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The Principal Hotel

Property class: 3.5
VIP Access

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Photo gallery for The Principal Hotel

Breakfast, dinner and brunch served
Room amenity
Exterior
In-room safe, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi
Reception

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Gym
  • Business services

Explore the area

View in a map
310 S Main St, Columbia, IL, 62236
  • Place, Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Place, Jefferson Barracks Historic Park
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Place, River City Casino
    ‪15 min drive‬
  • Airport, St. Louis, MO (STL-Lambert-St. Louis Intl.)
    ‪39 min drive‬
VIP Access
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  • Extra savings and perks for Rewards members
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Room options

View all photos for Freshman K

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

Freshman K

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

View all photos for ADA Freshman K

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

ADA Freshman K

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(5 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Freshman Honors K

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

Freshman Honors K

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Sophomore Honors K

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

Sophomore Honors K

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

View all photos for Junior Honors K

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

Junior Honors K

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Senior K

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

Senior K

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

View all photos for Senior Honors K

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

Senior Honors K

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

View all photos for Sophomore QQ

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

Sophomore QQ

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

View all photos for Sophomore Honors QQ

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

Sophomore Honors QQ

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

View all photos for ADA Sophomore Honors QQ

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

ADA Sophomore Honors QQ

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

View all photos for ADA Junior QQ

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

ADA Junior QQ

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Junior Honors QQ

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

Junior Honors QQ

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Senior QQ

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

Senior QQ

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Junior Q

Junior Q | In-room safe, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Junior Q

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

About the neighborhood

Columbia

The Principal Hotel places you 8.9 mi (14.3 km) from Missouri Civil War Museum and 11.9 mi (19.2 km) from River City Casino. This 3.5-star hotel welcomes guests with 40 rooms and conveniences like free in-room WiFi, free self parking, and a gym.

What's nearby

  • Sylvan Springs County Park - 10 min drive - 9.4 miles
  • Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery - 11 min drive - 8.3 miles
  • Jefferson Barracks Historic Park - 11 min drive - 10.0 miles
  • Arsenal BG Ballpark - 14 min drive - 13.3 miles
  • River City Casino - 15 min drive - 12.4 miles

Getting around

  • St. Louis Gateway Station - 23 min drive
  • St. Louis Lambert Intl. Airport (STL) - 38 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Jimmy John's - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Top Shooters Sports Bar - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Dairy Queen - ‬11 min walk

About this property

The Principal Hotel

The Principal Hotel offers a gym, meeting rooms, and coffee in a common area. Free parking is included with your stay. The front desk is staffed 24 hours a day to help with luggage storage and dry cleaning/laundry. Additional amenities include an ATM, a TV in a common area, and a water dispenser.
40-inch flat-screen TVs come with digital channels and Netflix, and guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Microwaves, coffee makers, and hair dryers are other standard amenities. Housekeeping is available on request.
Recreational amenities at the hotel include a fitness center.

Similar properties

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Hampton Inn St. Louis - Columbia
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  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, 497 reviews
$111 nightly
The price is $124
Apr 12 - Apr 13
Total with taxes and fees
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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • 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 elevator

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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Children and extra beds

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

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay these charges at the property:

  • Deposit: USD 100.00 per accommodation, per stay

These are all of the charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

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

  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 20.0 per day

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

You need to know

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.
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 21
The front desk is open 24 hours a day. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A credit card for incidental charges and a government-issued photo ID may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • The credit card used at check-in for incidentals must be in the name of the primary guest who made the reservation.
  • This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed in guestrooms.
  • There are no elevators.

Frequently asked questions

Is a free cancellation option available at The Principal Hotel?

The Principal Hotel provides free cancellation on some room rates. If you'd like to learn more, look at the cancellation policy on our site.

How much does it cost to stay at The Principal Hotel?

As of Apr 10, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Principal Hotel on Apr 19, 2026 start from $113, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What can I see near The Principal Hotel?

This hotel is located in Columbia, close to Triple Lakes Golf Course, Eckert’s Millstadt Farm, and Annbriar Golf Course.

