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The Principal Hotel

Property class: 3.5
Enjoy the free WiFi at this 3.5-star Columbia hotel

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Principal Hotel

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

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

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

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(4 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 area

Columbia

In Columbia .At this Columbia hotel, you'll be within 9 miles (15 km) of Missouri Civil War Museum and 12 miles (20 km) of River City Casino. Arsenal BG Ballpark is within 12 miles (20 km) and Busch Stadium is within 16 miles (25 km).

What's nearby

  • Waterloo Town Square - 10 min drive - 15.1 km
  • Arsenal BG Ballpark - 11 min drive - 22.1 km
  • National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows - 15 min drive - 29.0 km
  • Busch Stadium - 18 min drive - 29.5 km
  • Gateway Arch - 18 min drive - 29.8 km

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

Enjoy the free WiFi at this 3.5-star Columbia hotel
There's a restaurant on site, as well as a coffee shop/cafe. A fitness center, gift shops/newsstands, and coffee/tea in a common area are also featured at The Principal Hotel. Self parking is free.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this 3.5-star Columbia hotel.

  • 40 guestrooms or units
  • Meeting rooms
  • Coffee in lobby
  • Dry cleaning
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Gift shop
  • Television in lobby
  • ATM
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Water dispenser
  • Dining venue
The Principal Hotel offers 40 air-conditioned accommodations with safes and coffee/tea makers. 40-inch flat-screen televisions come with digital channels and Netflix.

Bathrooms include showers and hair dryers. This Columbia hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Additionally, rooms include irons/ironing boards and blackout drapes/curtains. Housekeeping is provided on request.

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
4.5 out of 5, Wonderful, 1,812 reviews
The price is CA $138
CA $182 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 15 - Oct 16
River City Casino & Hotel

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave

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

Things to do

  • Gym
  • TV in common areas

Accessibility

  • Hardwood flooring in room
  • No elevator

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • 40-inch flat-screen TV with digital channels
  • Hulu
  • Netflix
  • Streaming services

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste (on request)
  • Towels provided

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

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

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

Property payment types

  • American Express
  • Discover
  • Mastercard
  • Visa

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • Deposit: USD 100.00 per accommodation, per stay

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

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

  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 20.0 per day

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

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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A credit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. 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 Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Cash is not accepted. This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
    For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher in each accommodation.

We should mention

  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.

Frequently asked questions

How close is The Principal Hotel to the airport?

The Principal Hotel is 33.8 mi (38-min drive) away from the Belleville, IL (BLV-MidAmerica-St. Louis) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

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

As of Oct 1, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Principal Hotel on Oct 28, 2026 start from CA $121, 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.

Does The Principal Hotel have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at The Principal Hotel.

Does The Principal Hotel offer free breakfast?

The Principal Hotel does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at The Principal Hotel?

No, there is no casino at this hotel, but River City Casino (18-min drive) is nearby.

What time is check-in at The Principal Hotel?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime.

Is there free parking at The Principal Hotel?

This hotel offers free self parking.

Does The Principal Hotel have a pool?

The Principal Hotel does not have a pool.

Does The Principal Hotel have a restaurant?

The Principal Hotel is home to Graphite Restaurant, which features brunch.

Does The Principal Hotel have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this hotel.

How close is The Principal Hotel to downtown Columbia?

The Principal Hotel is 0.3 mi away from Columbia.

The Principal Hotel Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 357 out of 422 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 40 out of 422 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 17 out of 422 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 422 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 6 out of 422 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
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, property conditions & facilities
Great place - clean and safe! Nice shower!! And so quiet!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 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, 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
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, 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, 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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Spacious room, very clean. Front desk was friendly and inviting on check in.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything was very nice
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
From the staff to the smallest details, the hotel was amazing!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very cozy little spot
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was a terrific hotel! It’s a former Catholic school turned into a cute boutique hotel. Our room was well appointed with a comfortable bed. The staff was friendly & very helpful. The town it was located in, Columbia Illinois, was a beautiful small town that was close to St Louis. It made it easy to get to all of our events. We will stay here again when we return to the St Louis area!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stay and front desk agent was awesome
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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