I'm a UND grad and have lived in WV, 2 hrs from Columbus, for 20+ years. Without a doubt our favorite hotel is the Embassy Suites in the suburb of Dublin, it's about a 30 minute drive to the arena but much nicer and cleaner (and cheaper) than the full service hotels downtown. Has a bar, food, good restuarants next door, lots of restaurants close by. Pool, pool tables, glass elevators, big atrium, full breakfast complimentary, and two free drinks every night. Great place. There is another Embassy on the northeast corner of Columbus that is about 8 years older and not quite as nice but still very nice.
The Blackwell Hotel on Campus next to the football stadium is a great new hotel but very pricey. 1st class. Good for you rich old folks.
The party area for younger folks is High Street campus area
http://www.embassysuitescolumbusdublin.com/
