I have stayed at The Blackwell once a year, 2 years in a row, each extended stays, and each time having btwn 5-10 rooms booked for our group. I coordinate this trip, so I hear all the complaints, or compliments. We are always very happy w our stay. The staff are wonderfully friendly, and like other reviewers have said, genuine. The staff seems genuinely happy to help - this is SO very refreshing! Questions, needs, requests are never a bother or inconvenience - they get its part of their job. Hooray! The rooms are great - from comfy beds to ample work space to awesome bathroom. I *always* have problems w the coffee maker though :( They always send up coffee via room service, but I'd just really prefer to make my own & not greet a stranger in pj's. We've eaten in the hotel restaurant twice, once breakfast, once lunch, each time we've been very pleased. From reading all the other reviews, I'm realizing The Blackwell has WAY more amenities than we were aware of, they can do a MUCH better job ensuring folks know of these, esp the extended stay folks. We''l definitely be taking more advantage of these next year! But all-in-all, this is a GREAT place to stay. We'll be back! read more

It's the little things. I enjoyed staying at this location. Mostly because my event was located on campus and it didn't make sense to spend more money to be near the downtown area and still have to get to campus for my event. It can be at least $50-$60 less than downtown. Cabs came in under 5 minutes. While the decor wasn't the most contemporary or updated there were little things that made the stay worth it - potted REAL plant, chocolates on the bed after turn down and free wifi without some complicated login code. It isn't near Short North, in terms of walking but definitely within 10 min drive. The reason why it isn't 5 stars is because noise travels from the hallways pretty well. It's not fun to hear someone chatting it up on their cell. read more

Great amenities, even better staff! Right across from the shoe and staffed by college students eager to take assist you. Valet parking or third party self parking only, which is to be expected on campus where even staff are required to pay for parking. read more

The bed was super comfortable and clean. This was the cleanest hotel I've ever stayed at, and there have been a lot. Cheers to that (even though you expect cleanliness)! The live plant was a nice touch. Negatives were the noise in the hall, and the hotel was near empty. You could even hear the housekeeping cart move down the hall. Reading these reviews it appears there were amenities I was unaware of/never received. If the price wasn't so high I'd give the Blackwell five stars, but there wasn't a game or anything big going on in Columbus to justify the price. They offer what you expect from any four star hotel at a significantly higher price. For this, I doubt I'll stay here again. read more

I really enjoyed this hotel. The rooms were spacious and the hotel was very clean. In addition, they had morning and evening service. And in the evening they left chocolates in the room (the expensive kind). The amenities in the room were also nice such as the coffee/tea/hot chocolate maker and the television had a massive number of channels. The internet connection in the room and in the meeting rooms were excellent. Finally, the gym was good for a hotel. Big size and a good mixture of aerobic and weight machines. I recommend this place highly. A quick note on my review: I was at the hotel for a meeting with a group that booked multiple rooms. So, I'm not sure on the cost of the room and whether the internet is always free. I'm also not sure if all rooms receive morning and evening service. read more

right on campus. Easily a 4 star hotel that has excellent service. What surprised me was that it is apparently completely run by the school and the students at OSU. They have a valet service which you can use which is $15 a night or you can park at the parking structure right next door and that caps at $10 no matter how long you stay there. Again, it's right on OSU campus so I can't imagine you staying anywhere else except here if you're visiting someone at the school or the school itself. read more

Honestly I never write reviews but I am soooo impressed by the staff and service at Blackwell. I've never met such helpful people at a hotel like them. Yes the hotel is a little older but they really show they go above and beyond to make up for it from the front desk staff to the sheets and pillows to the tiny details of their towels with the amenities in the shower. Thank you to all those who I made my stay beyond wonderful. read more

