StayAreasIs Downtown & Arena District a good place to stay in Columbus?
Yes, especially for business, events and sightseeing. The arena and the river are on hand, though some blocks are quiet at night.
Stay here if
- Business travellers
- Hockey and concert fans
- Families
Look elsewhere if
- You want neighbourhood character
- You want a cheap stay during events
- You want lively streets every night
Hotels in Downtown & Arena District
All Downtown & Arena District hotels on Booking ↗Typical rates for a double outside peak events, not live prices. Updated Oct 2026 · How we rate areas · Booking through our links costs you nothing extra and may earn us a commission. Learn more
Staying in Downtown & Arena District
Downtown and the Arena District are the most convenient place to stay in Columbus for business and events. The Statehouse, the Scioto Mile, Nationwide Arena and the convention centre are within a short walk, and the Short North's restaurants are just north.
The centre is a mix of government offices, riverfront parks and event venues. Lawmakers and lobbyists fill the cafes around Capitol Square on weekdays, families splash in the Scioto Mile fountains in summer, and hockey and concert crowds pack the Arena District's bars at night.
The downside is that parts of downtown are quiet after office hours, and hotels are pricey during big conventions and Ohio State weekends. German Village and Ohio State need a short ride.
What makes downtown worth it is having everything in reach. You can tour the Statehouse, walk the river at sunset and see a Blue Jackets game, then walk to dinner in the Short North.
Getting around
- Ohio Statehouse9walk
- Scioto Mile13walk
- COSI16walk
- Greater Columbus Convention Center16walk
- North Market17walk
- Columbus Museum of Art17walk
- John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)609
Downtown & Arena District questions
Is Downtown & Arena District a good area to stay in Columbus?
Yes, especially for business, events and sightseeing. The arena and the river are on hand, though some blocks are quiet at night. It suits business travellers, hockey and concert fans and families.
How much does a hotel in Downtown & Arena District cost?
A typical double is around $255 a night at a budget hotel, $350 mid-range and $435 for luxury, outside peak events.
How do I get from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) to Downtown & Arena District?
About 609 minutes door to door: Taxi or rideshare from the airport to downtown.
How far is Downtown & Arena District from the main sights?
Door to door from Downtown & Arena District: Ohio Statehouse 9 minutes on foot, Scioto Mile 13 minutes on foot, COSI 16 minutes on foot and Greater Columbus Convention Center 16 minutes on foot.