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The Principal Hotel

Property class: 3.5
VIP Access

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Photo gallery for The Principal Hotel

A restaurant with multiple tables and booths, large windows, and a modern interior design.
A modern kitchen with a central island, bar stools, and a dining area.
A wooden wall with the sign "THE PRINCIPAL HOTEL" and a row of books below.
A neatly made bed with white linens and a dark headboard, flanked by two bedside tables with lamps.
A hotel named "The Principal Hotel" with a brick facade, multiple windows, and a parking lot in front.

Reviews

9.6 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, Waterloo Town Square
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Place, Arsenal BG Ballpark
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Place, Busch Stadium
    ‪18 min drive‬
  • Airport, St. Louis, MO (STL-Lambert-St. Louis Intl.)
    ‪37 min drive‬
VIP Access
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  • Expect exceptional service
  • Extra savings and perks for Rewards members
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Room options

View all photos for Freshman K

A large bed with a dark headboard, two bedside lamps, and a window with curtains.

Freshman K

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

View all photos for Freshman Honors K

A large bed with a dark headboard, two bedside lamps, and a window with curtains.

Freshman Honors K

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(5 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Sophomore Honors K

A large bed with a dark headboard, two bedside lamps, and a window with curtains.

Sophomore Honors K

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

View all photos for Junior Honors K

A large bed with a dark headboard, two bedside lamps, and a window with curtains.

Junior Honors K

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Senior K

A large bed with a dark headboard, two bedside lamps, and a window with curtains.

Senior K

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(3 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Senior Honors K

A large bed with a dark headboard, two bedside lamps, and a window with curtains.

Senior Honors K

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

View all photos for Sophomore QQ

A hotel room with two beds, wooden flooring, and bedside lamps.

Sophomore QQ

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

View all photos for Sophomore Honors QQ

A hotel room with two beds, wooden flooring, and bedside lamps.

Sophomore Honors QQ

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

View all photos for Junior Honors QQ

A hotel room with two beds, wooden flooring, and bedside lamps.

Junior Honors QQ

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Senior QQ

A hotel room with two beds, wooden flooring, and bedside lamps.

Senior QQ

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

View all photos for Junior Q

A neatly made bed with white linens and pillows, flanked by two bedside tables with lamps, in a room with wooden flooring and plain walls.

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

  • Waterloo Town Square - 10 min drive - 9.4 miles
  • Arsenal BG Ballpark - 11 min drive - 13.8 miles
  • National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows - 15 min drive - 18.0 miles
  • Busch Stadium - 18 min drive - 18.3 miles
  • Gateway Arch - 18 min drive - 18.6 miles

Getting around

  • St. Louis Gateway Station - 23 min drive
  • Belleville, IL (BLV-MidAmerica-St. Louis) - 38 min drive

Restaurants

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

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 water dispenser, 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.

Similar properties

A long bar with multiple tables and chairs, wooden floors, and ornate chandeliers.
River City Casino & Hotel
St. Louis
  • Parking included
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning
  • Gym
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, 1,809 reviews
$114 nightly
The price is $134
Nov 9 - Nov 10
Total with taxes and fees
River City Casino & Hotel

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

  • American Express
  • Discover
  • Mastercard
  • Visa

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 Oct 10, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Principal Hotel on Oct 12, 2026 start from $99, 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 Eckert’s Millstadt Farm, Annbriar Golf Course, and Triple Lakes Golf Course.

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.

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.

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 Belleville, IL (BLV-MidAmerica-St. Louis), which is around 21.9 mi away.

The Principal Hotel Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 365 out of 430 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 40 out of 430 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 17 out of 430 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 430 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 6 out of 430 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.6/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
An experience itself! This hotel used to be a school and the project to convert it was very well executed. Clean and cozy, you won’t regret staying at this property.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent place to stay. Clean room, comfortable bed, nice decor and friendly staff make this hotel a great choice!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very clean , air was amazing, parking was great, staff was very friendly .Would definitely stay again ….
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Enjoyed another relaxing stay! Also, enjoyed all you can eat fried chicken at Washy’s Pub a five minute maximum walk.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Love the school theme throughout the property! Very nice hotel.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great hotel and nice staff!
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Highly recommend will stay again!
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It is a great place to stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We loved this hotel! Definitely where we will stay next trip to St. Louis.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Kind and thoughtful staff in this cozy one of a kind hotel. It is adorable and clean. Great price for a great stay. Good parking and cute community surround this gem. Highly recommend
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved the design concept. Great stay and will be back. Staff was kind and room provided good space.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great place - clean and safe! Nice shower!! And so quiet!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Pretty unique building, old school building that's been remodeled. Columbia is such a quiet cool little town also. Lots of restaurants within walking distance.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This property is a very unique place and the area it resides in is very small town feeling. Great comfortable bed, plenty of pillows, and quiet
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Hotel was very clean and rooms were spacious.. staff was also very friendly. Only thing is I wished they had a pool.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Best hotel in Columbia to stay at!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Cute hotel in small town with good local restaurants within walking distance. Very clean and neat. Easy parking
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I love staying here whenever i come to town.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great place, converted old school. Rooms are modern decor, nice quality. Staff was really friendly. Beautiful little suburban town.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Principal Hotel was amazing... Clean, creative, and fun.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Bery nice place. It was a luxury hotel at a very budget friendly price. It is a school building turned into a hotel. Great concept in terms of decoration and setup.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved the school themes throughout the property. Nice to have Graphite and Cafe at the Abby immediately next door!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great weekend get away. Everything was perfect. Great restaurant attached to the hotel.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is a beautiful property! The staff was very helpful and friendly. Very clean and comfortable.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very big spacious clean rooms.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026

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