Is there parking available at The Principal Hotel?

Yes, uncovered self parking is offered for free at the hotel.

Does The Principal Hotel feature a casino on the premises?

No, The Principal Hotel doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at The Principal Hotel?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hotel.

What do couples enjoy most about The Principal Hotel?

Couples staying at this hotel will appreciate amenities like Netflix as well as a restaurant and a bar.

Does The Principal Hotel have a hot tub?

No, this hotel doesn't have a spa tub.

Does The Principal Hotel have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

Yes, The Principal Hotel serves breakfast for a surcharge at Graphite Restaurant.

Does The Principal Hotel allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at The Principal Hotel.

Does The Principal Hotel have connecting rooms available?

No, this hotel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

Where is the closest airport to The Principal Hotel?

The closest major airport to The Principal Hotel is St. Louis Lambert Intl. Airport (STL), which is 29.1 mi away (38 minutes by car). Another top airport is St. Louis, MO (SUS-Spirit of St. Louis), which is around 28.7 mi away.

Are there rooms with balconies at The Principal Hotel?

No, there aren't any guestrooms with balconies at The Principal Hotel.

The Principal Hotel Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 206 out of 231 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 14 out of 231 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 7 out of 231 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 231 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 231 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.6/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

8/10 Good

Zachary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026

10/10 Excellent

Derrick

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was nice, very clean
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Steven

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Clayton

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
What an amazing gem in a quaint little IL town! Very well done inside and out, making a wonderful tribute to the history of the building and surrounding property, as well as the people that came through its halls in years past. The entire property was very clean and the staff was welcoming and friendly. Would definitely stay again!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Shannon

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Trish

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sara

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Carla

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We thought this hotel was particularly quaint and had a wonderful theme. Our only complaint would be the TV streaming situation. Try as we might we could not watch an important to us football game on network TV. Seems like at least some local channels should be offered for us older folks.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

6/10 Okay

Mike

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jana

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean room. Nice amenities. Friendly staff. We needed cold medicine on Christmas & they had a supply at the front desk, which was much appreciated.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Debra

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Wonderful experience-luxury rooms, great dining, amazing staff! Clean and themed wel!!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Steve

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Last week I attended a wedding at “The Principal Hotel” in Columbia, Illinois. I would like to start with the owner and the hotel staff. The way they greeted us made us feel truly welcome. The venue was a converted Catholic Abbey and school. All facets of the wedding from the wedding party dinner, the wedding, the social hour, the catered banquet, and the DJ services went off without one glitch. The on-site restaurant was superb and catered delicious food. The hotel was as detailed as you would expect it to be from a long past era. I believe each large room had previously been a classroom. The main thing I noticed was the true quality of the carpentry done by masters that took exceptional pride in their work. Old class pictures, a trophy case, small chair desks, wall lockers, library books, even the old pull out bleacher facings. Quite a nostalgic trip into my memory. I loved every moment of it. I cannot express my appreciation of The Principal Hotel enough. All I can say is wow! Wow! WOW!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Theodore

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything was great: large, clean room - with everything functioning properly - and friendly, helpful staff. While the adjoining restaurant is closed on Mondays, the night I checked in, I ate there the last time I stayed at the Principal Hotel. Exceptional food and reasonably priced. Traveling many miles each year, this is my favorite stop!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Richard

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I’ve been here 3 or 4 times. Nice local hotel with a great history.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kenneth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Good staff, easy check in, very comfortable and safe.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Samantha

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Louis

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
All of the above
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Eric

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Very neat theme and use of the original space.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joe

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
My only discontent was that I couldn't figure out how to watch regular TV.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

NEELA

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great cozy room. Restaurant was amazing. I ate there 3 days in a row!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Jennifer

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Second time staying, disappointed in the fact that it just wasn’t clean. Otherwise, a good stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nancy

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness
Everything is great. Love this place!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeff

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great place. Very nice rooms, new and clean.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Karlin

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Hotel accommodations were great, but we had big trouble with the heating unit not switching over to cool and had to sleep in an 80 degree room
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cheri

Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025