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The Principal Hotel

3.5 star property
Hotel with free parking, in the vicinity of Missouri Civil War Museum
VIP Access

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Principal Hotel

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

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Gym
  • Parking included
  • Laundry
  • 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
    ‪17 min drive‬
  • Place, Busch Stadium
    ‪24 min drive‬
  • Place, Gateway Arch
    ‪24 min drive‬
  • Airport, St. Louis, MO (STL-Lambert-St. Louis Intl.)
    ‪44 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 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
(12 reviews)
  • 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

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(3 reviews)
  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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)
  • 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

  • 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)
  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Senior QQ

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

Senior QQ

  • 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

  • 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

  • River City Casino - 17 min drive - 12.1 miles
  • Busch Stadium - 24 min drive - 17.3 miles
  • Gateway Arch - 24 min drive - 17.0 miles
  • City Museum - 25 min drive - 18.4 miles
  • St. Louis Zoo - 32 min drive - 23.7 miles

Getting around

  • St. Louis Gateway Station - 22 min drive
  • St. Louis Lambert Intl. Airport (STL) - 38 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Dairy Queen - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Jimmy John's - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪The Coffee Pot - ‬13 min walk

About this property

The Principal Hotel

Hotel with free parking, in the vicinity of Missouri Civil War Museum
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 a water dispenser, an ATM, and a TV in a common area.
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.

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8.6 out of 10, Excellent, 469 reviews
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The price is $114
Nov 2 - Nov 3
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

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.
  • 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.

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 Oct 10, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Principal Hotel on Oct 29, 2025 start from $112.81, excluding 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 and Eckert’s Millstadt Farm.

Is parking available on site 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.

Is The Principal Hotel good for couples?

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

Are there hot tubs at The Principal Hotel?

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.

Are there connecting rooms at The Principal Hotel?

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. 135 out of 149 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 149 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 149 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 149 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 149 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.6/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Patty

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

10/10 Excellent

Brandi

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

10/10 Excellent

Soon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeron

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sheila

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We live in Mo. We come often to visit family. We love staying at the Principal.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Traci

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean rooms, lots of character, friendly staff.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Henry

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

Just passing through

Checkin was effortless. Staff were always helpful. Parking was convenient. Room was extremely clean and bed was super comfortable. Hotel is an old Catholic School and it was beautifully re-architected into a hotel. Nice upscale restaurant (Graphite) connected to hotel.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cathi, Silverthorne

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tyler

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

10 out of 10 would recommend.

The atmosphere of it being a renovated school was a lot of fun, and extremely well done. the room was plenty spacious, and extremely clean. All the staff we met were very friendly. This hotel is a must stay if you are passing through. Even if you are visiting St. Louis, it is worth the 15-20 minute drive to stay out of the city in the quaint little town.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

DeUNTONETTE

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patricia

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

Right at home

Our room was very clean , plenty outlets, walk in shower is great and the bed and pillows were great. I would of loved to stay at , “The Principal “,at the beginning of the week
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

John

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
New property with excellent staff.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ann

Traveled with family
The place is fun with old lockers with book names on them!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kaitlyn

Traveled with group, Traveled with partner, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It's a really awesome space and the staff was excellent. The only issue we had was that the room had an odd chemical smell. It was a clean room so it may have been a ventilation issue. Other than that, everything was great!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joseph

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I travel all over the country and was quite impressed with the property... The lady at the front desk was nice, ample parking, restaurants in the area that are within walking distance and the room was probably one of the cleanest rooms I have ever come across staying at a hotel...
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

bonnie, West Palm Beach

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I love staying here.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Adam

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Very cool design and concept. Clean and easy access to many things.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Charlene

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

10/10 Excellent

Evan

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

10/10 Excellent

Dylan

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

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Amazing hotel with friendly staff and very clean rooms. Great place to stay while in town for a cardinals game.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

William

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
This was such a cute hotel. Comfortable room, not carpeted - wish I had brought slippers- air is a bit tricky to figure out- had to call front desk and she says everyone calls. The TV is log in only - so you have to have streaming services which could be a problem for some. The attention to details was outstanding.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025