Fill your vacation with fresh air and sunshine with time picnicking and walking at Lincoln Park. Head to Mill Race Park to take in views of downtown Columbus from the observation tower, visit the covered bridge, and catch a concert at the amphitheater. The Donner Park Aquatics Center offers a welcome place to splash around, while the Hamilton Community Center & Ice Arena offers chillier fun.
Delve into the history of the area with a visit to the Atterbury-Bakalar Air Museum, Atterbury-Muscatatuck Museums, and Bartholomew County History Center. If you're a fan of sculpture, you can spend days making new discoveries in Columbus, from the 30-foot high Chaos I sculpture in The Commons, to the Celebration sculpture in the Foundation of Youth lobby, to Chihuly's Yellow Neon Chandelier in the Columbus Area Visitors Center.
Columbus lets you slip easily into a slower pace of life as you uncover its diverse highlights. Book your hotel and begin exploring this Midwestern city yourself.
When to Visit Columbus, Indiana
Columbus, Indiana, experiences four very different seasons, so you should time your trip accordingly, particularly if you're planning on taking in its outdoor attractions. Winter here is cold and snowy with average highs in the upper 30s and low 40s, and lows that can dip below 20 degrees. The average annual snowfall in Columbus is 17 inches.
In spring, Columbus warms gradually with average highs of 42 degrees in February, 52 in March, 64 in April, and 74 by May. Monthly precipitation increases steadily through these months as well. While you might find pleasant temperatures around April and May, be prepared for muddy trails in the parks.
Summer highs are typically in the mid to upper 80s, with average lows in the 60s. The weather is drier, offering an excellent opportunity to explore the local parks system if you don't mind the heat. Keep in mind that summer is one of the busier seasons in Columbus, as families flock to its recreational facilities during their school vacations.
Autumn is one of the most picturesque times to visit Columbus as the temperatures drop and the leaves change. The average highs fall from 79 in September to 67 in October and 54 in November. Time your visit right and you can catch Columbus and nearby destinations like Brown County in a riot of fall colors.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Columbus, IN:
Columbus, IN: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below we've posted 3 graphs illustrating avg. price patterns by star rating class in Columbus, IN. Browse these line graphs to calculate the most cost effective time to book in Columbus for your upcoming travels.
Luxury Hotels in Columbus, Indiana
4 Star Average Prices: $239.00
The Inn at Irwin Gardens is the most luxurious pick in Columbus. Housed in an elegant 1910 Edwardian mansion, the inn offers bed and breakfast-style accommodations surrounded by picturesque gardens. Accommodations at the inn include two spacious guest rooms and three suites. Every room is unique, with its own distinctive features, from the wraparound shower lit by a skylight in the W.G. Irwin Bachelor's Suite to the stocked bookcases in Clementine Tangeman's Garden View Suite.
The Hotel Indigo Columbus Architectural Center hotel offers a strikingly modern experience. The fitness center includes a diverse selection of equipment including Bosu balls, yoga blocks, spinners, and treadmills. An indoor pool offers a soothing place to unwind in any season. Guest rooms feature contemporary designs and bold colors, with pops of cobalt, coral, and lime complementing a chic combination of black and white.
On-site dining is available at Hotel Indigo's Gallery Bar and Bistro. This restaurant and lounge serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner using locally sourced ingredients for a fresh and distinctive flavor. If you don't feel like venturing beyond your cozy room, you can also order room service.
Affordable Hotels in Columbus, Indiana
3 Star Average Prices: $122.30
If you're looking for low-cost lodging, you'll find plenty of picks in Columbus. These affordable hotels give you a comfortable place to stay without draining your wallet. The Super 8 Columbus is one of the best budget options in the city. All guests get a free breakfast in the morning to further trim their travel expenses. Select rooms also feature a microwave and refrigerator. Complimentary WiFi throughout makes it easy to stay connected and plan your next adventure.
