile (straight-line) from the arena, so expect a short drive or rideshare of about 5 to 10 minutes, depending on traffic and event days.

Location and convenience

• Distance to the arena: Close enough for a quick ride, but it is not a walkable trip for most people, especially in bad weather or after a late event.
• Nearby areas: It's well placed for the OSU campus, the medical center, and the Olentangy corridor, which has restaurants and shops.
• Event days: Traffic around campus can be heavy before and after games and concerts. Allow extra time, and consider a rideshare to avoid arena parking.

What to expect

• Rooms: Holiday Inn Express rooms are typically clean, modern, and functional, with comfortable beds, a work desk, and a TV. They're practical rather than luxurious.
• Breakfast: The brand is known for a complimentary hot breakfast, which saves time and money on busy mornings.
• Amenities: Properties in this brand usually include free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, and often an indoor pool. Confirm the current details when you book.
• Parking: Parking is usually easier and cheaper here than closer to the arena, but check for any fees.

Pros

• Good value compared with hotels right next to the arena
• Free breakfast and consistent brand standards
• Convenient to the campus and medical center
• Easier driving and parking than the busiest event zones

Cons

• Not within walking distance of the arena
• A limited-service hotel, so no full-service restaurant or extensive on-site amenities
• Prices can rise sharply on game days and graduation weekends, and rooms sell out quickly
• Some guests may notice road noise from the main road, so request a quieter room if that matters to you

Best for

• Fans attending games, concerts, or events who want a comfortable, affordable base
• Families and visitors with business at the university or the medical center
• Travelers who value free breakfast and a predictable stay

Bottom line

This is a solid, practical pick if you want reasonable comfort and value within a short drive of the arena. If you want to walk to events or prefer a more upscale experience, look at options closer in. Book early for major event weekends.

Staybridge Suites University Area OSU is an IHG extended-stay property at 3125 Olentangy River Road. It sits roughly 1.2 miles (about 2 km) north of the arena, a short drive or rideshare, and about a 25 to 30 minute walk.

Location and Convenience

• Distance to the venue: It's close enough that a rideshare is quick and cheap on event nights. Walking is possible but not ideal in bad weather or late at night.
• Surroundings: The hotel is on a major corridor along the Olentangy River, near restaurants, shops, and the Ohio State campus. It's less hectic than staying right beside the arena.
• Traffic: Game days and big events can slow the roads, so leave extra time to get back to the hotel.

Rooms and Amenities

• Suite layout: Rooms are studio or one-bedroom suites with a kitchen or kitchenette (fridge, microwave, stovetop, cookware). This helps families, groups, and anyone staying several nights.
• Included perks: IHG's Staybridge brand typically includes free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, and guest laundry. Check the current amenity list when you book.
• Space: Suites are roomier than standard hotel rooms, which is handy if you're carrying event gear, shopping bags, or luggage for a longer trip.

Best For

• Fans attending concerts, games, or campus events who want more space than a standard room.
• Families or groups splitting a suite to save money.
• Visitors on multi-night trips, such as parents' weekends, tournaments, or recruiting visits.
• Travelers who want to cook some meals instead of eating out every night.

Things to Consider

• It is not within easy walking distance of the arena, so plan on a car or rideshare.
• Weekends with major Ohio State events fill up quickly and prices can spike, so book early.
• Extended-stay hotels usually have fewer on-site dining options than full-service hotels. Expect a breakfast area rather than a restaurant.
• Confirm current parking, pet, and cancellation policies directly with the hotel.

Verdict

A practical, comfortable choice if you value space, a kitchen, and included breakfast over being steps from the arena. The short ride to the venue and the quieter surroundings make it a strong value, especially for stays of two nights or more.