The best vacation rentals in Ohio are in Columbus, the state’s largest city, where whole homes in walkable neighborhoods like the Short North sit within minutes of Downtown, Ohio State, and the Convention Center. For a quieter stay, Chillicothe, about 47 miles south on US 23, puts you next to Ohio’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site. Jungle House hosts guests in both, with 40+ homes, 6,400+ five star reviews, and 22,500+ guests hosted.
Hey, Sergio here.
People type all kinds of things into Google before they find us. “Vacation rentals in Ohio.” “Short term rentals in Ohio.” “Apartments in Ohio for a week.” They’re all asking the same question: where do I stay so this trip actually feels good?
I’ve been answering that question for 22,500 guests. So here’s the honest version, written by someone who lives here, cleans up after game day, and waters a lot of plants.
Quick Answer: Where Should You Stay in Ohio?
It depends on what kind of trip you want. Here’s the short list I give friends:
| If you want… | Stay in | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Food, nightlife, concerts, game days | Columbus (Short North) | Walk to Nationwide Arena, the Convention Center, and High Street restaurants |
| History, hiking, a slower pace | Chillicothe | Hopewell earthworks, Great Seal State Park, historic downtown |
| Both in one weekend | Columbus, with a Chillicothe day trip | About an hour apart on US 23 |
| A week or a month for work | Columbus | Full kitchens, washers, fast WiFi, under a mile from OSU and Downtown |
| Waterfalls and cabins | Columbus as your base, Hocking Hills as a day trip | About an hour southeast, and you come back to restaurants that are open past 9 |
Vacation Rental, Short Term Rental, or Furnished Apartment: What’s the Difference?
Honestly? Mostly the length of your stay. Here’s how it shakes out in Ohio:
A vacation rental is a fully furnished home or apartment you book by the night, usually for a weekend or a week. You get the whole place, a kitchen, and no front desk.
A short term rental is the legal and industry term for the same thing, typically any stay under 30 days. In Columbus, hosts need a short term rental permit from the city, so it’s fair to ask your host if they have one. (We do.)
A furnished apartment is what most people mean when they search “apartments in Ohio” for a trip. You want a real place to live for a few days to a few months without signing a lease. Travel nurses, people relocating for a job, families between houses. A good vacation rental covers that too, without the utility setups or the twelve month commitment.
Bottom line: if you’re searching any of those three, you’re looking for the same thing. A real home, not a hotel room.
Why Columbus Is the Best Home Base in Ohio
I’m biased. I’m also right. Here’s why.
It’s central, literally. Columbus sits in the middle of the state. Hocking Hills is about an hour away. Chillicothe is about an hour. Cincinnati is under two hours. Cleveland is around two and a half. You can do a lot of Ohio without changing where you sleep.
It’s walkable where it counts. Our homes are mostly in the Short North, Victorian Village, Italian Village, and Harrison West. From there it’s about a 5 minute walk to the Greater Columbus Convention Center, about 10 minutes to Nationwide Arena, and under a mile to Downtown and Ohio State.
It eats well. The number one surprise in our reviews is the food. People come for a game or a conference and leave talking about dinner.
It’s easy in and out. John Glenn Columbus International Airport is about 10 minutes away. I 71, I 670, and I 315 are right there.
Why Chillicothe Deserves a Spot on Your Ohio Trip
Most people outside the state have never heard of it. That’s the fun part.
Chillicothe was Ohio’s first capital. It’s also home to Hopewell Culture National Historical Park, part of the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks, which became Ohio’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023. These are massive geometric earthworks built roughly 2,000 years ago, and the national park entry is free.
Add Great Seal State Park for ridge hikes and a walkable historic downtown, and you’ve got a weekend that feels nothing like the city an hour north. We host guests there too, so you can pick the vibe or do both.
What’s Happening in Ohio This Fall and Winter (2026)
If you’re planning a vacation stay in Ohio between now and New Year’s, these are the dates that fill homes fastest:
Fall color season, October. Hocking Hills and the hills around Chillicothe peak in mid to late October. Weekends go first.