I stayed here for a wedding I was in. My husband and I arrived at 3pm on the dot and there were no rooms ready. Kind of bummed since we had a ton of stuff to carry up, so we waited in the lobby for about 10 minutes. The room was nice enough, had a lot of desk type space and since we were sharing the room with another couple, that was nice. It had a fridge, that froze everything we put in it, and a speaker dock, that didn't work. There is a keurig to make coffee. No fan in the bathroom, which is not awesome when four people need to take showers and get ready. The bride was on the executive floor which was where we got ready and they have a little snack area set up with a cool coffee maker and pop/juice free for the taking. The housekeeping staff was great. We had the do not disturb on our door and when the one lady saw me going, she stopped and asked if we needed anything for the room. She definitely went out of her way. The paper is also hanging on the door each morning, it was the Columbus Dispatch. Valet parking for $17/night and you just text them when you need your car. It was ready every time I needed it. read more

Nice linens, nice quality toiletries, comfy beds, good location, awesome blackout curtains, but easily the least soundproofed hotel I have ever been in. I heard every closing door, every flushing toilet, every footfall, and every crying baby in the rooms surrounding the one I stayed in. If you're a heavy sleeper or use earplugs you'll enjoy fine, otherwise I hope you like the various sounds of plumbing because you'll be hearing it all night long. read more

This hotel was pretty nice, but I don't feel like any thing "wowed" me during my stay. They have a shuttle service to and from the airport as well as a local shuttle service that takes you within a 3 mile radius. This was really nice and convenient because it meant that I did not have to rent a car. The service was mostly timely (give or take 5 min) and dependable, a definite plus. Everyone that worked there that I came across was obviously a student. As a student myself, I completely get it but I think it potentially affected the quality of service I received, which I will explain below. However, there are two things about this particular hotel that stood out in a negative light. First, when I pulled back my sheets, there was a makeup stain on them. Not okay. Another issue I had was I had to be at the medical center by 7a, along with two other people (we each had our own rooms). We asked one of the drivers if it would be possible, as their car service typically starts at 7a. He's mentioned that exceptions have been made in the past and to inquire to the front desk regarding it. When we asked the front desk about it, they stated they could not take us prior to 7a. Seems silly to me that they couldn't make an exception for a 5 minute drive for three paying customers. I couldn't help but wonder if the management at more investment in their job (aka it was a career vs just a job for a student), if that would have been permitted. The walls are really thin, to the point where I could hear the lock motor unlocking when a person in the hallway swiped their card to unlock it. I definitely woke up a few times due to noise - people weren't particularly loud, the walls were just thin. Overall, a clean room, nothing particular specular but nothing amazing either. I probably wouldn't stay here again if other hotels were comparable. read more

I'm a guest in the hotel as I wrote this. The hotel is nice and the rooms are renovated but the air conditioning does not work at all. I requested engineering to look at it twice but they said it was working fine but, it's not. They said it's water cooled and if the hotel switched over to winter then it would not get any cooler. Well it's an 8 story hotel so you should never turn off the air for winter. Sleeping in over 70 degree heat is not comfortable. There are many hotels very close by so I would stay there if you want air conditioning. read more

Second stay at the Blackwell, the staff are extremely friendly and helpful, if you can make it to the bistro, go, fantastic food. Great location and reasonable pricing, not in the city center, but there's plenty to do around there. read more

reasonably priced boutique-y hotel with clean rooms and friendly staff. Valet parking only-so add that to the cost. Skip the over-priced restaurant read more

The hotel room offers the same amenities as a comparable room in the city. It's the experience you get here that makes it 5 star worthy. The little things really count: the robes, turn down service with chocolates, and excellent customer service. We will try to stay here for all our trips to Columbus! read more

This hotel is a great place to stay. I wish when I was there I had more time and energy to explore all it had to offer, so I can only comment on what I experienced. Front desk check in: quick, friendly, efficient. Valet parking guys: super nice and quick. The room was very clean. They left chocolates on the nightstand when I went out for the evening. The only drawback, and this is just me, was that my room had a shower only. I would have liked a tub/shower combo. Next time I will ask. If I go to Columbus again, Blackwell is on my list. Oh, and the wi-fi was awesome, thank God. read more

blackwell is the hotel that you root for it's the independent bookstore next to b&n it's the immaculate caffeination next to starbucks the rooms are nice, they are trying so very hard, but sometimes, you wonder why they don't quite have their act together read more

