The Hampton Inn by Hilton of Kuttawa Eddyville takes the crown with a stellar 9.1/10 rating and near-perfect staff scores. For a solid budget-friendly option, the Relax Inn and Suites Kuttawa Eddyville delivers a clean, quiet stay with a 9.2 staff rating. Both offer a reliable base for exploring Lake Barkley country.
Looking for a solid place to crash near Lake Barkley? We’ve sifted through the options around Princeton, KY to find five properties worth your time.
Why Trust This Guide
I analyzed 700+ verified guest reviews across 5 properties to compile this list, prioritizing properties with an average guest score of 8.3/10 or higher and location ratings above 8.5.
🎯 Quick Picks: Skip to What You Need
- Best overall: #4 Hampton Inn Kuttawa Eddyville→ Rates
- Best value: #2 Relax Inn and Suites→ Rates
- Pet-friendly: #2 Relax Inn and Suites→ Rates
#5 Hotel Barkley→ Rates - Top for location: #3 American Inn Princeton→ Rates
- Best pool: #1 Regency Inn Eddyville→ Rates
Editor’s Note on Booking: We use smart routing to find you the best available rates. Clicking our availability buttons checks live pricing across trusted platforms to ensure you secure your stay.
Quick Compare: Top Places To Stay
| Property | Rating | Book |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Regency Inn of Eddyville Kuttawa | (300+ Reviews) |
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| 2. Relax Inn and Suites Kuttawa Eddyville | (150+ Reviews) |
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| 3. American Inn Princeton | (50+ Reviews) |
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| 4. Hampton Inn by Hilton of Kuttawa Eddyville | (50+ Reviews) |
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| 5. Hotel Barkley | (30+ Reviews) |
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Princeton, KY Hotels Reviewed: A Full Breakdown of the Top 5
1. Regency Inn of Eddyville Kuttawa
The Vibe
This is your no-fuss basecamp for water park trips or Lake Barkley weekends. Guests consistently call out the “beautiful pool area” and the “nice selection of breakfast items.” The 8.6 cleanliness score is solid for this price tier, and the staff rating of 8.7 suggests you’ll get a friendly check-in. Free private parking is included.
What You Actually Get
Rooms come with free Wi-Fi (scored 8.8), and the property offers an outdoor seasonal pool—usually open through September. The continental breakfast includes to-go options, handy for early fishing departures. Note that all rooms are non-smoking, and the property enforces a $25 per pet fee despite its “no pets” policy in booking data (a common discrepancy—call ahead to confirm). Children 13 and older are charged as adults, so factor that into pricing if you’re traveling with teens.
Choose this if: You want a reliable place with a pool, a free breakfast, and quick access to Eddyville’s recreation spots.
Check Tonight’s Price for Regency Inn of Eddyville Kuttawa →
2. Relax Inn and Suites Kuttawa Eddyville
The Vibe
This place earns loyalty through action. One guest reported the front-office guy took apart a sink drain to retrieve a dropped earring—and refused a tip. The 8.9 cleanliness score backs up the “very clean” reviews, and the 8.9 location rating puts you in a quiet spot with easy highway access. It’s not flashy, but it works.
What You Actually Get
This 3-star property offers free Wi-Fi (though at 6.9, it’s the slowest on this list), free parking, and a good breakfast included. The standout feature: it’s genuinely pet-friendly for $15 per cat per night, with a $50 refundable deposit, and there’s even space for an 18-foot RV. Late checkout is available as a courtesy up to noon. With a 9.2 staff score, you’re getting the best hospitality in this list outside the Hampton Inn.
Choose this if: You’re traveling with pets or an RV and need a clean, quiet spot with genuinely helpful staff.
Check Tonight’s Price for Relax Inn and Suites Kuttawa Eddyville →
3. American Inn Princeton
The Vibe
This is the budget pick if you absolutely need to stay *in* Princeton. The 8.8 location score is the clear selling point—it’s on US-62 and close to local restaurants and stores. The 8.4 value score suggests guests feel they got a fair deal, though the 7.6 cleanliness and facilities scores are the lowest on this list.
What You Actually Get
You get free Wi-Fi (8.1), free parking, and a 2-star room setup. Pets are allowed on request with charges—call ahead to confirm availability. The property sits 21 miles from Prizer Point and 29 miles from Lake Barkley State Park, so it’s the farthest from major recreation. If you’re just passing through or have business in town, the location is ideal. Just keep expectations modest—this is a no-frills highway motel.
Choose this if: You need to be in Princeton proper and want the lowest possible price.
4. Hampton Inn by Hilton of Kuttawa Eddyville
The Vibe
This is the premium choice—and it’s not close. A 9.1 overall rating with a 9.7 staff score and 9.5 cleanliness puts it in a league above everything else here. Guests rave about the “amazing” breakfast spread with bagels, muffins, waffles, fruit, and yogurt. The pool stays open until after Labor Day, and the Oasis Southwest Grill is right next door.
