both hostel managers, Trey and James made my stay smooth and comfortable! I'll stay there again if I'm ever in Columbus.

Beware of this place - great online management but poor quality on the ground I have stayed in hostels all across the world, but I have never come across a place this unprofessional, unkempt, and neglected. The hostel has very poor quality service and is a complete ripoff. I paid $90 for a private room without a private bathroom. The room was very small and dirty. The windows and blinds were dusty. The bathrooms do not even have paper napkin towels. I didn't eat breakfast for all four days of my stay because it was just bad-quality, unhealthy food that you had to "self-serve" every morning right from the fridge. The porch is dirty and dusty. During my four-day stay, I never saw any hostel staff or anyone at the reception desk. The guests have to keep waiting outside and trying the phone numbers in the hope that someone will come and open the front door for them. I have never felt so disappointed with any hostel like that! Stay away from the private rooms at least. read more

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If I could give 0 stars, I would. We arrived at the check in time of 3pm and couldn't check in because we never received the email with check in directions/door code. We walked around the location and found that this place looks nothing like the photos and the listing on every site where it is advertised is false advertising and misleading. The hot tub in the photos looks very nice and well maintained, however in reality it has maybe a foot of water and is dirty, with the cover broken in half. (See attached photos) There is also concerning electric wires on the back of the hostel that are exposed and surely not up to code. I would not recommend staying here. We never actually received the check in email to even enter the hostel at all and there was no one available to get us checked in. The owner claims it was sent, but it was not in my junk email and I looked multiple times. In the interest of time to make it to a concert that evening for which we were in town, we had to book another place at our expense. The property owner claimed the hot tub is "currently down while we wait for a part that's on back order" however as a hot tub owner myself, this hot tub has clearly been out of commission for quite some time and is not being maintained well. It's unfortunate that we couldn't get refunded what we paid to book the hostel, and that people would rather scam a family out of $100 than do the right thing. See the attached photos for the exposed electrical wiring, hot tub that does not match the listing, and the front of the hostel that is nowhere near as well maintained as it appears in the listing photos. read more

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Cheapest option by far in Columbus, too bad it wasn't very good. Everything is managed virtually - after paying (book directly on their website for better pricing), you get an email with info in the afternoon. Codes for the front and back door, as well as for your room and bed assignment. My bed was in a 5-bed dorm, three single beds upstairs in the attic and I got the bottom of the bunk bed downstairs. There are 3 bathrooms shared among the dorms, they're decently clean. No curtains on the bed, very bare-bones. Common areas are comfortable and big, wifi works just fine. The ovens are old and need to have a fire on all the time. Not much fridge space due to lots of space taken up for the breakfast items. There's parking in the back, but the second day I drove out, my tire was flat and my friend it looks like a slashed tire. Was a hassle to fix, doesn't seem like the hostel is very secure. read more

My mom and I spent one night here when we came to see Odeza, oh my goodness that was the best sleep I've had away from home, the house was very clean and neat, I only meet 3 other people who were also staying there and they were genuine and friendly. My bed was scrupulously cozy, it was a great temperature and very nice room. The rest of the house was wonderful and I will definitely be staying here again when I am visiting again!!!! read more

Stayed for a few days in January. Very clean, good vibes, the staff is attentive. There are three bathrooms, laundry, two televisions with everything and good heat in the coldest days of winter. Felt very safe, they keep the lights on in the common areas at all times. Bar crawl was fun, the pierogi restaurant three blocks away was just like home. Will definitely stay again next time in Columbus. read more

Absolute amazing hostel experience! Booking: I went through booking.com for attending the Arnold Sports Festival the 1st weekend in March. Changed my mind and ended up making 3 separate bookings. Robbie was fantastic and assisted me with "combining" bookings so I would not have to switch rooms/beds every night. He was extremely polite, kind, and responsive! Check-in/Out: A bit different, but no issues experienced for me. There was an envelope with check-in and room assignment instructions. I followed the directions and made it to my room perfectly fine. I sent a Check-out notice/text to Robbie when I left and headed on home. Super easy! Property/Room: It is an older property converted from a duplex maybe. Has a lot of character and felt homey. I loved it. It was very clean for hostel standards. My room was pretty spacious as well. Breakfast: Continental style with breads cereal oatmeal and yogurt. There was a Kurig to fulfill your caffeinated needs :) Overall, I would absolutely book again! read more