Ohio State vs. Michigan, Saturday, November 28, 2026. The Game is at Ohio Stadium this year with a noon kickoff. Thanksgiving weekend plus The Game is the single hardest weekend of the year to find a place in Columbus. If you’re reading this and you know you’re going, book now. I mean it.
Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo, November 20, 2026 to January 3, 2027. Millions of lights, and admission is included with regular zoo tickets. Great for families visiting over the holidays.
Holiday visits home. Every December we host families who don’t want to sleep on a relative’s air mattress. A place with your own kitchen, ten minutes from grandma’s, is the move.
How to Book a Vacation Rental in Ohio Without Getting Burned
After 22,500 guests, here’s what I’d check before you pay anyone:
Look at the review count, not just the star rating. A 5.0 with 3 reviews tells you nothing. Thousands of reviews across multiple homes tell you the system works.
Ask about parking. In walkable Columbus neighborhoods, parking is the thing nobody mentions until you’re circling the block at 11pm.
Check checkout time. A 10am checkout on a Sunday after a late Saturday is rough. Some hosts will extend it if you ask. We do it free when you book direct.
Confirm the host is local. When the heat acts up in January, you want someone who can actually show up. Our team is in Columbus, and our guest concierge answers 24/7.
Compare the total, not the nightly rate. Booking sites add service fees at the very end. The same home is often cheaper booked direct with the host.
Why Book Direct With Jungle House
Here’s what you get when you skip the big booking sites and book at book.junglehouse.org:
At least 10% less than you’d pay on the booking sites. Free late checkout until noon. Free parking for your whole stay. A 24/7 guest concierge who actually knows Columbus. And yes, the plants. Every one of our homes is filled with rare tropical plants from around the world. Guests ask about them more than anything else. Come find your jungle.
Traveling with a dog? Pet friendly homes are available for $49 to 59 per night. Want groceries waiting when you arrive? Celebrating something? Our romance package or birthday package is $79
6,400+ five star reviews. 22,500+ guests. Superhost status earned 32 times. Featured by NBC, CBS, and USA Today. We’ve been doing this a while.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best place to stay in Ohio for a vacation?
Columbus is the best home base for most Ohio vacations. It’s the state’s largest city, sits in the center of Ohio, and keeps Hocking Hills, Chillicothe, and Cincinnati within about one to two hours. Walkable neighborhoods like the Short North have vacation rentals close to Downtown, Ohio State, and the Convention Center.
Are short term rentals legal in Columbus, Ohio?
Yes. Columbus allows short term rentals, and hosts are required to hold a city short term rental permit. Guests can ask a host to confirm they’re permitted before booking.
Can I rent a furnished apartment in Ohio for a week or a month?
Yes. Many Columbus vacation rentals take weekly and monthly stays, which works well for travel nurses, people relocating, and anyone between homes. Jungle House homes include full kitchens and WiFi, and longer stays can be booked direct at book.junglehouse.org or by emailing stay@junglehouse.org.
How far is Chillicothe from Columbus?
Chillicothe is about 47 miles south of Columbus via US 23, roughly a one hour drive. It’s home to Hopewell Culture National Historical Park, part of Ohio’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site.
When is the hardest time to find a vacation rental in Columbus?
Ohio State home football weekends, especially Ohio State vs. Michigan, are the hardest. In 2026, The Game is Saturday, November 28 at Ohio Stadium. Big concerts, conventions, and graduation weekends in May also book out early.
Is it cheaper to book a vacation rental directly with the host?
Often, yes. Booking sites add guest service fees at checkout. Booking direct with Jungle House saves at least 10% compared to the booking sites and includes free parking and free late checkout until noon.
Are there pet friendly vacation rentals in Ohio?
Yes. Jungle House offers pet friendly homes in Columbus for $35 per night per pet. Email stay@junglehouse.org to confirm which homes are available for your dates.
Questions? Just email me: stay@junglehouse.org. The plants say hi.
