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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

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Photo gallery for The Principal Hotel

Exterior
Reception
40-inch flat-screen TV with digital channels, Netflix, Hulu
Breakfast, dinner and brunch served
1 bedroom, in-room safe, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

Map
310 S Main St, Columbia, IL, 62236
  • River City Casino
    ‪17 min drive‬
  • Busch Stadium
    ‪24 min drive‬
  • Gateway Arch
    ‪24 min drive‬
  • St. Louis, MO (STL-Lambert-St. Louis Intl.)
    ‪44 min drive‬
VIP Access
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Room options

View all photos for ADA Freshman K

1 bedroom, in-room safe, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board

ADA Freshman K

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Junior Honors QQ

40-inch flat-screen TV with digital channels, Netflix, Hulu

Junior Honors QQ

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Senior QQ

40-inch flat-screen TV with digital channels, Netflix, Hulu

Senior QQ

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Senior K

1 bedroom, in-room safe, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board

Senior K

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

View all photos for Sophomore QQ

1 bedroom, in-room safe, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board

Sophomore QQ

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

View all photos for Freshman Honors K

1 bedroom, in-room safe, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board

Freshman Honors K

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Junior Q

Junior Q | 1 bedroom, in-room safe, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board

Junior Q

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Sophomore Honors QQ

Room amenity

Sophomore Honors QQ

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

View all photos for Sophomore Honors K

Room amenity

Sophomore Honors K

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

View all photos for Junior Honors K

40-inch flat-screen TV with digital channels, Netflix, Hulu

Junior Honors K

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Senior Honors K

1 bedroom, in-room safe, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board

Senior Honors K

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

View all photos for ADA Sophomore Honors QQ

Room amenity

ADA Sophomore Honors QQ

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

View all photos for Freshman K

Room amenity

Freshman K

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

View all photos for ADA Junior QQ

Room amenity

ADA Junior QQ

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

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
  • ‪Top Shooters Sports Bar - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Reifschneider's Grill & Grape - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪Dairy Queen - ‬11 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 gift shop, 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.

Languages

English

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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
  • Private bathroom
  • 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.

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.

What will couples enjoy most about a stay at The Principal Hotel?

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

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this 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 St. Louis, MO (SUS-Spirit of St. Louis), which is around 28.7 mi away.

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book 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. 70 out of 77 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 77 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 77 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 77 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 77 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

Larry

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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Wonderful

charming boutique hotel in the heart of downtown Columbia. Many restaurants in walking distance.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carla

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

Loved it!

The hotel was clean and inviting right as we walked in. The room was spacious and clean. The shower was soothing. The staff was friendly and helpful with ideas on things to do in the area. There were plenty of eating options close by. Loved our stay and will return when we are in this area again.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Adam

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
An amazing atmosphere
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Shawn

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The school theme is fun, and the fact that it was a school and has that history is really interesting. I will stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brandi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful little spot. The restaurant was excellent and beds were comfortable
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

10/10 Excellent

Dave

Traveled with group, Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

JONATHAN

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Amazing!!! Clean , new and 1 of a kind
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Janice

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

Exceeded expectations

What a beautiful and unique facility! Loved every part from the spacious rooms to the schoolhouse decor. I will be back!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Justin

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property was very clean. The service of the staff they were very polite and helpfully . The history of the building is a incredible story. Great experience
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Margot

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I found it very unique that it was once a school and still maintaining a touch of decor still pertaining to its past. The pictures and explanation of its past history are informative and interesting. The lockers in the hallway to the railings that were made out of the old radiator heating systems from the classrooms to the Detention Bar that is for hotel guests that is soon to open are all nice touches. The Graphite restaurant that is attached to the hotel is very nice and the dinner was very good. The new Courtroom bar that is still under construction in the old gymnasium and will be open to the public in the future is also attached to the hotel and is going to be large and spacious. This is an ideal situation for hotel guest to enjoy by just having all these different accommodations in one spot and never having to drive anywhere if you choose not to. Great place..
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Trish

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful design and cleanliness.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Lovely stay with family

My wife was thrilled about this stay and thought it was her favorite which is saying something given that we have stayed at many 5 star properties over the years.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joseph

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

Sleeping in the school

It was a great stay. The room was exceptionally clean, and pleasing to the eyes. Definitely will stay there again!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

John

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

Beautiful new hotel

Beautiful new hotel! The theme was fun, with the hotel being a converted Catholic school. Loved our stay!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Connie

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was awesome
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Adrienne

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

George

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

Very Clean and Comfortable

The Principal is a very clean and quiet hotel. The staff was very friendly and helpful. Also the bed was very comfortable. If you need a place to stay in Columbia or Waterloo area i highly recommend The Principal you won’t be disappointed
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tyler

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Would definitely stay at the Principal again!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Grant

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ronda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sheil

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I loved this theme and decor school house of this boutique hotel , we stayed due to a wedding we attended only live about 30 minutes away. We will be back t enjoy the patio and bar .
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024