Harrison House Bed & Breakfast

We had a wonderful 3 night stay at Harrison House. We enjoyed a glass of wine on the porch with other guests each evening. The breakfasts were yummy and the conversation was interesting. Our room was comfortable and well decorated. The whole house is very Victorian and inviting. Lynn was available to give advice and recommendations for local restaurants and sites. We plan to stay here on all trips to Columbus!

We were going to Columbus to visit with my son’s family and get reacquainted with our grandchild but where to stay. We had done the fancy hotel and were torn between renting a furnished condo or staying at a B&B. We opted for the B&B and couldn’t be happier about our choice: Harrison House in the Victorian Village section of Columbus. Our room was very comfortable and very neat. But the best was Lynn and the other guests. Lynn is like a relative of whom you are very fond but because of time and distance you never get to see. Her breakfasts always include fresh fruit but then vary from bacon and eggs (to order) or a frittata or coffee cake or yogurt or even cereal for those who thrive on those boxed flakes. And of course there is juice and plenty of coffee for caffeine cravers like myself. But best is lingering after breakfast and just sitting about and talking with Lynn. As it cools for the night you will find her and other guests on the front porch with either a glass of wine or bottle of bear just trading stories of the day’s events and places or restaurants discovered. Your needs are anticipated and fresh towels always appear in you room without asking but you always could ask if you really needed to. Basically staying at Harrison House is like staying at your own home if it were run with hospitality and warmth and humor. As we were there for a week we got to meet her dogs, which are the sweetest animals, but you won’t know they are there as they stay in Lynn’s apartment as she lives on site. Harrison House may be a business but it is home to Lynn and to her guests it is home. And for those who need to know, it is close to everything Columbus.

I recently stayed at the Harrison House while I was in Columbus for business. Lynn accomodated my last minute travel plans graciously. I was lucky to find a cancellation and had the suite at the top of the house. What a treasure! The room has the sloping ceilings, nooks, and crannies that make it adorable. The bathroom is a converted turret (circular tower, which are common in Victorian era homes). The windows in both the bedroom and bath opened to allow in the breeze and the light. It was magical, like sleeping in the tops of the trees. The bed and bath are comfortable and clean. I do agree with other reviewers that Harrison House is more casual and less pretentious than many other B&Bs - the kind of place where you don't worry about breaking things or feel like you're intruding. The breakfast that Lynn prepared the next morning was the singular best breakfast I have had at any B&B. She served Snow White Crepes, fresh berries, bacon, coffee, and juice. She was good enough to share the recipe source cookbook and discuss coooking! I will definitely be staying there again on my many business trips to Columbus Ohio!

We had a great time at Harrison House. The house is charming, welcoming and clean. Lynn the owner/operator was warm and friendly...it was like a home away from home. It was the perfect place to stay with our group of 10. Breakfast was terrific and we would recommend this to our friends. We hope to have an occasion to stay here again. Thank you for the wonderful hospitality!

Harrison House is absolutely amazing, beautiful and welcoming - just like Lynn, owner and hostess...her warm hospitality never ends. Lynn made sure everyone had what they wanted and needed from the time we all arrived until it was time to (sadly) leave. Our group enjoyed an evening of fun that started all over again at the breakfast table. Lynn is also a great cook with a never-empty coffee pot. ...and everyone raved about their comfortable beds - mine was perfect and even better than home! Harrison House has a wonderful relaxed atmosphere for old friends to gather, laugh over shared memories and make cherished new ones!

Lynn is the best hostess!!! Breakfast was awesome!!! Such a nice getaway.....beautiful old house charm.

Beautiful, quaint Victorian home which speaks of rich history--this is such a cozy little get-away for anyone looking for something a bit different. It was my first stay ever at a B & B, and I was truly awed. The moment I walked through the front door, this wonderful feeling of "home" came over me. Then there were all of the beautifully decorated rooms, lace trimmings, and colorful floral wallpaper. My bedroom was clean, beautiful, and my bed was so very comfy. Breakfast the next morning was absolutely delicious. I highly recommend the Harrison House, and I know I will be back FOR SURE.

