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The Principal Hotel

3.5 star property
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

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Gym
  • Business services

Explore the area

View in a map
310 S Main St, Columbia, IL, 62236
  • Place, Historic Peterstown House
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Place, Waterloo Town Square
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Place, Arsenal BG Ballpark
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Airport, St. Louis, MO (STL-Lambert-St. Louis Intl.)
    ‪36 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
(16 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for ADA Freshman K

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

ADA Freshman K

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(6 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Freshman Honors K

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

Freshman Honors K

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

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
  • Free WiFi

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
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Senior K

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

Senior K

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed
  • Free WiFi

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
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Sophomore QQ

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

Sophomore QQ

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

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
  • Free WiFi

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
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for ADA Junior QQ

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

ADA Junior QQ

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

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
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Senior QQ

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

Senior QQ

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

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
  • Free WiFi

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

  • Historic Peterstown House - 10 min drive - 9.0 miles
  • Waterloo Town Square - 11 min drive - 9.4 miles
  • Arsenal BG Ballpark - 11 min drive - 13.8 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
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Jimmy John's - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Dairy Queen - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Proving Ground Coffee Roaster & Café - ‬3 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 dry cleaning/laundry and luggage storage. Additional amenities include a gift shop, an ATM, 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.

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The price is $82
Jul 12 - Jul 13
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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 Jul 10, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Principal Hotel on Jul 15, 2026 start from $122, 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 Belleville, IL (BLV-MidAmerica-St. Louis), which is around 21.9 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

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 292 out of 336 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 28 out of 336 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 10 out of 336 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 336 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 5 out of 336 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.6/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

James

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

10/10 Excellent

bonnie

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

10/10 Excellent

Denise

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Location is great.Beds were very comfortable.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lynette

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was the best property I have booked through Hotels.com. Clean, comfortable, great staff and excellent restaurant on site.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sheri

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very clean comfortable rooms!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

sondra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Quiet, spacious room with a comfy bed. Graphite restaurant is fabulous. Highly recommend and will definitely stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sarah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Super clean and friendly staff
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Great stay and very clean!
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Adorable hotel. Extremely clean and welcoming. Attached restaurant is excellent. Highly recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Paulina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Cute, super clean property- would stay here again if visiting stl area !! Highly recommend
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kyle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My first thought was how nice the room was, very clean, very appealing. The staff were super kind and checking in and out was quick and easy. I would highly recommend this hotel and definitely will be staying here on my next trip to St. Louis.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Qiming

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Right in town for walking Everything.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

kimberly

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very need property. Comfortable bed and super clean
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nancy

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Comfortable, interesting concept, great restaurant
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kenneth

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

10/10 Excellent

Kris

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean room, interesting place. Great event location!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joshua

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Refurbished old school. Great idea, very clean! Great atmosphere!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nancy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful hotel!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rachel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very comfortable beds and clean rooms
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joseph M

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Management takes care in keeping all aspects of facility clean and fresh
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeff

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

10/10 Excellent

Derrick

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

6/10 Okay

Jana

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service
Rooms huge, everything new, parking easy. Some parts still seem to be under construction, so there is an uneveness to the experience, but I'm sure it will be great. The one thing that was off-putting was the woman manning the desk when we checked in. She was curt and not welcoming.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tracy

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

10/10 Excellent

Cheri

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Business trip stay here was very comfortable. Easy access no hustle n bustle. Have already booked our next stay.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

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