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The Principal Hotel

3.5 star property
VIP Access

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Photo gallery for The Principal Hotel

Exterior
Breakfast, dinner and brunch served
Reception
Room amenity
40-inch flat-screen TV with digital channels, Netflix, Hulu

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Laundry
  • Gym
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
310 S Main St, Columbia, IL, 62236
  • Place, River City Casino
    ‪15 min drive‬
  • Place, Busch Stadium
    ‪20 min drive‬
  • Place, Gateway Arch
    ‪20 min drive‬
  • Airport, St. Louis, MO (STL-Lambert-St. Louis Intl.)
    ‪38 min drive‬
VIP Access
Curated for quality and service, VIP Access stays consistently receive our highest guest ratings.
  • Expect exceptional service
  • Extra savings and perks for BONUS+ members
Learn more about VIP AccessOpens in a new window

Room options

View all photos for Freshman K

In-room safe, blackout curtains, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Freshman K

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(13 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for ADA Freshman K

In-room safe, blackout curtains, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

ADA Freshman K

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(3 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Freshman Honors K

In-room safe, blackout curtains, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Freshman Honors K

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Sophomore Honors K

In-room safe, blackout curtains, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Sophomore Honors K

  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Junior Honors K

In-room safe, blackout curtains, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Junior Honors K

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Senior K

In-room safe, blackout curtains, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Senior K

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Senior Honors K

In-room safe, blackout curtains, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Senior Honors K

  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Large Twin Sofa Bed

View all photos for Sophomore QQ

In-room safe, blackout curtains, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Sophomore QQ

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 Large Twin Bed

View all photos for Sophomore Honors QQ

In-room safe, blackout curtains, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Sophomore Honors QQ

  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 Large Twin Bed

View all photos for ADA Sophomore Honors QQ

In-room safe, blackout curtains, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

ADA Sophomore Honors QQ

  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 Large Twin Bed

View all photos for ADA Junior QQ

In-room safe, blackout curtains, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

ADA Junior QQ

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Junior Honors QQ

In-room safe, blackout curtains, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Junior Honors QQ

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Senior QQ

In-room safe, blackout curtains, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Senior QQ

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Junior Q

Junior Q

Junior Q

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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About this property

The Principal Hotel

Hotel with free parking, in the vicinity of Missouri Civil War Museum
This hotel features a restaurant, a fitness center, and a coffee shop/cafe. Self parking is free. Other amenities include coffee/tea in a common area, dry cleaning, and a 24-hour front desk. Housekeeping is available on request.
The Principal Hotel offers 40 air-conditioned accommodations with safes and coffee/tea makers. 40-inch flat-screen televisions come with digital channels and Netflix.

Bathrooms include showers and hair dryers. This Columbia hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Additionally, rooms include irons/ironing boards and blackout drapes/curtains. Housekeeping is provided on request.

Recreational amenities at the hotel include a fitness center.
During your stay at The Principal Hotel, you'll be close to Triple Lakes Golf Course. You'll find features like free self parking, plus a restaurant and a gym.
  • Free WiFi
  • Free self parking
  • Options for a bite to eat include a coffee shop and a restaurant
  • Amenities include meeting rooms, a gift shop, and an ATM
  • Onsite recreation includes a gym
  • 8.9 mi (14.3 km) from Missouri Civil War Museum and 11.9 mi (19.2 km) from River City Casino
There's a restaurant on site, as well as a coffee shop/cafe. A fitness center, gift shops/newsstands, and coffee/tea in a common area are also featured at The Principal Hotel. Self parking is free.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this 3.5-star Columbia hotel.

Graphite Restaurant - This fine-dining restaurant serves breakfast, brunch, and dinner. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar.
Cafe on the Abbey - This café serves breakfast and lunch. Open select days.

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Free uncovered self parking on site

Food and drink

  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A restaurant
  • Coffee and tea in common areas

Restaurants on site

  • Cafe on the Abbey
  • Graphite Restaurant

Things to do

  • Gym
  • TV in common areas

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • ATM
  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Luggage storage
  • Water dispenser

Guest services

  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (on request)

Business services

  • Meeting rooms

Accessibility

  • Hardwood flooring in room
  • No lift

More

  • Designated smoking areas (fines apply)

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste (on request)
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 40-inch flat-screen TV with digital channels
  • Hulu
  • Netflix
  • Streaming services

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Microwave

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
The credit card used to book the reservation must be presented by the cardholder at check-in along with matching photo identification, and other arrangements must be coordinated with the property prior to arrival
This property enforces quiet hours from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 20.0 per day.

Payment types at the property

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • Deposit: USD 100.00 per accommodation, per stay

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 20.0 per day

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property. The credit card used when booking the reservation must be presented by the cardholder at check-in along with matching photo ID. Other arrangements must be coordinated with the property prior to arrival. At the property, quiet hours are enforced between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM.
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

We should mention

  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.

The Principal Hotel Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 151 out of 166 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 8 out of 166 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 166 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 166 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 166 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.4/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Joseph

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tianyong

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
wonderful place
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Banu

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very pleasant, super clean… Definitely recommend if you’re in the area. St Louise has a lot to offer, best part was Cahokia pyramids (wish they were renovated relating to past versions) and of course a teip to the top of Gateway Arch.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Jammie

Travelled with family, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Unique!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

charlotte

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Clyde

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

When I come back it won't be for work!

Man man man. I was so glad to find this little hotel in this little town of Columbia Illinois. I was working in St Louis and I didn't want to stay anywhere close to where I was working. This was about a 30-minute drive and worth every mile. Told my wife I'll be bringing her back to this little quaint town and hotel. Good restaurants nearby too. I stay in hotels about 2 weeks a month in different cities throughout the world and this was one of the trendiest, cleanest, most comfortable places I stayed in recent memory.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly A

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joseph

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Amazing stay. This hotel is incredible.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

craig

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Hotel was well kept, and very clean and comfortable. Columbia appears to be a very safe and quiet town. The only 'issue' we had was the one time I returned to find my room door blocked open by the dead bolt, and it appeared that no housekeeping persons were on the floor. I assume while supplying our room with fresh towels, they must have forgotten to reopen the dead bolt and let the door lock. Probably because of the hotels location, it appeared that we did not have anything missing. This could have turned out bad. The good thing is the room did have a combination lock box that I had taken advantage of with a valuable or two
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Susanne

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Hubert

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very clean quiet , room excellent ,mattress very comfortable, extra towels Overall experience awesome.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Derek

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

annie

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

This hotel is so cool!!!!!!!!!!V

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Helen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Wonderful Hotel

One of the best hotel stays we've ever had! I loved all the unique schoolhouse themed items. From the moment we walked in it smelled very clean, the staff was friendly and helpful, and the bed was the most comfortable we've ever stayed in! The area around the hotel was nice and safe, I enjoyed walking on the walking/biking trail nearby. Highly recommend and will definitely stay again if in the area!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

MARK

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Unique place to stay. Amazing rooms. Amazing town. Highly recommend
Room
King bed
Hall way. Harry Potter vibes
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Madeleine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
You can tell it was a school. It was gorgeous but definitely easy to get lost in.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Krista

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Mallory

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tracy

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Perfect stay!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patty

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brandi

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very clean and quiet property. We loved that it was repurposed from an old Catholic school and the theme was really cool
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kevin

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lissette

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025