At the Motel 6 Columbus, you'll find all non-smoking rooms with wood-effect floors. High speed WiFi and free expanded cable will keep you entertained. Micro-fridges are on hand for an additional fee if you want to keep snacks and drinks in your room. Pets are allowed at this hotel, making it a prime choice if you're travelling with furry friends.
Try the Days Inn – Columbus IN if you're looking for an affordable hotel that's equipped to handle business travelers. The hotel has a business center and meeting facilities available. Rooms include a microwave and refrigerator. Complimentary WiFi makes it easy keep up with work, and the free USA Today newspaper will make sure you never fall behind on the latest news.
2 Star Average Prices: $91.46
The Best Hotel Discounts in Columbus, Indiana
Loyalty programs are one of the smartest ways to get hotel discounts, particularly if you're a frequent traveler. Staying with the same chain for every trip will help you amass useful points and cash in on money-saving rewards.
Remember that many different hotel chains fall under the same management company and share rewards programs. For example, you can earn or use your Wyndham Rewards at the Super 8 Columbus or Days Inn Columbus. These hotels also offer discounts for AAA, CAA, and AARP members.
The Sleep Inn & Suites, Comfort Inn & Suites, and Clarion Hotel and Conference Center all participate in the Choice Privileges program. If you're a member of this rewards program, you'll have several picks at your disposal in Columbus.
Cash in your Marriott Rewards at the Courtyard Columbus Tipton Lakes. This hotel also offers discounts for AAA and CAA members, seniors, government employees, and military personnel. Special deals like breakfast packages offer more ways to save.
Best Value Hotels in Columbus, Indiana
If you're after a mid-priced hotel that's packed with amenities, you'll find several value picks in Columbus. The Sleep Inn & Suites and Comfort Inn & Suites offer very similar accommodations with a free hot breakfast, complimentary WiFi, and convenient guest laundry facilities. If you're visiting during one of Columbus's cooler seasons, you may prefer the Sleep Inn & Suites for its heated indoor pool and sauna. In summer, the heated outdoor pool at the Comfort Inn & Suites may have more allure.
The Clarion Hotel and Conference Center offers a wealth of amenities for both business and pleasure. If you're looking for entertainment, you'll find a heated indoor pool, hot tub, ping pong, pool table, putting green, and fitness room. Rooms feature microwaves and refrigerators so you can add more value to your stay by keeping snacks and small meals on hand. Business travelers can take advantage of the guest use fax and copy machine and business center.
The Courtyard Columbus Tipton Lakes offers a wealth of perks beginning with the comfortable guest rooms featuring microwaves, mini-refrigerators, complimentary wireless internet access, and 42-inch TVs with premium movie channels, CNN, and ESPN. On-site dining is available at The Bistro, where you can grab a casual breakfast or dinner. A convenience store can supply your other needs during your stay.
At the La Quinta Inn & Suites in Columbus, you'll have access to an indoor pool and spa, 24-hour fitness center, business center, and bar. Head outside and relax on the sun deck or gather around the fire pit. At night, the Simmons Beautyrest mattress will lull you to sleep, while the Bright Side Breakfast gives your day a great start.
Getting Around Columbus, Indiana
You may not need a car to experience Columbus, Indiana highlights during your visit, particularly if you don't mind working up a bit of a sweat as you make your way around town. Columbus offers a bike share program known as ColumBIKE, with seven kiosks around the city. Bikes are $4 for an hour or $8 for the whole day, offering an affordable way to get around town with your own two legs.
The ColumBUS system offers another convenient option, six days a week. The buses here operate on five fixed routes. They run from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on weekdays, and 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturdays. If you're planning on using the buses as your primary means of transportation while you're in town, it's important to note that they don't run on Sundays. You can purchase a bus pass at the Transit Center for just $5 for 25 rides.
If you're looking for a memorable escape to southern Indiana, head to Columbus for the vacation you're after. You'll find a diverse selection of attractions and hotels, so you can build the perfect trip for business, pleasure, or a bit of both.
