Hotels in Athens, OH

As county seat of Athens County, Ohio, Athens is a great university city located along the Hocking River within Appalachian Ohio. Just 65 miles southeast of Columbus, Athens is known for its nature, art, culture, and history, in addition to being the proud home of Ohio University. This buzzing small-town city has so much to offer for anyone looking to enjoy fresh air, great food, and exciting attractions all trip long. And in addition to its cultural happenings and art attractions, this city offers some truly amazing outdoor recreation just outside top Athens hotels. Spend a great day under the sun from Hocking Hills State Park, where you can hop in a canoe at Lake Hope, or explore over 25 miles of hiking trails throughout the park. Whatever you wind up doing while in Athens, you’re sure to have an unforgettable trip to this lively Ohio city.

Each week, local farmers and produce slingers come together to bring the finest and freshest, most delicious food available in Athens County to the public farmers’ market in town near top Athens hotels. While here, not only can you look forward to one of the best selections of nutritious food available in the state, but also the many other offerings available, including fudge and candies, live plants and seeds, cut flowers, succulent plants, vegetable seedlings, and locally-made hand crafts. The Athens Farmers Market is celebrated for offering a wide variety and high-quality fare all from one place, including meats, cheeses, vegetables, fruits, prepared foods, sweets, specialty bread, coffee, wine and cider, jams, and much more.

Take advantage of the area’s incredible public parks and head to Sells Park, also known as Athens Pond for a wonderful day outdoors. This public park in Athens, near Ohio University comprises over 22 acres, and includes Sells Pond, a 1,876-square-yard pond. Said to be "one of Athens’s best hidden treasures," this special spot offers trails ranging from easy to rugged, well-maintained public facilities on-site, and many interesting rock outcroppings.

If itching for a day of art just outside Athens hotels, make your way to the incredible OHIO Museum Complex and Kennedy Museum of Art. This academic museum provides locals and visitors plus Ohio University students, faculty, and staff with numerous exhibitions, programs and events that are engaging and thought-provoking. The permanent collections form the core of exhibitions and programs, including Southwest Native American textiles, ceramics, and jewelry, American paintings, drawings and photography, plus contemporary prints, ceramics, and sculpture. You’ll be impressed with the museum’s incredibly diverse collections—from photographs to sculptures and even a handmade quilt from 1907, you’ll enjoy the vast array of styles, mediums, and themes present in this incredible building (that contains a fascinating history of its own).

Enjoy your trip to Athens, Ohio, and don’t forget to check out our other hotels in Dayton, Toledo, and Canton.