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The Principal Hotel

Property class: 3.5

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Breakfast, dinner and brunch served - The Principal Hotel (Columbia)
In-room safe, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi - The Principal Hotel (Columbia)
Exterior - The Principal Hotel (Columbia)
Reception - The Principal Hotel (Columbia)
Room amenity - 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

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Gym
  • Business services

Room options

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Showing 14 of 14 rooms

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

Freshman K

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(14 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

ADA Freshman K

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(5 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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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

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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

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

Junior Honors K

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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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

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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

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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

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

ADA Junior QQ

  • 1 bedroom
  • 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

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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

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

Junior Q

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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

  • 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
  • Arsenal BG Ballpark
    14 min drive - 13.3 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
  • Jimmy John's
    3 min drive
  • Taco Bell
    3 min drive
  • Top Shooters Sports Bar
    6 min drive
  • Dairy Queen
    11 min walk

About this property

The Principal Hotel

Hotel near River City Casino
Take advantage of a coffee shop/cafe, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a gym 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.
You'll also enjoy the following perks during your stay:
  • Free self parking
  • Meeting rooms, a water dispenser, and a 24-hour front desk
  • A gift shop, coffee/tea in the lobby, and luggage storage
Room features
All guestrooms at The Principal Hotel include thoughtful touches such as air conditioning, in addition to amenities like free WiFi and safes.
Extra conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Showers, hair dryers, and shampoo
  • 40-inch flat-screen TVs with Netflix, Hulu, and streaming services
  • Microwaves, digital channels, and coffee/tea makers

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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

9.8

Exceptional

10

Cleanliness

9.6

Amenities

9.6

Staff & service

10

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 203 out of 228 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 14 out of 228 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 7 out of 228 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 228 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 228 reviews

Reviews

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

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

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

Sara

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was of the most cleanest and unique hotel! I loved the lockers painted as books! The detention Hall bar and metal small locker bed side table in the room. The bed is SUPER comfortable!! The restaurant - the graphite was phenomenal.. loved the creative menu to go with hotel. We will recommend this hotel to everyone!! Outstanding staff as well.. not mean none in hotel or restaurant! Thank you all!!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Theodore

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was my third stay at The Principal Hotel. The history of this property is unique and the rooms are amazing - essentially in brand-new condition and very tastefully designed and decorated. I've eaten at the adjoining restaurant, the Graphite, on one occasion. Amazing food! (When the Graphite is closed on Mondays, I eat at the Thai House restaurant within blocks of the hotel. Delicious and affordable meals!) The hotel is easy to get to and Columbia seems like a nice, safe town. I plan on staying at The Principal Hotel each time I travel through the area rather than staying in or near St. Louis which is what I used to do.
Stayed 1 night 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

Clayton

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
What an amazing gem in a quaint little IL town! Very well done inside and out, making a wonderful tribute to the history of the building and surrounding property, as well as the people that came through its halls in years past. The entire property was very clean and the staff was welcoming and friendly. Would definitely stay again!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
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
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

Janet

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
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

Jana

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean room. Nice amenities. Friendly staff. We needed cold medicine on Christmas & they had a supply at the front desk, which was much appreciated.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Janet

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
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joan

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

10/10 Excellent

Ashley

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

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
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Deborah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Staff was friendly, and was able to get checked in to the room early, so we could relax before a wedding rehearsal. Room was clean
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kelvin

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

10/10 Excellent

Katie

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Trish

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice facilities. Convenient to the Abbey. Clean room
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025