1st time staying in a hostel. I was kinda of worried the guy made it very relaxing. Came up for the Buckeyes night game vs Michigan State. Robbie had a nice spread of free beer & liquor. The place was nice clean. Great nice . I I be back read more

Was in town for a conference and ended up staying here. The staff was awesome. The dorm, bathroom, and showers were clean. Self service lockers are available. There are a few parking spaces in back, and street parking in the surrounding area. Will definitely be back next time I'm in town. read more

Last month I went to Columbus for a convention but I didn't want to spend the money at the convention center hotel. When I arrived, Jeremy greeted me warmly, gave me a tour of the hostel and helped carry my bags up-stairs. There is an awesome kitchen that guests can use and a free breakfast of bagels, cream-cheese, cereal and coffee. The hostel has bikes available to ride for free, which was so nice. On Sunday afternoon, Jeremy came to my room and told us that Mat (the owner) had made a big pot of soup and that we were all invited over for dinner. What a nice surprise! I also wanted to share that I forgot a pair of pants at the hostel-- Mat and Jeremy were so helpful and shipped them right back to me!! At any other place I don't think this would happen. My only recommendation is that if you have balance or coordination problems, request to not stay upstairs in the attic in the mixed gender room. It is pretty tricky to avoid hitting your head while ducking the ceiling as you go up the stairs. I would stay there again in a heartbeat! Thanks Mat and Jeremy! read more

I've stayed in a lot of hostels, all over Europe and the Americas, and this one in unassuming Columbus, OH ranks among the best. It is clean, cosy, casual well equipped and spacious.the kitchen is one of the nicest I've seen in a hostel. It's in a great area, within easy biking distance (has free bike rentals) to down town and Ohio State. It even has a few parking spaces and a hot tub. But it is the manager/guy in charge, Robbie, who really made this place stand out. He was helpful, attentive, and invited some guests along when he went out with his friends. He treated us like old friends, helped us get around, and was generally awesome. Staying at this hostel provided me with an insiders view of Columbus that would not have been possible in a hotel, plus it's half the price. read more

I have stayed in many hostels, but never one as organized as this. everything you could need for a modest nights stay is provided and obviously available. If you need silverware, the drawer is labeled. If you need laundry soap or toothpaste you pay for it on the honor system. Everything feels welcoming. It is a hostel for sure, the decoration is modest, but this made me feel comfortable, like I was paying for the things that I needed not any extra fluff. Beds are comfortable, 5 person rooms are actually split, two people in one section, three people in another. Great location as well, super safe, university less than a mile away, a really good taco truck right around the corner. The staff Mat and Robbie are there to help out, they are really friendly, running this place is clearly a passion of theirs. Oh, and there is a hot tub :) read more

For the price my expectations were met. Clean sheets, no odors. Roomy living area. Clean bathrooms. Free breakfast food (did not try any). Decent neighborhood. Fast internet. Parking available. $26 for a bed in a shared room. read more

I stayed in the log cabin out behind the hostel and I have to say - it was one of the more interesting experiences I've ever had. For the price, I'd say it was more than worth it, and it was an interesting experience (my first tiny house!), but there were a lot of things that could be improved: 1. Our log cabin didn't lock from the inside. We actually ended up snagging a pair of metal tongs from the kitchen to improve a lock on the door - but it didn't feel great. 2. There was water sitting in all of the showers and bathtubs - and looked like it had been sitting for a while. We ended up just doing a quick sponge bath in the sink, because we were absolutely not going in those showers barefoot. 3. We didn't see anyone who worked there while we were there, even when we checked it. We had to go, so I just left our keys on the front desk - but that definitely made me a little nervous! Overall: I don't regret staying here, but I don't think I'd be back. read more

Clean and well maintained hostel! So much so you will think you're home! Staff is friendly and accommodating! Shower is hot! Kitchens are big! Bikes you can borrow! Honestly what more can you ask for?! read more

