Holiday Inn, Columbus

I spent three weeks at the HIOTL in Sept, Oct, and Nov of 2008; during a conference. The staff was fantastic. The food was okay to good. The hotel was fine. I am sad to hear that it has closed.

The Holiday Inn on the Lane (aka Holiday Inn - OSU) is closed for business. It was sold to OSU and is being converted into a dorm.

I was a guest many times at this hotel and also an employee there for 9 years. I had my wedding and reception there in 2006 and it was so beautiful! The Holiday Inn staff that worked at this hotel were all like family and unfortunately as of March 30, 2009 our doors were closed forever and is being transformed into a dorm for OSU students. This was a very sad loss for all of us staff as well as our loyal custumers. We all have great memories that we will cherish forever and Im so sad that this landmark hotel is no longer part of our lives. As far as the owners of this hotel they ended up being real lowlifes, none of us were offered severince pay or any thing to that nature. The wonderful people that I worked with at this hotel always went above and beyond to please our guest and make them feel that we really cared. The owners of this hotel seemed to have little care for the hard workers who put their heart into all the work they performed for this company. The Food and Beverage Manager Marty Simms was the best boss any employee could ever ask for and he never halfway did his job. He expected us all to enjoy the work we done and wouldnt settle for anything less then the best for his customers and his staff. Marty Simms was at times a stern man but he believed in what he did.

When in town for an OSU athletic event at either Ohio Stadium or Schottenstein Center, this is the perfect location as you can walk to both venues as well as campus, Wendell's Restaurant, and Varsity Club bar. Great views of campus buildings and Lane Avenue bridge/Olentangy River. However, the property is very old, and while it has clearly been kept up better than other Holiday Inns around the midwest, it still has a decaying feel to it. The elevators struggle to make it up and down the 9+ floors; restaurant seemed very crammed (not due to being busy) in the corner of the main level, and the pool is hidden and not in very good condition. Attached parking garage is nice, as is the main lobby area which serves as a great spot for meeting guests. There is a 7-Eleven immediately next to the hotel. Rooms were in pretty good condition, though the bed was hard and pillows not comfortable at all.

I liked that it it is run by local people who really know the area. the staff were really helpful with directions and recommending the best restaurants in the area and even printed up several menus from restaurants. I was surprised at all the free parking at the hotel right on campus. Nice clean, spacious rooms. Comfortable beds.

No fresh air, windows sealed, new experience! Stayed one week and after 3 days I got a headache. You have to be really healthy. Staff friendly.