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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

Exterior
Room amenity
Reception
40-inch flat-screen TV with digital channels, Netflix, Hulu
Breakfast, dinner and brunch served

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

  • Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery - 11 min drive - 8.3 miles
  • Jefferson Barracks Historic Park - 11 min drive - 10.0 miles
  • Mercy Hospital South - 14 min drive - 14.1 miles
  • River City Casino - 15 min drive - 12.4 miles
  • Busch Stadium - 20 min drive - 17.7 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
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Jimmy John's - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Dairy Queen - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪The Coffee Pot - ‬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
  • Limited onsite self parking

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.

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. 175 out of 193 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 10 out of 193 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 193 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 193 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 193 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

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

10/10 Excellent

Mary

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I love the wonderful redo from school to hotel - so interesting and well done. The room is clean, big, and modern. I would highly recommend over any St. Louis hotels.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joan

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Short overnight stay but everything was good
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tabatha

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

10/10 Excellent

Lynnegail

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

Great Place

I was very impressed with the history of the building and decor. It was extremely clean, comfortable beds and the front office was exceptional. I was traveling from Chicago with my elderly mother who got lost and locked out and they were so kind and accommodating. I highly recommend the The Principal Hotel in Colombia, IL
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Really amazing place, extremely quiet, comfortable and very reasonably priced.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Emory

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joe

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

Great stay

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Wonderful stay, great experience and the hotel decor absolutely one of a kind. Accommodations were extra clean and the bed slept well. Staff very hospitable and friendly.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrea m

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
staf went above and beyond to make sure our trip was the best
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sarah

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very clean place to stay. We would definitely come back.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mark

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joseph

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

10/10 Excellent

Nick

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Benjamin

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Overall was the best stay we have had with any one. The only downside would be no hot breakfast unless you went to the restaurant on location. Staff was great and so helpful when we needed anything for the room.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mark

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ivy

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved it!!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Hui-Min

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

2/10 Terrible

Alexandria

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Roy

Business traveler
Liked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Nice s

Room was great , hardwood floors that U love , very nice bathroom , excellent, highly recommended
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025