Two cousins and I stayed at Harrison House and had a wonderful time. Lynn was very accommodating and friendly. I have food allergies and she made sure I had breakfast items I could eat. The porch is so inviting and calls to you to sit and enjoy and lose track of time, as we did. Lynn was even able to sit with us for awhile. I wouldn't hesitate to stay here again if I'm ever in the area. It's worth it!

My wife and I stayed at this lovely B&B on our way to Michigan for some fly fishing. Lynn, the owner/operator, is one of the nicest people you will ever meet. She bent over backwards to make sure our every need was met. I can't say enough about how nice our stay was. The bed was very comfortable and the room was very quiet. Lynn made an awesome breakfast for us. If you are ever in the area, please do yourself a favor and call Lynn at the Harrison House. You will be glad you did!

We had a wonderful time staying at this adorable place. It was just what we needed for our first time away from the little one. Lynn was extremely friendly and very welcoming. She was able to give great recommendations on places to eat and things to do, as well as going out of her way to point us in the right direction to play some golf! We really appreciated it! The breakfast is fantastic and the entire atmosphere is very relaxing and enjoyable. This house is in a great location so you can walk to lots of restaurants and local places. Can't wait to go back!

My son and I arrived at Harrison House around 9:00PM to be welcomed with a smile by Lynn and her daughter. Lynn took the time to show us around the home, and give us advice on where we might go for a walk in the area. Our room #1, was comfortable, clean and roomy. The breakfast both mornings was absolutely delicious and served at a long table with the other guests. I found this reminiscent of my childhood, back when large families ate meals together. If you are looking for pristine, sterile, surroundings where you can disappear into the morning paper, this home isn't for you. Rather, if you want a warm, welcoming, friendly home where you will see some clutter that reminds you people actually live here, you'll do no better than the Harrison House.

Lynn was very kind the breakfast was great.She offered wine/ beer for our taking to the porch or the room.She let us have guest stop between the wedding.The room was very private and VERY clean ,Much nicer than a hotel. A great nights rest in a long time.As the review about the dogs ,they were just fine and we only saw them on their outside porch and she kept them in HER living area. Great shops and places to eat near by.Met some very nice folks at breakfast.Fresh bread was great. We would hope to go back for the next wedding as a great place to stay and relax.

We choose the Harrison House based primarily for it's location close to OSU and were very pleased with the experience. Lynn couldn't have been nicer. She welcomed us graciously and made us feel right at home. Unlike the previous reviewer we found our room to be very clean, nicely decorated and very comfortable. The house is in a great location, close to campus and to downtown. The Short North area is very nice....with great houses and many shops and restaurants to enjoy. We liked having a refrigerator we could use to keep some things cold, and teas and other beverages available to us at any time. The sweets left out for guests were delicious, as were the breakfasts we were served during our stay. If you are looking for a formal, meticulous B&B, this is probably not your place. But if you are looking for warm, clean, comfortable and friendly, then you can't go wrong at Harrison House!

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Thanks for the great review. I really appreciate your candor and honesty. Your final comment: "if you are looking for warm, clean, comfortable and friendly, then you can't go wrong at Harrison House!" is perfect, just the atmosphere I've been striving for. Hope to see you again.

- Lynn (innkeeper)

I travel to Columbus for work and I have stayed at the Harrison House every week for about 2 months and have another week or two left. I LOVE the place. Great location (proximity to work and Short North) and Lynn and Cara are awesome hosts! I can't even imagine staying at a hotel when in Columbus. Because I work very early, I haven't had a chance to have breakfast at the HH (which I hope to remedy this coming week) but Lynn's home made breads are amazing.... The rooms I've stayed in (I think #6 and #1) have always been immaculate upon arrival and Lynn made sure that my bags were in my room when I got there at midnight (Thanks Lynn!)... I'm not quite sure what the previous bad reviewer was talking about but I've never had a bad experience at the HH (well, except for missing out on breakfast in the mornings and cocktails in the afternoon but that's my own fault)...

