
Victorian Hotel Rooms in Downtown Princeton
A boutique hotel in the heart of Princeton, Illinois, blending historic charm with modern amenities for a truly unique stay.
Welcome to the Historic Knox Hotel—where character, comfort, and simplicity come together. Thoughtfully restored and designed for today’s traveler, our boutique hotel offers a refreshing alternative to traditional lodging in Princeton, Illinois.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway, business trip, or special occasion, you’ll find a stay that feels both elevated and easy.
A Stay Unlike Anywhere Else
Historic Character
Experience the charm of a beautifully restored landmark with timeless architectural details and a sense of place you won’t find in modern hotels.
Modern Comforts
Enjoy everything you need for a relaxing stay, including private bathrooms, smart TVs, luxury bedding, and fast guest WiFi.
Walkable Location
Located in downtown Princeton, Illinois, you’re just steps from local shops, dining, and attractions.
Boutique Experience
With a limited number of rooms, you’ll enjoy a peaceful, uncrowded atmosphere designed for rest and relaxation.
Explore Our Rooms
Each room at the Historic Knox Hotel is uniquely designed, combining historic charm with thoughtful modern touches. No two stays are exactly alike—yet every room delivers comfort, style, and convenience.
Featured Highlights
- King & Queen Bed Options
- Private Bathrooms
- Smart TVs with Streaming
- Mini Refrigerators
- Complimentary WiFi
What Our Guests Have to Say
Posted on Google Duncan SlaughterJuly 28, 2024 The attention to detail in this place is incredible! Called about low water pressure and it was repaired in a timely manner. Would stay again.Posted on Google Rachelle SlaughterJuly 28, 2024 Stayed here for a weekend celebrating a friend’s wedding, I wish we stayed longer in this gem! It’s close to everything and had an extremely comfortable bed (hello memory foam pillows). I did not expect a self check-in, but it has its perks.Posted on Google Tricia CanavanJuly 10, 2024 My husband and I stayed at the Knox while driving through the area. We booked at the last minute and were thrilled they had a room. Beautiful historic hotel, being carefully restored by the owners. Great amenities and location in lovely Princeton Illinois. Worth a visit!Posted on Google Paula MoldenhauerJuly 8, 2024 Incredible. If you love beauty, history, and the softest sheets ever, this is the place for you. Hubby and I "happened" upon this hotel when they had only one (beautifully restored) room open. I couldn't believe the attention to detail. High end sheets, pillows, mattresses, soaps . . . everything. Not only did our room feel like a luxurious step back in time, nothing jarred us from the experience, even the TV was disguised by an antique frame so as not to interrupt the historical ambiance. This was one of the first times I talked my husband out of the chain hotel right next to the highway, but it was such a great experience that now he's treated me to lovely experiences vs hotel stays in subsequent road trips. We've had some amazing stays in other locations since The Knox, but nowhere has rivaled the attention to authentic, luxurious detail. I can't wait to go back when the renovations are complete! It will be breathtaking!Posted on Google Lily RuckmanJune 25, 2024 Loved this for two nights after our wedding! The room and bathroom were beautiful. We also really liked how antiques were utilized for the history and character of the hotel.Posted on Google Stephen WattsJune 20, 2024 It's wonderful this historic hotel is being renovated and preserved by people who obviously are intent on doing things right. I stayed in room 207 and felt like I took a trip back in time. This hotel was built in 1858, 11 years prior to the death of my Bureau County ancestor who quite likely saw it when new.Posted on Google JM BerkshireMarch 2, 2024 I had a business trip with important early meetings at Bureau Jct. and then Henry, Illinois. There weren't many options to choose from. I didn't want to stay in the Quad Cities or LaSalle/Peru as I needed to get going very early and could not afford to spend much time driving. The Knox Hotel fit that description. It was also very quaint and fun experience, not something I usually experience on the road. One word of advice, don't lose the emails they send you regarding check in. That will inconvenience them and you.Posted on Google Genevieve CepelaJanuary 7, 2024 Historic rooms, comfortable price. Charming ambience.Posted on Google Angel BrownAugust 11, 2023 So beautiful and cute!! Has everything you need and personal touches! Great communication also! Would definitely stay here again!Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
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From Our Travel Guide
5 Things You Didn’t Know About the Knox Hotel’s Railroad Past
Visitors Guide to the Homestead Festival 2025 in Princeton, Illinois
Start Your Day Right: Breakfast Favorites Near The Knox

Discover Princeton, Illinois
Step outside and explore everything the area has to offer. From charming downtown shops to local dining and seasonal events, there’s always something to experience just minutes from your room.
The Historic Knox Hotel is the perfect home base for exploring Bureau County and beyond.
A Better Way to Stay
Skip the ordinary hotel experience. Discover a stay defined by character, comfort, and attention to detail—right here at the Historic Knox Hotel.


