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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
In-room safe, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi
Reception
Room amenity
Exterior

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, River City Casino
    ‪15 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)
  • 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

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(3 reviews)
  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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)
  • 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

  • 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)
  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Junior Q

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

Junior Q

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

About the neighborhood

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 - 9.4 miles
  • Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery - 11 min drive - 8.3 miles
  • Jefferson Barracks Historic Park - 11 min drive - 10.0 miles
  • Waterloo Town Square - 12 min drive - 9.4 miles
  • River City Casino - 15 min drive - 12.4 miles

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
  • ‪Jimmy John's - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Dairy Queen - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Miller’s On Main - ‬13 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.

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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.
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.

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 Jan 20, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Principal Hotel on Feb 8, 2026 start from $105.48, 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. 180 out of 200 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 11 out of 200 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 6 out of 200 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 200 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 200 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

felicia

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The area was safe and quiet and the room, bathroom and lobby was very clean. The bed was comfortable However, the hallway on the 1st floor near the elevator was extremely noisy with women talking loudly. I stayed 2 nights. Breakfast was not available onsite on Monday
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Theodore

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mary

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This has to be the most charming boutique hotel I have ever stayed at. Everything was new, updated, clean. The staff from check in to busing tables were super nice. Food was amazing and very affordable. Loved the tie to “school” from the periodic table on the soaps and shampoos to the molecular ceiling tiles in the dining room to the carpets and drapes that matches my plaid school jumpers! Would definitely stay again and highly recommend.
Graphite Bar and Dining Room
Upstairs hallway and suites
Cute hallway decor
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cheri

Business traveler, Traveled with partner
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

10/10 Excellent

Kelvin

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Rooms was clean. Convenient parking. Staff was friendly.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tomi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Staff was friendly. Our room was sparkling clean. Bed was completely. We really enjoyed the ambiance of the hotel and surrounding town. Breakfast at the Abbey Cafe was great!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A very nice unique hotel with friendly staff. I would highly recommend.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kurt

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

10/10 Excellent

presley

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michele

Traveled with family
Parking was very easy plenty of spaces available. Front desk very friendly.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Walter

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Plenty of parking in the property, staff not so friendly at the front desk. The room was scorching hot when we first came in. We had to wait hours for the room to cool down.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dallas

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Always nice here. 3rd trip
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jenny

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is always a 10/10 for me!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gloria

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very comfortable, clean and welcoming hotel. Highly recommend it
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nancy

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

8/10 Good

Chris

Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Thomas Francis

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A nice unique property that is a pleasure to stay at.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alicia

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

David

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lpved everything!!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Janet

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved the history, clean rooms, excellent service, professional staff, Will be back.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Seth

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

8/10 Good

Jessica

Business traveler, Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything was good. It is very clean. We had a couple of issues but the young lady at the front desk went above and beyond to take care of it. When really it wasn’t a big enough issue to worry about we just wanted to let her know for the next person in line. They have amazing staff and an amazing hotel. We will go back
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brian

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