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The Principal Hotel

3.5 star property

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Photo gallery for The Principal Hotel

Breakfast, dinner and brunch served - The Principal Hotel (Columbia)
Exterior - The Principal Hotel (Columbia)
Reception - The Principal Hotel (Columbia)
Room amenity - The Principal Hotel (Columbia)
In-room safe, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi - The Principal Hotel (Columbia)
A coffee shop/cafe, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a gym are just a few of the amenities provided at The Principal Hotel. The on-site restaurant, Graphite Restaurant, offers breakfast, brunch, and dinner. Free in-room WiFi and a bar are available to all guests.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Gym
  • Business services

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 14 of 14 rooms

View all photos for Freshman K

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

Freshman K

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(16 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for ADA Freshman K

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

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

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

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

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
  • Free WiFi

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
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Senior K

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

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

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
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Sophomore QQ

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

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

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
  • Free WiFi

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
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for ADA Junior QQ

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

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

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

Junior Honors QQ

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

View all photos for Senior QQ

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

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

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

Junior Q

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

About the neighborhood

Columbia is home to The Principal Hotel. Missouri Civil War Museum and City Museum are cultural highlights, while Gateway Arch is a notable landmark. Check out an event or a game at Arsenal BG Ballpark, and consider making time for St. Louis Zoo, a top attraction not to be missed. Visit our Columbia travel guide
Map
310 S Main St, Columbia, IL, 62236

What's nearby

  • A baseball stadium with a large crowd, a prominent arch structure, and various advertisements.
    Busch Stadium
    18 min drive - 18.3 miles
  • The Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri, with a well-maintained lawn and trees in the foreground.
    Gateway Arch
    18 min drive - 18.6 miles
  • 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

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

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Property amenities

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

Restaurants on site

  • Cafe on the Abbey
  • Graphite Restaurant

Things to do

  • Gym
  • TV in common areas

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • ATM
  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Luggage storage
  • Water dispenser

Guest services

  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (on request)

Business services

  • Meeting rooms

Accessibility

  • Hardwood flooring in room
  • No elevator

More

  • Designated smoking areas (fines apply)

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes

Bathroom

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

Entertainment

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

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

Pets not 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

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • Deposit: USD 100.00 per accommodation, per stay

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 20.0 per day

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

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

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms

Frequently asked questions

Is The Principal Hotel pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at The Principal Hotel?

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

What time is check-out at The Principal Hotel?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is The Principal Hotel located?

Situated in Columbia, this hotel is within 12 mi (20 km) of Missouri Civil War Museum, River City Casino, and Arsenal BG Ballpark. Busch Stadium and City Museum are also within 20 mi (32 km).

Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?

Yes, this property offers free cancellation on select room rates, because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.

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Reviews

The Principal Hotel Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

10

Cleanliness

9.6

Amenities

9.6

Staff & service

10

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 287 out of 331 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 28 out of 331 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 10 out of 331 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 331 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 5 out of 331 reviews

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michelle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great hotel and nice staff!
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Robert

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

10/10 Excellent

Juakena

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

10/10 Excellent

willie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very big spacious clean rooms.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Noel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Cool and creative school themes. Bed was very comfortable. Room and overall hotel was very clean. One of very few hotels in St Louis area that has good reviews. Will definitely stay again if in the area.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Juanita

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I was there 5 days. Very quiet and peaceful!
Stayed 5 nights in May 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

Sheri

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very clean comfortable rooms!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 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

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

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

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

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

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

Joseph M

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Management takes care in keeping all aspects of facility clean and fresh
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeff

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

10/10 Excellent

Cheri

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
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Debra

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Wonderful experience-luxury rooms, great dining, amazing staff! Clean and themed wel!!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Richard

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