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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

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 modern kitchen with a central island, bar stools, and a dining area.
A wooden wall with the sign "THE PRINCIPAL HOTEL" and a row of books below.
A neatly made bed with white linens and a dark headboard, flanked by two bedside tables with lamps.

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, Historic Peterstown House
    ‪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.)
    ‪36 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
(17 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for ADA Freshman K

A large bed with a dark headboard, two bedside lamps, and a window with curtains.

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

A large bed with a dark headboard, two bedside lamps, and a window with curtains.

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

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
  • Free WiFi

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
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Senior K

A large bed with a dark headboard, two bedside lamps, and a window with curtains.

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

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
  • Free WiFi

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
  • Free WiFi

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
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for ADA Sophomore Honors QQ

A hotel room with two beds, wooden flooring, and bedside lamps.

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

A hotel room with two beds, wooden flooring, and bedside lamps.

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

A hotel room with two beds, wooden flooring, and bedside lamps.

Junior Honors QQ

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

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
  • 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

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

  • 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

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

5 restaurants; breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch served
River City Casino & Hotel
St. Louis
  • Parking included
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning
  • Gym
4.6 out of 5, Wonderful, 1,694 reviews
$112 nightly
The price is $130
Aug 4 - Aug 5
Total with taxes and fees
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

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 Jul 29, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Principal Hotel on Jul 30, 2026 start from $125, 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.

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. 301 out of 347 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 28 out of 347 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 11 out of 347 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 347 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 6 out of 347 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.6/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It is a great place to stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 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

Andy

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

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

Kadi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel was perfect for a little weekend getaway. Decor is amazing! I love the book lockers! Will definitely be staying again!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 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

David

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

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

Juan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was a very clean property super quiet slept all night. If I could give it a six stars I would.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 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

Joseph

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent
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

Diana

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Every staff member we interacted was so kind, friendly, and helpful! They all either truly love their jobs, or are really good at acting like it. The room was much more beautiful in person than the photos made it seem, and seeing as I did not look into the hotel further than the room availability, I was pleasantly surprised by the fun theme and walk to our room!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Matthew

This was a very fun place to stay. Professional & Friendly staff and the owner was very nice and helpful to our situation while my daughter was at Shriners for surgery . Awesome design with the remodel. Everything was modern and convenient looked and smelled great . Only recommendation would be to add or allow small outdoor grilling space. The on-site restaurants were delicious as well.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 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

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

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

Carol

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Absolutely
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
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

Nancy

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

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