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![]()
Hang Xu10 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Beautifully renovated decor, clean room, high-quality bedding, modern and quiet AC, easy access even for late arrivals, free parking nearby, coffee maker (free) + microwave + refrigerator + kettle in the common area, complimentary bottles of water. Located next to the train station—earplugs provided for a quiet night’s sleep. The water tank in the water cooler could use a quick cleaningPosted on Google![]()
Jayme Giovannetti18 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
My mom and I stayed here while we were in town for a wedding and LOVED it! We were in room 205, situated at the front, corner of the 2nd floor. The room was tastefully decorated and we especially appreciated the lengths they went to preserve the feel of the history of the inn. The bathroom is gorgeous and the set adorning the walls pops off the dark green paint on the walls. The bed was very comfortable and there was plenty of space to sit comfortably as well. My one complaint is the proximity of the train station, which is pretty noisy and the trains go by often. However, the provided earplugs did a great job. I wasn't woken up once or twice by a passing train but the muted sound and comfy bed meant a swift return to sleep Everything felt clean and comfortable overall both in our room and in the common spaces. Communication was also fantastic. It was so easy to get in at check-in time. The key fob was so handy. We could not recommend this place enough. Do yourself a favor and also check out Myrtle's pies across the street and take the short drive down to the adorable stretch of shops up the road! Princeton is an adorable, well maintained town worth stopping to see and the Knox makes it worth an overnight visit!Posted on Google![]()
Barbara Jacobs18 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We just had a lovely stay at the Historic Knox Hotel in Princeton. You feel like you are taking a step back in time as you walk in to this very nicely decorated hotel. Our room was so very nice and very comfortable with a modern bathroom. We enjoyed walking over to the old train station where trains still run and we ate dinner and breakfast right across the street at a very nice restaurant called Cafe Grace. You could hear some light street traffic from our room and an occasional train but it did not bother us at all while sleeping. There were ear plugs left in the room just in case. We also drove around some of the historic area to see some great older homes. Overall, the trip was just great. I do think it is important to know that you do have to walk up the full staircase(s) to your room. The hotel is authentic which means walking. It was no problem for us but is worth noting.Posted on Google![]()
Dave Bender34 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Very nice and very clean.Posted on Google![]()
Hope Ware35 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We have stayed at The Historic Knox Hotel twice-and we will be back again. It absolutely feels like you are stepping back in time 150 years. We chose the second floor suite for this trip - best decision ever! The room is huge, with a separate seating area and a daybed. It has gorgeous (but functional) antique furnishings, luxury bath towels, a walk-in shower, and nice quality personal care products. The self-check-in system was easy to navigate and the hosts responded immediately when we texted with one small concern (the door lock had a flashing sign that the battery was low). The only thing we would change is that we wished they had more coffee varieties to choose from at the coffee station in the hallway. Princeton is a little town with a lot to offer. So leave time to explore. There are shops and restaurants within easy walking distance. If you get a chance to see a Festival 56 play at The Grace Theater, do it!Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Road2358161405635 days agoVerified
Small Town Hospitality with Memorable Elegance We have stayed at The Historic Knox Hotel twice-and we will be back again. It absolutely feels like you are stepping back in time 150 years. We chose the second floor suite for this trip - best decision ever! The room is huge, with a separate seating area and a daybed. It has gorgeous (but functional) antique furnishings, luxury bath towels, a walk-in shower, and nice quality personal care products. The self-check-in system was easy to navigate and the hosts responded immediately when we texted with one small concern (the door lock had a flashing sign that the battery was low). The only thing we would change is that we wished they had more coffee varieties to choose from at the coffee station in the hallway. Princeton is a little town with a lot to offer. So leave time to explore. There are shops and restaurants within easy walking distance. If you get a chance to see a Festival 56 play at The Grace Theater, do it.Posted on Google![]()
Karri Stapleton42 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I have stayed at this hotel twice now and I've told my family that I won't stay anywhere else when I'm in town. I chose to stay in the smallest room they have, I'm only there to sleep and shower, and saying that the space is gorgeous. The bathroom is huge, the shower is nice and big, the water pressure in the shower is amazing, and the layout is well thought out with plenty of space for you to dress and get ready for the day or for bed. The room was the perfect size for a solo traveler or even a couple who arent going to spend their whole day in the room. The bed was comfortable and had plenty of pillows. The attention to detail to make the whole hotel show off it's history and still be comfortable is amazing. The owners have done a fantastic job of picking the pieces for the rooms and common areas that showcase their care and stewardship for this hotel. My doorknob came loose while I was staying there, and I reached out through text message and within a couple of minutes I had a response and in less than 5 minutes the owner was there to tighten it, what big chain can say the same? They post warnings about the noise from the trains, but between the ac/heat, the new windows and the windows coverings you don't really notice it, and if you have the TV on you can hear the horn faintly blow. As far as walkability, there is a restaurant right on the other side of the tracks, I only went for breakfast but it was really good, and it took less than two minutes to walk there. There is an Italian place directly across the street and a bar/pub half a block away, plus a few little boutiques within the same block. There is parking right next to the building, so you never have to walk far to get to the hotel. Thank you for an amazing stay and I can't wait to stay again!Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Karri S42 days agoVerified
Beautiful Historic Boutique Hotel I have stayed at this hotel twice now and I've told my family that I won't stay anywhere else when im in town. I chose to stay in the smallest room they have, I'm only there to sleep and shower, and even stating that the space is gorgeous. The bathroom is huge, the shower is nice and big, the water pressure in the shower is amazing, and the layout is well thought out with plenty of space for you to dress and get ready for the day or for bed. The room was the perfect size for a solo traveler or even a couple who arent going to spend their whole day in the room. The bed was comfortable and had plenty of pillows . The attention to detail to make the whole hotel show off it's history and still be comfortable is amazing. The owners have done a fantastic job of picking the pieces for the rooms and common areas that showcase their care and stewardship for this hotel. My doorknob came loose while I was staying there, and I reached out through text message and within a couple of minutes I had a response and in less than 5 minutes the owner was there to tighten it, what big chain can say the same? They post warnings about the noise from the trains, but between the ac/heat, the new windows and the windows coverings you don't really notice it, and if you have the TV on you can hear the horn faintly blow. As far as walkability, there is a restaurant right on the other side of the tracks, I only went for breakfast but it was really good, and it took less than two minutes to walk there. There is an Italian place directly across the street and a bar/pub half a block away, plus a few little boutiques within the same block. There is parking right next to the building, so you never have to walk far to get to the hotel. Thank you for an amazing stay and I can't wait to stay again!Posted on Airbnb![]()
Rachael42 days agoVerified
Great place to stay 👍🏼Posted on Google![]()
David Nesler62 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable and unique our experience was. Can't wait for our next visit to Princeton.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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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.