Clean, newer, great location. So why 1 star? Quite simply THE most uncomfortable bed Ive ever (tried) slept in. Mattress is firm like a slab of granite. The pillows are stuffed so think and full of concrete that my neck is twisted to the point that I hope I pass out from the pain just to get some shut eye. I went to school at OSU and honestly, my dorm mattress was easier to sleep on. Blackwell, get some decent beds. I am rarely envious of the homeless but I promise you that a piece of cardboard laid over gravel is at least 3x more comfortable. Oh, and please allow patrons to control a fan in their rooms on these thermostats. read more

We stayed here on a Friday night when we were in town for a show at the Newport. There was some sort of conference going on, so it took a minute to get checked in and then we had to push through a crowd of lingering humans to get to the elevators. Aside from that struggle, there wasn't much wrong with our stay. The room was fairly large and clean from what I could tell. The shower was a little weird and I felt a bit like I was in my grandma's bathtub, but other than that, it got the job done! Of note: there was a strange humming in the walls. I thought it was maybe someone using an electric razor or a vibrator, but it went on and on and on...and once I heard it, I couldn't distract my ears from it. Overall, a good place and I'm sure we'll be staying here again in the future. read more

Stayed here over the weekend for a wedding. Because the wedding party had rented a lot of rooms, they were offering a discounted rate for a room. I'm not sure what they are usually are, but my room with a single King size bed came out to $110 per night. Parking for two nights was $20, I think. You can park in the garage just North and literally next to the building or you can valet. If you are staying overnight, park your car on the upper levels. The lower ones are used for others not staying overnight. The hotel is very clean. I was in multiple different rooms during my time here and did not see anything out of place or bad that stood out. The bed was comfortable and looked and felt clean. I had everything I needed in order to iron my suit and shirts. The bathroom was clean and the shower was nice. I didn't use the TV, so I can't comment on that. They had an older radio with an iPhone dock, but the dock is for iPhone 4S or before. I wasn't spending a ton of time in the hotel, so it wasn't a problem for me. I accidentally left my jacket at the hotel in the closet. I called and spoke to the housekeeping/lost and found group who located it and shipped it to me for a small fee. I appreciated their prompt and speedy shipping. I received it the next day. It's a solid hotel and it's right on campus. You could get cheaper, but you can't get a better proximity to Ohio State. read more

So I should start by saying that I haven't been to The Blackwell for a stay, but I have been to a couple of events here. In that regard, it's a very nice space. It's easily accessible, especially considering that it's on campus. All of the employees that I've interacted with here have been happy to provide assistance and/or direction as well. read more

Had business on OSU campus and The Blackwell came highly recommended for it's convenient location. The lobby was much nicer than expected, albeit a little small. There were a lot of athletes staying in the hotel that night and when 15 or so of them are hanging in the lobby -- it makes for a tight squeeze. To the side is a bar that served really delicious food (especially when you take into consideration that it is a hotel). The room was very clean and tastefully decorated. Apparently there is turndown service and the attendant leaves chocolate and a weather report card though somehow my room was missed :-( Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by The Blackwell and will without a doubt stay here next time I am in town! read more

Expect to catch a bite before the 3pm checkin to your room. Don't. I should have eaten at the airport. Hanging around for 3 hours to get a room. read more

Disappointing trip to Columbus. I stayed at the Blackwell (ok hotel, with comfy beds and thin walls). However, when I checked out the next morning, I found the window in my truck had been broken out, and numerous items were stolen, all while stored in their "secure and costly" valet parking. The valet pulled it up outside, parked it at the curb and not a word was said to me as I checked out of the hotel. I simply walked outside and saw the disaster. I had to go back to the front desk and ask them what had happened. They did not reimburse me for my stay nor the valet charge (for one night). No future comp's were added. I will never stay there again. read more

