See all properties

The Principal Hotel

3.5 star property
Enjoy the free WiFi at this 3.5-star Columbia hotel

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Principal Hotel

Breakfast, dinner and brunch served
Exterior
In-room safe, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi
Room amenity
Reception

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning
  • Gym
  • Business services

Explore the area

View in a map
310 S Main St, Columbia, IL, 62236
  • Place, Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Place, Jefferson Barracks Historic Park
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Place, Arsenal BG Ballpark
    ‪14 min drive‬
  • Airport, St. Louis, MO (STL-Lambert-St. Louis Intl.)
    ‪39 min drive‬

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
(13 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • 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

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(4 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • 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

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 1 bedroom
  • 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

  • 1 bedroom
  • 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

  • 1 bedroom
  • 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)
  • 1 bedroom
  • 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

  • 1 bedroom
  • 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)
  • 1 bedroom
  • 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

  • 1 bedroom
  • 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

  • 1 bedroom
  • 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

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Senior QQ

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

Senior QQ

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

View all photos for Junior Q

Junior Q

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

  • Sylvan Springs County Park - 10 min drive - 15.1 km
  • Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery - 11 min drive - 13.4 km
  • Jefferson Barracks Historic Park - 11 min drive - 16.1 km
  • Arsenal BG Ballpark - 14 min drive - 21.4 km
  • River City Casino - 15 min drive - 19.9 km

Getting around

  • St. Louis Gateway Station - 23 min drive
  • St. Louis Lambert Intl. Airport (STL) - 38 min drive

Restaurants

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

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

Lobby
Hampton Inn St. Louis - Columbia
  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
4.3 out of 5, Excellent, 493 reviews
The price is CA $145
CA $161 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 29 - Mar 30
Hampton Inn St. Louis - Columbia

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

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 29.1 mi (38-min drive) away from the St. Louis Lambert Intl. Airport (STL) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

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

As of Mar 16, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Principal Hotel on Apr 14, 2026 start from CA $138, 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

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 194 out of 214 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 11 out of 214 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 6 out of 214 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 214 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 214 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.6/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

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

10/10 Excellent

Steve

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Last week I attended a wedding at “The Principal Hotel” in Columbia, Illinois. I would like to start with the owner and the hotel staff. The way they greeted us made us feel truly welcome. The venue was a converted Catholic Abbey and school. All facets of the wedding from the wedding party dinner, the wedding, the social hour, the catered banquet, and the DJ services went off without one glitch. The on-site restaurant was superb and catered delicious food. The hotel was as detailed as you would expect it to be from a long past era. I believe each large room had previously been a classroom. The main thing I noticed was the true quality of the carpentry done by masters that took exceptional pride in their work. Old class pictures, a trophy case, small chair desks, wall lockers, library books, even the old pull out bleacher facings. Quite a nostalgic trip into my memory. I loved every moment of it. I cannot express my appreciation of The Principal Hotel enough. All I can say is wow! Wow! WOW!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Theodore

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything was great: large, clean room - with everything functioning properly - and friendly, helpful staff. While the adjoining restaurant is closed on Mondays, the night I checked in, I ate there the last time I stayed at the Principal Hotel. Exceptional food and reasonably priced. Traveling many miles each year, this is my favorite stop!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Richard

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I’ve been here 3 or 4 times. Nice local hotel with a great history.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kenneth

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

10/10 Excellent

Samantha

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Louis

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
All of the above
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Eric

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Very neat theme and use of the original space.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joe

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
My only discontent was that I couldn't figure out how to watch regular TV.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

NEELA

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great cozy room. Restaurant was amazing. I ate there 3 days in a row!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Jennifer

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Second time staying, disappointed in the fact that it just wasn’t clean. Otherwise, a good stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nancy

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness
Everything is great. Love this place!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeff

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

8/10 Good

Karlin

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Hotel accommodations were great, but we had big trouble with the heating unit not switching over to cool and had to sleep in an 80 degree room
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cheri

Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

2/10 Terrible

Oren

Travelled with group
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Overall stay was just terrible. We booked three rooms based on the high rating this hotel received in the past. When we arrived, my own room had a strong smell of sewage (I had another colleague corroborate this). I immediately asked to change rooms (a thing I have never done in all my years of travel) and was assigned another room. Unfortunately, whereas I booked a room with a kingside bed I now received a room with two queen size beds. No apology was offered at the time for the inconvenience. The new room had a loud screeching sound coming out of the air vent. I recorded it and came back again to reception. I was told that I could not be moved even though I explained that the noise was so loud no one could sleep there. I did stay up awake all night and had the pleasure of loud noises from the plumbing system added to the air vent noise. I recorded those too throughout the night. In the morning when I checked out the person at reception finally apologized and offered a free breakfast. I have never written a negative review of hotels. This is a first but the experience was truly aweful. By the way, after check out a maintenance person was at reception after checking my room and he acknowledged the loud noise.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

D

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Everything was great.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

tony, Ofallon

Place was emacetalent
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeffery

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Loved this place! It was clean, quiet and comfortable. The little touches all around were so charming. Will definitely stay here again if in the area!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ashley

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Extremely quiet rooms. Rooms were spotless. Very unique hotel.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

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

10/10 Excellent

Janet

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The history and design of the hotel were cool, the room was spotless, and the beds were comfortable. We also appreciated the friendly staff at check-in, and at the attached restaurant and bar. We'd happily stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Shawn

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Katie

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Such a cute little hotel with great decorative details. The staff was super friendly, the room was very clean. Check in only took a minute or two and they were very accommodating for early check in/late check out. It shares the parking lot with The Abbey where a friend’s wedding took place, so it was so convenient. If I ever find myself in Columbia, IL again, I will have to stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025