FAQs about hotels in Columbus
How much does a cheap hotel in Columbus cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel in Columbus can be as cheap as $91.46 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel in Columbus cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel in Columbus has been $122.30 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 4-5 star hotel in Columbus cost?
In the last year, the average 4 star hotel in Columbus has been $239.00 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
What did travelers think of the city of Columbus?
Below are reviews of the city of Columbus, IN from an actual visitor's perspective.
"Close to Outlet Mall and shopping in Nashville!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Close to Outlet Mall and shopping in Nashville!
Alan B., from 16-Oct-2024
"Cute, Quaint, Clean!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Small town feel but with access to everything you need. Cute, quaint and clean.
Valerie B., from 19-Jun-2024
"The room was clean, comfortable. The staff was friendly."
Score
5.0 / 5
The room was clean, comfortable. The staff was friendly. My daughter and her husband live in Nashville, and she works in Columbus.
Robert M., from 14-May-2024
"The room was clean, comfortable. The staff was friendly. "
Score
4.0 / 5
The room was clean, comfortable. The staff was friendly. Cool little town!
Mike D., from 23-Apr-2024
"Staff was friendly and the room was clean. "
Score
4.0 / 5
Staff was friendly and the room was clean. Just stayed at the hotel, passing through.
Frank S., from 15-Apr-2024
"Nice Christmas Lights"
Score
4.0 / 5
Nice Christmas lights
Donna S., from 02-Jan-2024
"Good Location Near Brown County State Park"
Score
5.0 / 5
Close to Brown County State Park. Plenty of food options. Close to 450 North.
Ashley P., from 08-Oct-2023
"Neon and strip malls and chain stores!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Neon and strip malls and chain stores!
Diane P., from 02-Oct-2023
"Brown County State Park "
Score
5.0 / 5
Local golf courses. Brown County State Park. Downtown Nashville, Indiana!
Theresa D., from 16-Aug-2023
"Close to Indiana University & Brown County State Park!"
Score
4.0 / 5
I have always loved to visit Columbus. Great shopping, eating places, close to Indiana University and Brown County State Park!
Lisa K., from 17-Jul-2023
"Brown County State Park"
Score
5.0 / 5
We were going to Brown County State Park and Nashville.
Dan D., from 14-Jun-2023
"Room was very clean very comfortable."
Score
5.0 / 5
Room was very clean very comfortable. Had auto trouble and Bell Tire near Sleep Inn taken good care of it. Good job. City much larger than I envisioned. Did not see much of the city. But, what I saw, the city looked prosperous and well kept.
Haldon R., from 19-Feb-2023
"Kids Commons & Zaharakos Ice Cream Parlor"
Score
4.0 / 5
The Kids Commons and Zaharakos ice cream parlor.
Holly C., from 01-Jan-2023
"Clean, comfortable room and beds."
Score
5.0 / 5
Beautiful, clean, convenient little town. Everyone I met was so pleasant & kind!
Bobette W., from 21-Oct-2022
"Nice place to visit!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Nice place to visit!
Susan B., from 07-Jul-2022
"Excellent!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Excellent food, excellent business atmosphere.
Andrew S., from 25-Feb-2022
"Nice City with Good Restaurants"
Score
4.0 / 5
A lot of nice places to eat, and the city gives you that comfort of a good down home feeling.
Abby R., from 04-Sep-2019
"The architecture, of course!"
Score
4.0 / 5
It's a great little town to tour the architecture that it's known for.
Sheri M., from 19-Feb-2019
"Great Hotel!"
Score
4.0 / 5
We stayed in Greensburg and didn't spend any time in Columbus except for youth ballparks.
Amy V., from 08-Jul-2018
"Great Place To Visit!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Nice area.. lots to do.
Trisha G., from 26-May-2016
The average traveler rating of the city of Columbus, IN shown above is
4.6 out of 5 based on 20 reviews