The Principal Hotel

Property class: 3.5

Photo gallery for The Principal Hotel

A wooden wall with the sign "THE PRINCIPAL HOTEL" and a row of books below.
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 large bed with a dark headboard, two bedside lamps, and a window with curtains.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Gym
  • Business services
The current price is NZ$197
includes taxes & fees
15 Nov - 16 Nov

Explore the area

View map
310 S Main St, Columbia, IL, 62236
  • Place, Waterloo Town Square
    ‪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

Freshman K

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

Freshman Honors K

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(5 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Sophomore Honors K

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Junior Honors K

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Senior K

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(3 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Senior Honors K

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Large Single Sofa Bed

Sophomore QQ

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 Large Single Bed

Sophomore Honors QQ

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 Large Single Bed

Junior Honors QQ

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Senior QQ

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Junior Q

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

About the area

Columbia

At The Principal Hotel, you'll be 14.3 km (8.9 mi) from Missouri Civil War Museum and 19.2 km (11.9 mi) from River City Casino. Highlights at this hotel include a restaurant and in-room free WiFi. .The fine-dining restaurant, Graphite Restaurant, serves American cuisine and is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. Additionally, you'll find a gym, a coffee shop/cafe and coffee/tea in a common area. There's also the convenience of free self parking. .Places within a 30-minute drive of this 3.5-property class Columbia hotel include Arsenal BG Ballpark and Busch Stadium.

What's nearby

  • Historic Peterstown House - 10 min drive - 14.4 km
  • Waterloo Town Square - 10 min drive - 15.1 km
  • Arsenal BG Ballpark - 11 min drive - 22.1 km
  • Busch Stadium - 18 min drive - 29.5 km
  • Gateway Arch - 18 min drive - 29.8 km

Getting around

  • St. Louis Gateway Station - 23 min drive
  • Belleville, IL (BLV-MidAmerica-St. Louis) - 38 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Jimmy John's - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Dairy Queen - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Top Shooters Sports Bar - ‬6 min drive

About this property

The Principal Hotel

There's a restaurant on site, as well as a coffee shop/cafe. There are 2 meeting rooms available. A fitness centre, gift shops/newsstands, and coffee/tea in common area are also featured at The Principal Hotel. Self parking is free. A complete renovation of The Principal Hotel was completed in December 2024.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this 3.5-star Columbia hotel.

  • 40 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • Conference rooms
  • Coffee in lobby
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Gift shop
  • Television in lobby
  • ATM
  • Lift
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Water dispenser
  • Dining venue
The Principal Hotel offers 40 accommodations with a safe and complimentary bottles of water. Pillowtop beds feature premium bedding. Microwaves and coffee/tea makers are provided. Bathrooms include a shower and hairdryers.

Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access. 40-inch flat-screen televisions come with digital channels and Netflix. Additionally, rooms include an iron/ironing board and blackout curtains. Change of towels and change of bedsheets can be requested. Housekeeping is provided on request.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Free uncovered self parking on site
  • Limited on-site self parking

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
  • Laundry facilities

Conveniences

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

Guest services

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping on request

Business services

  • 2 meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • In a nature reserve
  • Outdoor furniture

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Front entrance ramp
  • Hardwood flooring in public areas
  • Hardwood flooring in room
  • Lift
  • Well-lit path to entrance

More

  • 2 floors
  • Designated smoking areas (fines apply)
  • Renovated entire property - December 2024

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Pillowtop mattress
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • 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
  • Free bottled water
  • Microwave

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Heating (climate-controlled)
  • 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
Contactless check-out

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.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types

  • American Express
  • Discover
  • Mastercard
  • Visa

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
Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve cots/infant beds and rollaway/extra beds
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
This property reserves the right to pre-authorise the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Cashless transactions are available
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector and outdoor lighting
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 guest room reservation. Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve cots/infant beds and rollaway/extra beds. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover. Cash is not accepted. This property reserves the right to pre-authorise the guest's credit card prior to arrival. Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site.
    For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector and outdoor lighting in all accommodation. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

We should mention

  • Please note that this property can refuse certain bookings for the purpose of group events or parties, which include pre-wedding stag/bachelor and hen/bachelorette parties.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at The Principal Hotel?

The Principal Hotel offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at The Principal Hotel?

As of 14 Nov 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Principal Hotel on 15 Nov 2026 start from NZ$197, 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.

Is parking available at The Principal Hotel?

Yep, The Principal Hotel has a free self car park.

What makes The Principal Hotel a romantic place to stay?

A bar, plus pillowtop beds in the guestrooms, help set the scene for a romantic weekend at The Principal Hotel.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at The Principal Hotel?

No, The Principal Hotel does not offer an airport shuttle service.

Is there a bar or restaurant at The Principal Hotel?

Yep, you can grab a meal at The Principal Hotel's onsite restaurant that serves American cuisine.

What time are check-in & check-out at The Principal Hotel?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. Check-out time is 10:00 AM.

Are pets allowed at The Principal Hotel?

No, pets are not allowed.

The Principal Hotel Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 393 out of 470 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 49 out of 470 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 18 out of 470 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 470 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 8 out of 470 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.4/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Best for couple dating or vacation stay ,I am happy with time spend here.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved staying at this property. Highly recommend and will definitely stay there again. Very clean, friendly staff, fun small town.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Will stay again en route to visit family!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel is very clean, quiet, and comfortable
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
They hotel was very nice very clean the staff was very helpful i love this hotel
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent place to stay. Clean room, comfortable bed, nice decor and friendly staff make this hotel a great choice!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The cutest hotel! Friendly staff and the restaurant there has thee best food! Highly recommend!!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Really nice place with loads of charm.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean rooms, cool history/theme, air conditioned and free parking.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean room & plenty of parking
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very clean , air was amazing, parking was great, staff was very friendly .Would definitely stay again ….
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel was nice very clean the staff was very helpful they had everything you can think of mouthwash, laundry detergent,wine, beer,soap,coffee,creamer the good cream good tv apps I love this place I would love to book again
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location. Very Clean room.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room and bathroom were large and clean. Staff were extremely friendly.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Super cute, spacious rooms with updated features.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Enjoyed another relaxing stay! Also, enjoyed all you can eat fried chicken at Washy’s Pub a five minute maximum walk.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Highly recommend will stay again!
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
great stay. Have to have front desk adjust room temperature.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Love the school theme throughout the property! Very nice hotel.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It is a great place to stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel was very cute and clean. The location was lovely. Room was very spacious. We loved the theming!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was a great stay. The only complaint was the room had a slight odor. Other than that the experience was very neat. The beds were comfortable. We did enjoy our stay.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We loved this hotel! Definitely where we will stay next trip to St. Louis.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good and clean
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026