Where to Stay in Columbus, Indiana: Find the Right Stay for Your Trip

Great for: First-time visitors, couples, architecture lovers, and weekend getaways

If experiencing Columbus' uniqueness is on the top of your priority list, staying downtown will put you near many of its offerings. Architecture, public art, locally owned shops and restaurants, and the Visitors Center are all nearby, making it easy to head out and explore.

Hotel Indigo brings a colorful, design-forward stay to downtown Columbus. Its central location puts you within easy walking distance of downtown attractions, architecture, shopping, and dining. When you would rather stay in, the hotel’s Gallery Bar & Grill offers a convenient spot for a meal or drink without leaving the property.

For a more intimate lodging experience, The Inn at Irwin Gardens offers a stay surrounded by Columbus history and nature. The preserved historic home, filled with antiques, features its own formal garden and is just a short walk from downtown shops and restaurants.

Choose downtown if: You want to be in the heart of Columbus, close to architecture, dining, shopping, and nightlife.

Great for: Road trips, families, tournament weekends, and visitors exploring the region

Just off Interstate 65, on Columbus’ west side, is a collection of hotels that make coming and going from the city easy. Only minutes from downtown, these hotels position you for adventures in and out of Columbus, including a day trip to Brown County.

This area includes several familiar hotel options, including properties designed to give guests extra space and amenities. For those who need a suite with kitchens, flexible spaces, or extended stays, a hotel like Home2 Suites by Hilton may be the perfect fit.

Choose Exit 68 if: You want a convenient home base with quick access to both downtown Columbus and I-65.

Great for: Shopping weekends, road trips, families, and visitors traveling to or from Indianapolis

On the north side of Columbus, right off Exit 76, is another cluster of well-known hotels, conveniently located near the Indiana Premium Outlets and Interstate 65. If shopping is part of your itinerary, staying near Exit 76 provides you with easy access to the Outlet Mall, antique shopping, dining, and family-friendly entertainment.

You can also add a little friendly competition to your trip at ChampionZone USA, where golf simulators, games, and the Patriot Café make it an easy stop for families, groups, and anyone looking for something fun to do indoors. From there, downtown Columbus is just a short drive away for architecture, dining, shopping, and more.

The area includes properties such as Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Best Western, and Comfort Inn.

Choose Exit 76 if: You want convenient interstate access, with shopping, dining, and entertainment nearby and downtown Columbus just a short drive away.

Great for: Groups, families, longer visits, and travelers who want a local feel

Do you prefer a kitchen, extra bedrooms, or a little more privacy? A vacation rental may be the better fit.

Around Bartholomew County, visitors can find everything from downtown lofts to homes and quiet countryside stays. Rentals can be especially helpful for family gatherings, tournament weekends, and longer trips when having a kitchen and additional living space makes travel easier.

Choose a vacation rental if: You'd rather settle in and live like a local for a few days.

Great for: Outdoor lovers, families, sports weekends, and travelers looking to unplug

If you’d rather wake up surrounded by trees, spend the evening around a campfire, or have outdoor recreation right outside your door, there are plenty of options in Columbus and nearby Brown County.

CERAland Park offers RV and tent camping, seasonal and winterized sites, and lakefront cabins. Better yet, recreation is built right into your stay, with an aquatic center, miniature golf, fishing, disc golf, pickleball, playgrounds, and more around the property.

For even more outdoor options, head west toward Brown County, where you’ll find everything from campgrounds and RV sites to rustic cabins and cottage-style stays. Brown County State Park offers hundreds of campsites, along with hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and other outdoor recreation, while nearby properties offer additional cabin and camping experiences.

Choose an outdoor stay if: You want your lodging to be part of the adventure, with easy access to trails, recreation, and the natural beauty surrounding Columbus.