Rooms are large, well appointed, clean and comfortable. Location is excellent on OSU campus, gym is good, restaurant and lounge are top-notch. They hosted our medical conference with smiles and great service. Don't believe the "low" reviews. This is no Four Seasons, but it's the best in Columbus, Ohio and would love to stay here again. The Hilton down the street was a nightmare. read more

I have stayed here a few times while visiting an OSU student. The customer service never ceases to amaze me! The staff is friendly and courteous every time! I highly recommend this hotel! read more

The Sunday buffet was good, great variety and good quality of food. The staff was TERRIBLE. At the buffet they were unsure of items (whipped cream or butter?) and were not very personable. The dining room staff did not clear plates and had to be flagged down multiple times for a drink refill with a 30% capacity dining room. Gratuity of 20% was added to our buffet bill for a group of eight. read more

i stayed here over a weekend when i was traveling to Cbus for a 2nd interview with OSU. i agree with everyone else that the doorman/front door staff were not as attentive but they are teenagers. i called for my car well in advance but it was not there a few of the times. the room was clean, the breakfast buffet was really good and they even would give you a to go cup of coffee for the road. the dinner was good though the menu was limited, the staff were very attentive. rooms were clean and the gym was clean as well read more

Awesome hotel. Why? Because EVERYBODY here is super nice. They anticipate your every need. From turning down your bed, to a forgotten toothbrush, to passes to the athletic center. The rooms are spacious and super clean. The price per night is fairly reasonable. Good place and folks! read more

The staff went above and beyond, helping me coordinate my stay and get little things accomplished. The shuttle from the airport is great, runs about ever 90 minutes, just have to call ahead. A pretty good setup to avoid renting a car if OSU is the focus of your stay. Everyone I worked with was friendly and professional. read more

I absolutely enjoyed my stay at the Blackwell. I've stayed here a few times as I have a student at the University and it's very conveniently located on campus. The majority of the front desk help are University students, extremely polite, very helpful, and courteous from the minute you pull into the front entrance. The Hotel has a car you can use if need be, and there is also a hotel shuttle that will take you where you need to go within a few miles, with free transportation to and from the Airport. Who needs a car?? Anything you ask for, they seem to always have the right response, so helpful. You have a morning newspaper at your door every morning and your bed is turned down for you at night. Rooms are very clean and bathrooms well equipped. Great coffee, and tea in the room. The Hotel Restaurant has wonderful food. Although it is a little higher in price in comparison to a few of the others around the area, the amenities that are included make up the difference, and the service is so worth it. I highly recommend the Blackwell. read more

You couldn't find a better place to stay if visiting The Ohio State campus. The room was beautiful - very large with every amenity you can imagine, including a scale. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. The location is within walking distance of all sports venues and the campus. read more

The hotel, itself, was above average. Rooms were clean and comfortable, and the hotel was easy to navigate. We met at the Conference Center next to the hotel, which was great for the purposes of our meeting. One large meeting room with breakout rooms nearby. The setup was just perfect for my company's retreat. I wouldn't hesitate to stay there again. read more

Fantastic experience! Their car service was extremely convenient. Well kept rooms, great atmosphere and excellent service. Plus the fact that the entire hotel staff is college students at OSU, I was extremely impressed. read more

My husband and I stayed here November 10, 2014 and were extremely impressed with the quality of service and the hotel in general. First, on check in, we mentioned we were running late for a concert that we were headed to and they instantly offered up their shuttle to take us, as well as drop our luggage in the room so we could head straight there. The front desk staff was friendly, engaging, and helpful. We visited their lounge following the concert and the bartender was excellent. Our room was extremely spacious, had an excellent lay out, and a very plush king bed. The valet was prompt with our car, and everything about our stay makes us want to come back. Thank you for such an enjoyable evening. read more