Hotels in Columbus That Allow 18-Year-Olds to Check-In

By: Alexander Backus
Updated: March 23, 2024

When you travel to Columbus, Ohio, as an 18-year-old, you need to make sure you'll be able to find a hotel room for your stay.

This guide will give you the information to find suitable hotels in Columbus that allow 18-year-olds to check-in.

Hotels in Columbus with 18+ Check-in

3 Star Hotels:

1. Drury Inn & Suites Columbus Polaris

The hotel is situated 8.9 miles from Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, 12 miles from Ohio Historical Center, and Natural Resources Park.

All rooms have an LCD TV, microwave, refrigerator, and desk. The hotel also offers a hot tub and a 24-hour fitness center.

  • Free WiFi
  • Free Hot Breakfast 
  • Swimming pool
  • 24-hour front desk

2. The Urban 

Experience modern urban living at its finest in this stylish property. Its contemporary design, upscale amenities, and vibrant atmosphere offer a unique and memorable stay in a prime location.

The location is 2.3 miles from Natural Resources Park, Ohio Historical Center, and Italian Village.

  • Free WiFi
  • Fitness center and wellness facilities
  • Restaurant serving contemporary cuisine
  • Rooms with a fridge, microwave, and desk

3. Red Roof Inn PLUS+ Columbus Downtown - Convention Center

Red Roof Inn is located right near the Columbus Convention Center and around 4 miles from Ohio State University.

Each room is equipped with a flat-screen cable TV, work desk, microwave, coffee machine, and refrigerator.

  • City view
  • Fitness center
  • 24-hour front desk
  • Free WiFi in all areas of the hotel
  • Smoke-free except for a designated smoking area

4. Drury Plaza Hotel Columbus Downtown

This Drury Inn & Suites is a short walk away from the Greater Columbus Convention Center.

All rooms have a microwave, refrigerator, and flat-screen TV. Free popcorn and sodas are served daily in the lobby. Guests can also enjoy several nearby restaurants.

  • Newly Renovated
  • Free Hot Breakfast
  • Free WiFi
  • Indoor/Outdoor Pool & Hottub

5. Red Roof Inn PLUS+ Columbus - Ohio State University OSU

This Red Roof Inn is near the university and 5 miles from the Greater Columbus Convention Center.

In each room, guests will find a flat-screen TV with cable channels and a coffee machine provided for their convenience.

  • 24-hour reception
  • Vending machines
  • Restaurants nearby
  • Free WiFi throughout the hotel
  • Smoke-free property with a designated smoking area

4 Star Hotels:

6. Graduate Columbus

The Graduate Columbus is just an 8-minute walk from the Italian Village. The property is also conveniently located around a mile from BalletMet and Ohio Theater.

Guest rooms boast a sitting area, desk, flat-screen TV, and free WiFi.

  • 2 restaurants
  • Free bikes
  • Fitness Center
  • Baggage storage
  • 24-hour front desk

7. Hilton Columbus Downtown

Located in the heart of downtown Colombus, the hotel is only 7 miles from the airport and 2 miles away from Ohio State University.

Every room comes with a flat-screen TV, a refrigerator, and complimentary WiFi.

  • Indoor swimming pool
  • 2 restaurants and coffee shop on-site
  • Fitness center
  • 24-hour front desk
  • On-site convenience store

2 Star Hotels:

8. Days Inn by Wyndham Columbus East Airport 

With comfortable accommodations and a location near the airport and popular destinations, it's perfect for leisure and business travelers.

Guest rooms are equipped with air conditioning, free WiFi, a flat-screen TV, a desk, and a coffee maker.

  • Restaurant
  • Outdoor swimming pool
  • Guest laundry facilities
  • 24-hour front desk assistance

9. Motel 6 - Columbus, OH - West 

Discover comfort and affordability at this convenient motel. Offering clean and comfortable rooms, friendly service, and easy access to local attractions, it's an ideal choice for budget-conscious travelers.

  • Free Coffee
  • Coin Laundry
  • Free WiFi access
  • Vending Machines
  • Free Expanded Cable

10. Motel 6 - Columbus, OH - OSU

This Motel 6 is just 1 mile from Ohio State University and 8 miles away from downtown Columbus.

The hotel provides newly renovated, tidy rooms equipped with free WiFi, a coffee maker, and an HD Cable TV featuring HBO.

  • Bathtubs
  • Fitness Center
  • 24-hour front desk
  • Vending machines
  • Smoking and non-smoking rooms

FAQs

Will I need an ID to check in as an 18-year-old?

You will need to present your ID to check in to any hotel. Check with the hotel if you have any questions about acceptable forms of identification. 

Will I need a credit card to check in as an 18-year-old?

Most hotels require you to present a credit card at check-in even if you have already paid for the room online.

They want to ensure payment for any charges you incur, from room service to damage. Some hotels also accept debit cards.

How old do you have to be to rent a hotel room in Columbus?

You must be at least 18 to rent a hotel room in Columbus, Ohio. However, hotels can set their policies and often have a minimum check-in age of 21.

Always check the hotel's policy before booking a room. If you want to save time, choose from the list of 18+ hotels above.

Is it legal for an 18-year-old to check in to a hotel?

Depending on the hotel's policy, it is legal for an 18-year-old to check-in. Some hotels you can book at 18, but most require guests to be 21.

Why do most hotels in Columbus have an age requirement of 21?

Many hotels have a higher age requirement because of insurance rates or legal liability issues of underage drinking or irresponsible behavior usually associated with younger guests. 

18+ Hotels in other cities in Ohio: