The Highlander Hotel

4.0 star property

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Photo gallery for The Highlander Hotel

Hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop beds, individually decorated, desk
Lobby lounge
Point of interest
Indoor spa tub
Hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop beds, individually decorated, desk

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Room service
  • Parking included
  • 24/7 front desk

Explore the area

Map
2525 Highlander Place, Iowa City, IA, 52245
  • University of Iowa
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Kinnick Stadium
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Cedar Rapids, IA (CID-Eastern Iowa)
    ‪27 min drive‬

Room options

Room, 1 King Bed (Courtyard)

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Suite (Courtyard)

  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Double Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Room, 2 Queen Beds (Courtyard)

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Room, 2 Queen Beds, Mezzanine (Mezzanine)

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Room, 1 King Bed, Mezzanine (Mezzanine)

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Room, 2 Queen Beds, Poolside

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Classic Room, 2 Queen Beds, Accessible

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible (Courtyard)

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Classic Suite, Accessible

  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Double Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Classic Room, 2 Queen Beds

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Classic Room, 1 King Bed

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Classic Suite

  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Double Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Room, 1 King Bed, Poolside

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Similar properties

About this property

The Highlander Hotel

Iowa City hotel with restaurant
Along with an indoor pool, this smoke-free hotel has a restaurant and a 24-hour fitness center. Free WiFi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Additionally, a bar/lounge, a poolside bar, and a snack bar/deli are onsite. Housekeeping is available on request.
The Highlander Hotel offers 97 accommodations with bathrobes and slippers. These individually decorated accommodations include desks. Beds feature pillowtop mattresses. Flat-screen televisions come with premium cable channels and pay movies.

Bathrooms include bathtubs or showers with rainfall showerheads, and hair dryers. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Hypo-allergenic bedding, irons/ironing boards, and change of towels can be requested. Housekeeping is provided on request.

An indoor pool and a hot tub are on site. Other recreational amenities include a 24-hour fitness center.
In addition to an indoor pool, The Highlander Hotel provides a hot tub and a 24-hour fitness center. The hotel offers a restaurant, a coffee shop/cafe, and a snack bar/deli. Guests can unwind with a drink at one of the hotel's bars, which include a poolside bar and a bar/lounge. Wireless Internet access is complimentary.

This hotel offers access to 3 meeting rooms and coworking spaces. Event facilities measuring 5651 square feet (525 square meters) include a conference center. This family-friendly hotel also offers a terrace, multilingual staff, and tour/ticket assistance. Onsite self parking is complimentary. A total renovation of this property was completed in July 2020.

The Highlander Hotel is a smoke-free property.

The Highlander Supper Clu - This restaurant serves brunch, lunch, and dinner. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar. Happy hour is offered.
Supper Club Bar - Onsite bar. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar. Open daily.
Snack Shack - This coffee shop specializes in American cuisine. Open daily.
Room service (during limited hours) is available.

Languages

English, Spanish

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site
  • Free RV/bus/truck parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking available

Food and drink

  • A bar/lounge
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A poolside bar
  • A restaurant
  • Coffee and tea in common areas
  • Snack bar/deli

Restaurants on site

  • Snack Shack
  • Supper Club Bar
  • The Highlander Supper Clu

Things to do

  • 24-hour gym
  • Books
  • Games
  • Hot tub
  • Indoor pool
  • Music library
  • Stereo
  • Table tennis

Family friendly

  • Children's books
  • Children's games
  • In-room crib
  • Indoor pool
  • Snack bar/deli

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • ATM
  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Guidebooks
  • Luggage storage
  • Shared microwave
  • Water dispenser

Guest services

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Proposal/romance packages
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • 3 meeting rooms
  • Conference center (5,651 square feet of space)
  • Coworking space

Outdoors

  • Pool loungers
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Braille/raised signage
  • Handrails in stairways
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Valet for wheelchair-equipped vehicles
  • Visual alarms in hallways
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible concierge desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible gym
  • Wheelchair-accessible lounge
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible public washroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible van parking

More

  • 1 building
  • 2 floors
  • At least 10% of profits reinvested in community and sustainability
  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • At least 80% of food locally-sourced
  • At least 80% organic food
  • Ballroom
  • Biodegradable coffee stirrers available
  • Biodegradable drinking straws available
  • Built in 1967
  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Comprehensive recycling policy
  • Double-glazed windows
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Local artist showcase
  • Locally-owned and organized tours and activities
  • No plastic coffee stirrers
  • No plastic drinking straws
  • No plastic soft drink bottles
  • No plastic water bottles
  • Reception hall
  • Renovated entire property - July 2020
  • Reusable cups
  • Reusable tableware
  • Smoke-free property
  • Vegan dining options
  • Vegetarian breakfast available
  • Vegetarian dining options

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Free crib
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding
  • Pillowtop mattress

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • Shampoo
  • Slippers
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with premium cable channels
  • Pay movies

Food and drink

  • Champagne service
  • Limited room service
  • Restaurant dining guides

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Cleaning products are eco-friendly
  • Desk
  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Energy-saving switches in guestrooms
  • Individual decor
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • LED lighting
  • Recycling
  • Water-efficient showers

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in fee: USD 50
Contactless check-in available
Express check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before noon
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability
Late check-out fee: USD 50
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

Guests will receive an email 24 hours before arrival with check-in instructions and key retrieval information; front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property

Access methods

Staffed front desk, key retrieval

Pets

Pets allowed for an extra charge of USD 30 per pet, per night
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs and cats only
An off-leash area is available

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
4 children, up to the age of 17 years, can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room
Free cribs are available on request at the property

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • 1.5 percent tourism fee will be charged

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • Pet fee: USD 30 per pet, per night
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Early check-in fee: USD 50 (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out fee: USD 50 (subject to availability)

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, debit card, or cash deposit 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 and debit cards; cash is not accepted
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly)

Property is also known as

Clarion Highlander
Clarion Highlander Iowa City
Clarion Hotel Highlander
Clarion Hotel Highlander Iowa City
Clarion Highlander Hotel And Conference Center Iowa City
Clarion Highlander Hotel Iowa City
The Bohemian
The Highlander Hotel Hotel
The Highlander Hotel Iowa City
The Highlander Hotel Hotel Iowa City
Clarion Hotel Highlander Conference Center

The Highlander Hotel Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 535 out of 815 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 144 out of 815 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 78 out of 815 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 35 out of 815 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 23 out of 815 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

8.8/10

Amenities

8.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Miranda

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

8/10 Good

Dawn

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
The hotel needs some TLC
Overall a little disappointed with our stay. I like the "vibe" of the hotel but it's a bit run down. For example, the front of the hotel is not well cared for and does not show well. At a bare minimum put some plants in the flower boxes. The pool area and hot tub are really nice. The pool was warm. Our only complaint here is the small thin tools that they provided. They were horrible - get new (better) towels. The room was fine and the bed was comfortable. We went to the game room which was a fun to have but about the half of the games we tried to play were not working. Again, this is why I am saying the place needs some TLC. It has a lot of potential but it's not well cared for.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nicole

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service
I was confused about the dining options at the hotel and when they were open. We enjoyed our stay overall.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

KATHY, Westchester

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Keith

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

10/10 Excellent

Danise

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My husband and I had a great time at the Highlander. We were lucky enough to have the hotel pretty much to ourselves for a little Sunday night getaway. The food was great. Our server/bartender Doug was top notch. All of the people we encountered were super nice and helpful. Will definitely be staying here again.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Arthur

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great renovation of a faded favorite
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

4/10 Poor

Jonathan

Disliked: Staff & service
Skip if looking for good nights rest
Room smelled of chlorine. Pool lights and music on until 10pm. Not good for traveler looking for rest.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

2/10 Terrible

Holly

Traveled with family and small children
Disliked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We booked a poolside room for my son’s birthday. The only thing he wanted to do was swim. My kids were swimming for no more than 10 minutes and somebody puked in the pool and the pool was shut down for the rest of the night. I talked to several different staff about getting a discount and never got one. Since the pool was closed we went to the arcade where everybody else went. Only half of the games worked. Very very disappointed in my experience at this hotel.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Karen

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
There was a lot of noise in the halls/lobby area during the night on one night. Only one bar was available on Saturday night and one staff person to do food, bar and front desk so it was hard to get a drink in the arcade area. The pool closed at 10 pm and does not open until 9 am so you really can't use the hot tub if you are in town for other activities. You also can't enjoy a poolside room to visit with family in other pool side rooms because they lock the door from your room to the pool so you can't even sit outside your room to visit.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Karen

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We love the Highlander and chose a pool side room, but were disappointed that even on weekends, the pool area doesn't open until 9 am and closes by 10 pm. For adults who like a hot tub, it would be nice to be able to get in for awhile early before we head out to do the things we came to Iowa City for. We also would have loved to sit for awhile after children are out of the area. We understand the safety of having the area locked but not even being able to visit outside our rooms with family in other room before 9 am or after 11 pm was not fun. This would change our minds about where we want to be in the future. Once we went to bed, we did have people being very loud in the halls/lobby and even though the pool area was locked we had to listen to people there, too, after hours. The walls must be thin because it kept us awake.

10/10 Excellent

Heidi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I love the rooms and the laid back decor. I could live here! My stay was short and i was pleasantly surprised to wander and find live music in the cute retro gameroom/lounge. Close to the interstate. Easy to get anywhere in the area.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

6/10 Okay

Kalah

Traveled with partner
Liked: Staff & service
The place wasn’t the greatest but it worked for the night.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Jeffrey

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

6/10 Okay

Katie, Washington

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with partner, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed Thanksgiving Eve. Pool area was fantastic. Checking in was a great experience
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alan

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Love the highlander, lots of stuff to do on property, like the game room, pool, hot tub, and dining
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I love the retro look and feel. Staff is always so polite, friendly and helpful. Facility has everything. Sad the pork tenderloin was taken off menu. But food we had was great though. Highly recommend this hotel!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Unique retro hotel
The hotel was great. The pool and hot tub looked great although we didn't use them. The bed was comfortable. We liked the large arcade area near the bar. Coffee in the room would have been nice
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karen

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karen

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We love the pool and the arcade for the kids. The food and drinks are great, but a bit pricey for hungry boys who have been swimming all day, so we also bring some of our own snacks. The beds are pretty comfy and the bathroom is nice without being super modern. I wouldn't mind a few more places to hang towels and other wet things and I
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Karen

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The hallways are just a bit noisy when you’re in the room. Otherwise a great hotel!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

6/10 Okay

Melissa

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service
Do not get a mezzanine room if you want any sort of quiet. Kids will be screaming from 9am to 9pm in the pool area. There is a big gap under the door onto the deck and zero sound proofing.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

2/10 Terrible

Theresa

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service, amenities
The hot tub was out of order. There were no microwaves, coffee maker, ice bucket or cups provided for the room. We told the front desk clerk that when we booked , we asked if the hot tub was working and told yes. He told us there was too much chlorine and to just use the pool. It was our anniversary and it was ruined because of this below average establishment that we used to love in the past
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024