Last year was my first time in Columbus, Ohio. I love staying in B&Bs rather than hotels, more personal attention! Lynn is the innkeeper and is warm and inviting...as is the historic house! Had such a great experience the first time I booked again this year! We had a larger group and booked 2 rooms. The rooms are cozy, clean and I drifted away to la la land. Then...I woke to the smell of bacon and floated downstairs to a gourmet breakfast complete with juice served in cut crystal... Lynn spoils her guests and I look forward to NEXT year!

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I had so much fun with your group this year!!! Can't wait to see you all again next year!

- Lynn (innkeeper)

Despite the many positive reviews of Harrison House, upon which I based my choice for my visit to Columbus, my experience was quite unpleasant. The innkeeper was unkempt and unfriendly from the moment I arrived and was mainly interested in being paid immediately. I found the home to be dirty and wanted to leave immediately. However, I was tired from my drive and did not want to search for another place to stay. The innkeeper had dogs, which I did not know about when I made reservations. There was an odor of urine in my room. Furthermore, the dogs barked incessantly and I had to call the innkeeper to request that she make them stop. She got them to stop that evening; however, I woke up to them barking again. I couldn't wait to leave, but unfortunately I had already paid $260 for 2 nights' stay and if I had decided to leave I expect she would have charged me anyway since she has a no cancellation policy within two weeks of the reservation.

[Resource Id: innkeeperresponse, Set: reviews]
I'm sorry you did not enjoy your stay, but I never saw you after you checked in and your comments are not factual. I normally try to be diplomatic in my replies, but find it hard with this review. I am NOT unkempt, I bathe every day. You checked in in the evening after I had had a long day of working. I probably need a haircut and I'm old and tired, but certainly NOT unkempt! And this from a woman who did not bathe at all during her 2 night visit! I was not unfriendly, I tried to talk to you but you did not want to engage in conversation, in fact you were short and rude to me. I generally receive payment at the end of a stay but YOU volunteered to pay immediately. My home is not dirty and the dogs stay in my apartment and do not go upstairs so I don't know how you could have had a urine smell in your room. What you were probably smelling was the bleach, vinegar and ammonia I use for cleaning. The dogs did not bark incessantly, they had a spell of barking at 9pm and when you called me, I immediately shut them up. Had you had the courtesy to speak to me, and wanted to check out after the first night, I would have gladly refunded the 2nd night stay.

- Lynn (innkeeper)

Harrison House is our annual Valentine's getaway. It is so cozy and romantic! Lynn is the warmest hostess and makes everyone feel like family. The breakfasts are the best we have ever experienced in all of our B&B stays (in the US and in Europe). The house has a vibrant history that comes "alive" as soon as you walk in the front door. The decor is exquisite, with furnishings from the Victorian Era. The rooms are so comfortable and private. Our favorite room is Room 6, which features a beautiful private bathroom in the turret. It is conveniently located in the Short North area, which has so much to offer. Also, complimentary drinks and snacks are provided! Homemade cookies, brownies, or cakes...and a variety of wines and beverages! We highly recommend a stay at Harrison House. You will surely plan a return visit after your experience there! Sincerely, Dori and Rock Cincinnati, Ohio

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My Dear Friends, I always enjoy your visits and only wish that you could stay longer. I hope to see you in the summer so we can have cocktails on the porch.

- Lynn (innkeeper)

Though the weather outside was frightful, the atmosphere and accomodations inside were delightful. Our room was comfortable, elegant and well-appointed -- our hostess was gracious and funny -- our breakfast was scrumptious. It just doesn't get any better than this.

