The Principal Hotel

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

Choose dates to view prices

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.
VIP Access

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Gym
  • Laundry
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi
The current price is AED 381
AED 423 total
includes taxes & fees
4 Nov - 5 Nov

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Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 14 of 14 rooms

Freshman K

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(13 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Flat-screen TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Hair dryer
Microwave
Coffee/tea maker
Digital channels
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

ADA Freshman K

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Flat-screen TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Hair dryer
Microwave
Coffee/tea maker
Digital channels
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Freshman Honors K

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Hair dryer
Microwave
Coffee/tea maker
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Sophomore Honors K

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Hair dryer
Microwave
Coffee/tea maker
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Junior Honors K

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Flat-screen TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Hair dryer
Microwave
Wet bar
Coffee/tea maker
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Senior K

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Flat-screen TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Hair dryer
Microwave
Wet bar
Coffee/tea maker
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Senior Honors K

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Hair dryer
Microwave
Wet bar
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Large Twin Sofa Bed

Sophomore QQ

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Hair dryer
Microwave
Coffee/tea maker
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 Large Twin Bed

Sophomore Honors QQ

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Hair dryer
Microwave
Coffee/tea maker
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 Large Twin Bed

ADA Sophomore Honors QQ

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Hair dryer
Microwave
Coffee/tea maker
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 Large Twin Bed

ADA Junior QQ

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Hair dryer
Microwave
Wet bar
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Junior Honors QQ

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Hair dryer
Microwave
Wet bar
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Senior QQ

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Hair dryer
Microwave
Wet bar
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Junior Q

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Hair dryer
Microwave
Wet bar
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

About the neighborhood

Map
310 S Main St, Columbia, IL, 62236

What's nearby

  • River City Casino - 15 min drive - 19.9 km
  • Busch Stadium - 20 min drive - 28.4 km
  • Gateway Arch - 20 min drive - 28.8 km
  • City Museum - 22 min drive - 30.2 km
  • St. Louis Zoo - 28 min drive - 39.2 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Dairy Queen - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Jimmy John's - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪The Coffee Pot - ‬13 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
  • Luggage storage, a 24-hour front desk, and meeting rooms
  • A gift shop, a TV in the lobby, and a water dispenser
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

Similar properties

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

Frequently asked questions

Is The Principal Hotel pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at The Principal Hotel?

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 Gateway Arch are also within 20 mi (32 km).

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Reviews

The Principal Hotel Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

10

Cleanliness

9.4

Amenities

9.8

Staff & service

9.8

Eco-friendliness

10

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 151 out of 166 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 8 out of 166 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 166 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 166 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 166 reviews

Reviews

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Traci

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean rooms, lots of character, friendly staff.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This has to be the most charming boutique hotel I have ever stayed at. Everything was new, updated, clean. The staff from check in to busing tables were super nice. Food was amazing and very affordable. Loved the tie to “school” from the periodic table on the soaps and shampoos to the molecular ceiling tiles in the dining room to the carpets and drapes that matches my plaid school jumpers! Would definitely stay again and highly recommend.
Graphite Bar and Dining Room
Upstairs hallway and suites
Cute hallway decor
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I love the wonderful redo from school to hotel - so interesting and well done. The room is clean, big, and modern. I would highly recommend over any St. Louis hotels.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Amazing hotel with friendly staff and very clean rooms. Great place to stay while in town for a cardinals game.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

felicia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The area was safe and quiet and the room, bathroom and lobby was very clean. The bed was comfortable However, the hallway on the 1st floor near the elevator was extremely noisy with women talking loudly. I stayed 2 nights. Breakfast was not available onsite on Monday
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lpved everything!!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Banu

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very pleasant, super clean… Definitely recommend if you’re in the area. St Louise has a lot to offer, best part was Cahokia pyramids (wish they were renovated relating to past versions) and of course a teip to the top of Gateway Arch.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ivy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved it!!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sheila

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We live in Mo. We come often to visit family. We love staying at the Principal.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Helen

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

Wonderful Hotel

One of the best hotel stays we've ever had! I loved all the unique schoolhouse themed items. From the moment we walked in it smelled very clean, the staff was friendly and helpful, and the bed was the most comfortable we've ever stayed in! The area around the hotel was nice and safe, I enjoyed walking on the walking/biking trail nearby. Highly recommend and will definitely stay again if in the area!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 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

8/10 Good

Jessica

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything was good. It is very clean. We had a couple of issues but the young lady at the front desk went above and beyond to take care of it. When really it wasn’t a big enough issue to worry about we just wanted to let her know for the next person in line. They have amazing staff and an amazing hotel. We will go back
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ann

The place is fun with old lockers with book names on them!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Jammie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Unique!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kendall

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
It was amazing
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Henry

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

Just passing through

Checkin was effortless. Staff were always helpful. Parking was convenient. Room was extremely clean and bed was super comfortable. Hotel is an old Catholic School and it was beautifully re-architected into a hotel. Nice upscale restaurant (Graphite) connected to hotel.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tiffiney

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was just a unique place. A school turned hotel with the decor absolutely fitting. We were looking for something different not far from home and this nailed it!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

BOB

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

Shawn

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

William

Very nice very quiet close to many restaurants and shops
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Clyde

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

When I come back it won't be for work!

Man man man. I was so glad to find this little hotel in this little town of Columbia Illinois. I was working in St Louis and I didn't want to stay anywhere close to where I was working. This was about a 30-minute drive and worth every mile. Told my wife I'll be bringing her back to this little quaint town and hotel. Good restaurants nearby too. I stay in hotels about 2 weeks a month in different cities throughout the world and this was one of the trendiest, cleanest, most comfortable places I stayed in recent memory.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 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