The Principal Hotel

3.5 star property
Hotel with free parking, in the vicinity of Missouri Civil War Museum

Photo gallery for The Principal Hotel

Exterior
Reception
1 bedroom, in-room safe, blackout curtains, iron/ironing board
1 bedroom, in-room safe, blackout curtains, iron/ironing board
40-inch flat-screen TV with digital channels, Netflix, Hulu

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Laundry
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Gym
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi
The current price is AU$183
includes taxes & fees
22 June - 23 June

Explore the area

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

ADA Freshman K

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Blackout curtains
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Microwave
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Junior Honors QQ

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Blackout curtains
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Senior QQ

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Blackout curtains
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Senior K

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Blackout curtains
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Microwave
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Sophomore QQ

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Blackout curtains
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 Large Single Bed

Freshman Honors K

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Blackout curtains
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Junior Q

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Blackout curtains
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Sophomore Honors QQ

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Blackout curtains
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 Large Single Bed

Sophomore Honors K

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Blackout curtains
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Junior Honors K

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Blackout curtains
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Microwave
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Senior Honors K

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Blackout curtains
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Large Single Sofa Bed

ADA Sophomore Honors QQ

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Blackout curtains
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 Large Single Bed

Freshman K

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Blackout curtains
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Microwave
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

ADA Junior QQ

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Blackout curtains
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

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, is open for breakfast, brunch 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

  • River City Casino - 17 min drive - 19.5 km
  • Busch Stadium - 24 min drive - 27.7 km
  • Gateway Arch - 24 min drive - 27.4 km
  • City Museum - 25 min drive - 29.5 km
  • St. Louis Zoo - 32 min drive - 38.1 km

Getting around

  • St. Louis Gateway Station - 22 min drive
  • Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL) - 38 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Top Shooters Sports Bar - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Reifschneider's Grill & Grape - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪Dairy Queen - ‬11 min walk

About this property

The Principal Hotel

Hotel with free parking, in the vicinity of Missouri Civil War Museum
There's a restaurant on site, as well as a coffee shop/cafe. A fitness centre, gift shops/newsstands, and coffee/tea in 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
  • Conference 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 a safe and coffee/tea makers. 40-inch flat-screen televisions come with digital channels and Netflix.

Bathrooms include a shower and hairdryers. This Columbia hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Additionally, rooms include an iron/ironing board and blackout curtains. Housekeeping is provided on request.

Languages

English

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • 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 lift

More

  • Designated smoking areas (fines apply)

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes

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
  • 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

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 20.0 per day.

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-authorise 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 guest room reservation. 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.

We should mention

  • 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 19 June 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Principal Hotel on 22 June 2025 start from AU$182.79, 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.

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 breakfast, brunch and dinner.

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

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 70 out of 77 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 77 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 77 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 77 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 77 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

Verified traveller

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

Wonderful

charming boutique hotel in the heart of downtown Columbia. Many restaurants in walking distance.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carla

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

Loved it!

The hotel was clean and inviting right as we walked in. The room was spacious and clean. The shower was soothing. The staff was friendly and helpful with ideas on things to do in the area. There were plenty of eating options close by. Loved our stay and will return when we are in this area again.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Adam

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
An amazing atmosphere
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Shawn

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The school theme is fun, and the fact that it was a school and has that history is really interesting. I will stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brandi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful little spot. The restaurant was excellent and beds were comfortable
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

10/10 Excellent

Dave

Business traveller, Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

JONATHAN

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Amazing!!! Clean , new and 1 of a kind
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Janice

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

Exceeded expectations

What a beautiful and unique facility! Loved every part from the spacious rooms to the schoolhouse decor. I will be back!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Justin

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property was very clean. The service of the staff they were very polite and helpfully . The history of the building is a incredible story. Great experience
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Margot

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I found it very unique that it was once a school and still maintaining a touch of decor still pertaining to its past. The pictures and explanation of its past history are informative and interesting. The lockers in the hallway to the railings that were made out of the old radiator heating systems from the classrooms to the Detention Bar that is for hotel guests that is soon to open are all nice touches. The Graphite restaurant that is attached to the hotel is very nice and the dinner was very good. The new Courtroom bar that is still under construction in the old gymnasium and will be open to the public in the future is also attached to the hotel and is going to be large and spacious. This is an ideal situation for hotel guest to enjoy by just having all these different accommodations in one spot and never having to drive anywhere if you choose not to. Great place..
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Trish

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful design and cleanliness.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Lovely stay with family

My wife was thrilled about this stay and thought it was her favorite which is saying something given that we have stayed at many 5 star properties over the years.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joseph

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

Sleeping in the school

It was a great stay. The room was exceptionally clean, and pleasing to the eyes. Definitely will stay there again!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

John

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

Beautiful new hotel

Beautiful new hotel! The theme was fun, with the hotel being a converted Catholic school. Loved our stay!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Connie

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was awesome
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Adrienne

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

George

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

Very Clean and Comfortable

The Principal is a very clean and quiet hotel. The staff was very friendly and helpful. Also the bed was very comfortable. If you need a place to stay in Columbia or Waterloo area i highly recommend The Principal you won’t be disappointed
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tyler

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Would definitely stay at the Principal again!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Grant

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ronda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sheil

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I loved this theme and decor school house of this boutique hotel , we stayed due to a wedding we attended only live about 30 minutes away. We will be back t enjoy the patio and bar .
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brittany

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Even though our stay was short we enjoyed it!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024