The Harrison House Bed and Breakfast was the perfect place to getaway with my sweetie for a romantic weekend away from home. The location in Victorian Village made for a close walk to the Short North arts scene, and Lynn offered advise as to which resturants are best and even gave us dinning coupons! Overall our stay was relaxing and comfortable, we will definately tell our friends and family to visit the lovely Harrison House for their stays in Columbus!

Our family experienced a true home at this bed and breakfast during our first visit to Columbus for preparation to move. Lynn provides a truly excellent inn.

Lynn, I really enjoyed my stay at Harrison House. Your inn is so beautiful and cozy. My room was just what I needed for a convenient getaway. Thank you for the excellent service and tasty homemade bread and preserves. I will recommmend Harrison House to friends looking for a wonderful experience.

The house is very nice. Bed was comfortable. Bad lighting in bathroom - need light by the mirror. Breakfast was delicious, however, the common kitchen area was a total disaster. Not clean at all. Couldn't tell clean glasses from dirty glasses and this is where the innkeeper cooked our meal. Innkeeper was pleasant but kept running her hands through her hair while serving us breakfast. Missing some little touches like a list of tv local channels, recommendations for restaurnats, shopping etc. Price was reasonable. Location was great to University and downtown. Innkeepr was very pleasant.

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I just discovered that I can respond to reviews. Thank you for the compliments and I want to take this opportunity to address your issues. I am not aware of poor lighting in any of the bathrooms and no one has ever pointed this out to me. Since there is no personal information here, I don't know what room you were in but I will definitely check all of the bathrooms for lighting issues. My kitchen is clean, but may not have been as tidy as I would like. I have been in the process of re-organizing and working on a filing system and therefore papers have accumulated. There is a guest area in the kitchen with clean glasses and mugs, and the only reason there would be dirty glasses here is if guests left them on the counter. I clean and tidy this area several times a day. I was not aware that I "run my hands through my hair" but rest assured, my hair is washed every day and my hands are washed more times a day than I can count. I have literature in all of the rooms about restaurants and local activities and I always give detailed information and recommendations when guests ask. Thanks for the tip about local TV listings, I will type up a guide for the rooms. I'm sorry your visit was not up to par, but I would have appreciated your comments in person so I could explain and correct while you were here.

- Lynn (innkeeper)

Very nice retreat close to university.

Our first stay at Harrison House found us enjoying a delicious breakfast with an interesting Belgian lecturer and parents of students running in a large track and fied meet at OSU. Lynne Varney, our host, had delicious treats set out and fresh baked bread on hand. A pleasant time.

I feel as if it's my home away from home!

Dear Lynn, I wanted to drop you a note to tell you how much we have enjoyed our two visits to Columbus and the opportunity to stay at Harrison House a second time. We had such a delightful experience in March of 2006 that we could not wait to return in June of 2008. The decor is wonderful, pleasant and inviting, the beds comfortable. Of course, our favorite thing is the wonderful breakfasts that you fix and your great personality. We met such interesting guests on both visits. As our daughter has now graduated from the veterinary school, we will probably not have a chance to visit again in the near future but we will certainly recommend Harrison House to anyone we know who is visiting Columbus. Thank you again for your warm hospitality.

We stayed in Columbus June, 2008 for three nights. The first of those we stayed at the Harrison House B&B. What a lovely place! The owner, Lynn, welcomed us warmly and made us feel comfortable. The beds were very comfortable with wonderful sheets! Breakfast was great, Lynn is a super cook, and easily accommodated our dietary requests. I only wish we would have stayed longer to relax on the sweet front porch. Would definitely return!

I really enjoyed this charming and comfortable house during my stay in Columbus. The owner (Lynn Varney) was warm, gracious and made me feel right at home. The good food, interesting conversation, quiet room and relaxing atmosphere were greatly appreciated. I will certainly stay at Harrison House again.

The inn was great! Harrison House is in a historic neighborhood where the homes are amazing! A great place for a stroll. The room was nice and the innkeepers were great! The breakfast was fabulous as well as the decor! I would stay there again if in Columbus!