The Wayfaring Buckeye Hostel is truly a gem in the city of Columbus and I have been recommending it to everyone that I know. I visit Columbus every year from Seattle and look forward to staying at the hostel. Not only does it have every amenity you need, it is clean, welcoming, centrally located to OSU campus and in a great neighborhood. They even have coffee, cereal and bagel options available in the kitchen for breakfast. I arrived in the evening on my most recent stay this week and since I had pre-booked my reservation, Robbie left a sealed envelope with room instructions in the mailbox for me. So convenient after I had been driving all day! Forgot they even have a hot tube in the backyard until I looked out the kitchen window the next morning. I look forward to my next stay and plan to use their bike share, hot tube and meet more travel friends. -Genevieve read more

This is a great place to stay in Columbus! Matt is super helpful and accommodating to people's requests. Everything is very clean and well-maintained. The rooms are spacious and comfortable. The place looks and feels like it is tailored for the traveler, with amenities like laundry soap, toothpaste, shower gel and other hygiene products available for purchase (at really cheap prices) and maps and guides for local attractions at the front desk. They also have bikes that one can borrow to go around the city. The common spaces are well-furnished and the wall projector is an amazing addition. The hostel is located close to a bus stop from which downtown Columbus is 10 minutes away. I had a wonderful time here and will definitely come back if I'm ever in Columbus again! read more

This place is as good as it gets!!!!!!!!! I liked it so much I stayed longer than I planned!! Where do I begin? There are so many amazing things about this place that it is difficult to know where to start. I would have to say to start with Robbie. He is simply amazing!!!!!!! He treats you like his best friend and is great to talk to. There are regular outings here and you can hang out with Robbie and see the city!!! :) Also, he puts your needs before his; for example, I'm from Texas so I asked for extra blankets and he turned the he up for me, which I didn't ask for because I knew he was warm. There are free bikes, lockers, breakfast, and laundry room!! :) Also, there is free wi-fi and computers and printers. Plus, it's located in a great area that's close to several restaurants and a University. It's in a quiet neighborhood so you will get plenty of sleep. There is a bus stop about 2 blocks away so you can take the bus if you don't want to ride a bike or walk. If you don't want a roommate, you can get a single one for a little higher cost. This place is better than a hotel and cleaner than most, too!!!!!! read more

If traveling and only plan to stay for a day or two, this is the perfect spot. Stayed for 2 nights in the co-ed room, it is split into two sections, one with 3 beds, and another with a bunk. Within walking distance to Ohio State's campus & free bikes to use if you'd rather pedal. Very clean, very well managed, overall a great place to stay. I will certainly recommend staying here to anyone I know going to Columbus. read more

This was my first hostel experience, but in terms of value compared to hotel it is definitely worth it at 26 dollars a night. They keep it clean, and well-maintained. There downstairs has two adjoin living rooms and two kitchen. One living room has a coupel computers, a table, a great couch and an awesome map of where all the vistors have been. The other has a couple couches and a projector onto the wall. There are two fridges to keep stuff in which people respect. It comes with complimentary breakfast. My first night was harsh, because I had a super loud snorer, but they moved my room the next night and were supre chill. Rob the manager is super chill and helpful, and fun to hang out with, as well all the people you are staying with, at least all the ones I met were super friendly and respectful, but I guess there could be weird ones. It comes with complementary breakfast of cereal and bagels and coffee, which I took advantage of, as well as the free bike sign out, which is really the best way to go for getting to campus, which is a 8 minute bike ride and like a 25 minute walk. I think it is close to some fraternities. Only can stay here if you are out of atown, but definitely a great experience i would use again. read more

My fiancé and have never stayed in a hostel before. Given the horror stories we've heard, I think we were spoiled and now all future hostels will be compared to this one. The hostel was clean, well situated and Matt was super helpful. We would definitely return if we end up back in Columbus, OH. read more

I love this hostel, on arrival I was welcomed in and paid for my stay. I was shown around and escorted to my room. If I needed help with my luggage, they would have help but I had a small one. The room was the private room and it was very clean along with the bathroom next to my bedroom. It was a free breakfast from when you wake to 11am and coffee/tea available 24/7. The hostel was warm so the host turned on the air conditioning. It had many things to do such as a bomb-fire and cookout on Thursday nights, a hot tub in the back, and bikes to ride. It is a quiet and peaceful during the night. The owner lives on site and works hard to make everyone feel welcomed and comfortable! I enjoyed my stay and can't wait to stay another time very soon! Highly recommended! read more

Stayed while Dead & Company came to town. Quaint, laid-back, and welcoming.