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The Principal Hotel

3.5 star property
VIP Access

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Photo gallery for The Principal Hotel

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

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Gym
  • Laundry
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi
$139
includes taxes & fees
Sep 4 - Sep 5

Explore the area

View in a map
310 S Main St, Columbia, IL, 62236
  • River City Casino
    ‪17 min drive‬
  • Busch Stadium
    ‪24 min drive‬
  • Gateway Arch
    ‪24 min drive‬
  • St. Louis, MO (STL-Lambert-St. Louis Intl.)
    ‪44 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for ADA Freshman K

1 bedroom, in-room safe, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board

ADA Freshman K

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(3 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Junior Honors QQ

1 bedroom, in-room safe, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board

Junior Honors QQ

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Senior QQ

1 bedroom, in-room safe, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board

Senior QQ

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Senior K

1 bedroom, in-room safe, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board

Senior K

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Sophomore QQ

1 bedroom, in-room safe, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board

Sophomore QQ

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 Large Twin Bed

View all photos for Freshman Honors K

1 bedroom, in-room safe, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board

Freshman Honors K

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Junior Q

Junior Q | 1 bedroom, in-room safe, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board

Junior Q

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Sophomore Honors QQ

1 bedroom, in-room safe, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board

Sophomore Honors QQ

  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 Large Twin Bed

View all photos for Sophomore Honors K

1 bedroom, in-room safe, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board

Sophomore Honors K

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

View all photos for Junior Honors K

1 bedroom, in-room safe, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board

Junior Honors K

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Senior Honors K

1 bedroom, in-room safe, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board

Senior Honors K

  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Large Twin Sofa Bed

View all photos for ADA Sophomore Honors QQ

1 bedroom, in-room safe, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board

ADA Sophomore Honors QQ

  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 Large Twin Bed

View all photos for Freshman K

1 bedroom, in-room safe, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board

Freshman K

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

View all photos for ADA Junior QQ

1 bedroom, in-room safe, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board

ADA Junior QQ

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

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About this property

The Principal Hotel

3.5-star Columbia hotel with restaurant
This hotel features a restaurant, a fitness center, and a coffee shop/cafe. Self parking is free. Other amenities include coffee/tea in a common area, dry cleaning, and a 24-hour front desk. Housekeeping is available on request.
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.

Recreational amenities at the hotel include a fitness center.
The hotel offers a restaurant and a coffee shop/cafe. This Columbia hotel also offers a fitness center, gift shops/newsstands, and coffee/tea in a common area. Onsite uncovered self parking is complimentary.

The Principal Hotel has designated areas for smoking.

Graphite Restaurant - This fine-dining restaurant serves breakfast, brunch, and dinner. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar.
Cafe on the Abbey - This café serves breakfast and lunch. Open select days.

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

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.

We should mention

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

The Principal Hotel Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 116 out of 126 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 126 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 126 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 126 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 126 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

Kristin

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was the roomiest hotel I have ever stayed at.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sabrina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
My room was great. Beautiful shower, clean room, very comfortable bed. There was also a mini fridge, microwave, iron, keurig, and blow dryer in the room.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

BOB

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We loved our short stay. Attended a beautiful wedding of a granddaughter. Rehearsal dinner at Graphite, Wedding and dinner/dance in Venue. Stayed overnight in The Principal. Loved everthing!!
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Linda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great property!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lyn

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Such a clever concept and unique property executed with charm and sophistication. The rooms were new and very clean. Linens were great quality. Staff were very pleasant. The attached restaurant, The Graphite, provided some of the best food I’ve ever eaten, specifically the whipped potatoes, and Gouda Mac and cheese. It was a superb experience in a quaint small town of Columbia just minutes from downtown St Louis. We look forward to returning.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mary E, Springfield

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

10/10 Excellent

Lisbeth Solis

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Just amazing
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Penny

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Loved it. The school theme is very unique.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dimika

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This a beautiful boutique hotel that was once a school. They have implemented the school theme perfectly throughout the facility. The staff was very courteous. The restaurant that is on-site has delicious food and great service. We enjoyed our stay here and will stay here again when in the area.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

6/10 Okay

ALEXANDER

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Amenities
Hotel was clean, quiet, and had comfortable beds. I was almost locked out due to late check in. Could not go back to my car as the doors were locked. This hotel caters to older people. I was told late check out was noon, both when I booked and when I arrived. Called in the morning and was told I would be charged for late checkout past 11?! I had to rush out in 40 minutes to avoid being charged. Overall I stayed for 12 hours. If you are not over 60 I recommend staying elsewhere.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Keith

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
They perfectly executed the school theme and it is a beautiful building.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Emory

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

10/10 Excellent

Nina

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

10/10 Excellent

Jessica

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

10/10 Excellent

James

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

10/10 Excellent

Mary

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful property. Very clean and friendly staff.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mary

Traveled with group, Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This property was outstanding! It was very clean and the staff were very friendly. You could tell they put a lot of effort into providing an incredible stay. From nice thick towels to offering free drink tickets the property was. Class act. We would highly recommend this hotel.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jenny

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Cutest boutique hotel!

The staff is always incredible! The location is convenient. You have a cute coffee shop next door and now a great restaurant! I always stay here when I'm in Columbia.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jana

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
They did a great job of converting a school into a hotel.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kent

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Very nice hotel.

This s hotel is very neat, a modified school. Very well done, not a cheap rush job like many hotels that get updated.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stephen

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

Refreshing!

The atmosphere was uplifting; the decor exuded uniqueness and joy; the grounds were impeccably clean and secure; the town embodied a refreshingly authentic American charm!
Aerial view
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Melissa

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

Great place to stay outside of St. Louis

We were traveling through to visit family on our way to Nashville and wanted to check out a non-chain hotel. I am really impressed with the renovation of this old Catholic school and how they tied together the history into the concept of the hotel. Very clean, comfortable and accommodating. I was impressed with everything from check in to check out, the staff was friendly and helpful, and the price was great! We felt right at home. The beds were comfortable and the rooms well taken care of. I look forward to a return stay.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cathi, Silverthorne

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I can't say enough about this GEM! We travel multiple times a year across the US & will aleays add this new FAVORITE STOP & BEAUTIFUL TOWN of Columbia IL & THE PRINCIPAL HOTEL & surrounding establishments The GRAPHITE, THE ABBEY ETC ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dallas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
When I got in my room I noticed a brown spot on my bed. No big deal. I asked the girl working the desk if the could change it while I went out to eat. She was super nice. When I got back I noticed she had not only changed it but left me several snack
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Taja

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