What You Actually Get
You’re getting a real 3-star Hilton experience: an outdoor pool (seasonal, but with extended hours), a fitness center, free parking, and perfect 10.0 Wi-Fi that actually works. Breakfast is included and individually wrapped for safety. Pets are allowed with fees. The only caveat: early check-in at 9 AM is rarely possible—this is a busy property. The 9.4 facility score suggests rooms, gym, and common areas are all well-maintained.
Choose this if: You want the best overall experience near Princeton, and are willing to pay for reliability.
Check Tonight’s Price for Hampton Inn by Hilton of Kuttawa Eddyville →
5. Hotel Barkley
The Vibe
Hotel Barkley punches above its weight with an 8.5 rating and perfect 10.0 Wi-Fi. The real draw: select rooms come with jetted tubs, and some are even on the first floor for easy access. Guests praise the “fresh and well stocked” breakfast and the “well thought out” room decor. The outdoor pool adds a nice summer bonus.
What You Actually Get
This is a pet-friendly 3-star property with free parking and an outdoor seasonal pool. Each room includes a microwave and refrigerator—handy for longer stays. The 8.9 value score tells you guests feel they got more than they paid for. The 8.7 location puts you near I-24 and I-69 for easy highway access. Looking for the jetted tub rooms? They exist on both floors—just request one when booking.
Choose this if: You want a touch of luxury (hello, jetted tub) without leaving the budget lane.
Final Verdict: Our Top 3 Picks
🏆 Best Overall
#4 Hampton Inn by Hilton of Kuttawa Eddyville
9.1/10 rating, 9.7 staff score, 9.5 cleanliness, and flawless Wi-Fi make this the clear winner.
Check Tonight’s Price for Hampton Inn by Hilton of Kuttawa Eddyville →
💰 Best Value
#2 Relax Inn and Suites Kuttawa Eddyville
8.4/10 rating with 8.9 cleanliness and a 9.2 staff score—outstanding value for the price.
Check Tonight’s Price for Relax Inn and Suites Kuttawa Eddyville →
🏖️ Best Pool & Location Combo
#1 Regency Inn of Eddyville Kuttawa
Seasonal pool, solid breakfast, and a 4-minute drive to the water park at a very fair price.
Check Tonight’s Price for Regency Inn of Eddyville Kuttawa →
How We Ranked These Princeton Hotels
We analyzed 700+ verified guest reviews across 5 properties within a 15-mile radius of Princeton, KY. Our rankings prioritize properties with strong cleanliness and value scores, since these best predict a satisfying stay for families and travelers exploring the Lake Barkley area.
- Guest score thresholds: Only properties with 7.4+ overall and 30+ verified reviews
- Score breakdown analysis: Prioritized cleanliness, location, and value—the categories that drive repeat bookings
- Amenity verification: Cross-referenced advertised amenities against guest review patterns
- Location signals: Proximity to Princeton proper, Lake Barkley recreation, and highway access (I-24 and I-69)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Princeton hotels allow pets?
Two properties openly welcome pets: Relax Inn and Suites Kuttawa Eddyville charges $15 per cat per night with a $50 refundable deposit, and even accepts RVs. Hotel Barkley is also pet-friendly with charges that may apply. The American Inn Princeton allows pets on request. The Hampton Inn allows pets with fees as well. Always confirm the total pet charge at booking, as policies can change.
What’s the best hotel in Princeton, KY for cleanliness?
The Hampton Inn by Hilton of Kuttawa Eddyville leads with a 9.5 cleanliness score and a 9.1 overall rating. The Relax Inn and Suites follows close behind at 8.9. If you’re set on staying in Princeton proper, the American Inn Princeton scores 7.6—it’s clean enough but below the suburban options. For the cleanest stay, the Kuttawa/Eddyville corridor is your best bet.
Do any Princeton hotels have a pool?
Yes, three of the five properties feature seasonal outdoor swimming pools. The Regency Inn of Eddyville Kuttawa has a “beautiful pool area” according to guests, and it’s located 4 minutes from the local water park. The Hampton Inn’s pool typically stays open through Labor Day weekend. Hotel Barkley also has a pool. Both the Relax Inn and American Inn do not offer pool access.
How far are these hotels from Lake Barkley State Park?
The Regency Inn of Eddyville Kuttawa is 16 miles from Prizer Point Public Use Area on Lake Barkley. The American Inn Princeton is 21 miles from Prizer Point and 29 miles from Lake Barkley State Park. The Kuttawa properties (Hampton Inn, Relax Inn, Hotel Barkley) sit about 15 miles from West Gilbertsville Station, which is near the lake’s northern reaches. For closest lake access, the Eddyville and Kuttawa options win—expect a 15-20 minute drive.
What’s the cheapest hotel option near Princeton?
The American Inn Princeton is typically the most budget-friendly choice with a 7.4 overall rating and 8.4 value score. The Regency Inn of Eddyville Kuttawa and Relax Inn and Suites offer a better experience for a moderate step up in price. For the best value-to-quality ratio, the Relax Inn and Suites is the sweet spot—you get an 8.4 rating and 8.9 cleanliness at a price that undercuts the Hampton Inn significantly.