The Highlander Hotel

4.0 star property
Family-friendly hotel with a 24-hour fitness center and a 24-hour front desk
your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for The Highlander Hotel

Indoor pool, pool loungers
Indoor spa tub
Hypo-allergenic bedding, pillow-top beds, individually decorated, desk
Breakfast area
Business Single Room, 1 King Bed | View from room

Reviews

9.0 out of 10

Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Hot tub
  • Room service
    Room service
  • Bar
    Bar
  • Parking included
    Parking included
  • Gym
    Gym

Explore the area

Map
2525 Highlander Place, Iowa City, IA, 52245
  • Mercy Hospital
    5 min drive
  • University of Iowa
    7 min drive
  • University of Iowa Health Care
    7 min drive
  • Iowa City, IA (IOW)
    18 min drive

Room options

Room, 1 King Bed (Courtyard)

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Renovated in 2020
Pillow-top bed
Hairdryer
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Suite (Courtyard)

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Renovated in 2020
Pillow-top bed
Hairdryer
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Double Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Room, 2 Queen Beds (Courtyard)

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Renovated in 2020
Pillow-top bed
Hairdryer
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Room, 2 Queen Beds, Mezzanine (Mezzanine)

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Renovated in 2020
Pillow-top bed
Hairdryer
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Room, 1 King Bed, Mezzanine (Mezzanine)

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Renovated in 2020
Pillow-top bed
Hairdryer
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Room, 2 Queen Beds, Poolside

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Renovated in 2020
Pillow-top bed
Hairdryer
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Classic Room, 2 Queen Beds, Accessible

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Renovated in 2020
Pillow-top bed
Hairdryer
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible (Courtyard)

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Renovated in 2020
Pillow-top bed
Hairdryer
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Classic Suite, Accessible

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Renovated in 2020
Pillow-top bed
Hairdryer
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Double Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Classic Room, 2 Queen Beds

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Renovated in 2020
Pillow-top bed
Hairdryer
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Classic Room, 1 King Bed

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Renovated in 2020
Pillow-top bed
Hairdryer
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Classic Suite

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Renovated in 2020
Pillow-top bed
Hairdryer
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Double Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Room, 1 King Bed, Poolside

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Renovated in 2020
Pillow-top bed
Hairdryer
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Similar properties

About the area

Iowa City

A family-friendly stay in Iowa City awaits you at The Highlander Hotel. You'll be 4 km (2.5 mi) from University of Iowa and 4.7 km (2.9 mi) from Mercy Hospital. Highlights at this hotel include a restaurant, an indoor swimming pool and free self-parking. .The restaurant, The Highlander Supper Clu, is open for brunch, lunch and dinner. Supper Club Bar is the hotel's own bar. Enjoy the 24-hour gym, Hot tub and pool loungers. 5651 square feet (525 square metres) of event facilities include 3 meeting rooms and a conference centre, and other business amenities include coworking space. Added amenities include free Wi-Fi in public areas, a coffee shop/cafe and a snack bar/deli. Bring your pet along and take advantage of this property's pet-friendly amenities, such as an off-lead area. There's also the convenience of free RV/bus/truck parking. .Sights within a 10-minute drive of this Iowa City hotel include Xtream Arena & GreenState Family Fieldhouse and Iowa City Public Library.

What's nearby

  • Mercy Hospital - 5 min drive - 4.7 km
  • University of Iowa - 7 min drive - 6.1 km
  • Carver-Hawkeye Arena - 9 min drive - 9.2 km
  • University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics - 10 min drive - 7.1 km
  • Kinnick Stadium - 10 min drive - 7.3 km

Getting around

  • Cedar Rapids, IA (CID-Eastern Iowa) - 27 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Wildwood Smokehouse & Saloon - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Casey's General Store - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Casey's General Store - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪BlackStone - ‬7 min drive

About this property

The Highlander Hotel

Family-friendly hotel with 24-hour fitness centre and 24-hour front desk
The Highlander Hotel offers its guests an indoor pool, Access to hot tub, and a 24-hour fitness centre. Along with a restaurant and a coffee shop/cafe, there's a snack bar/deli on site. You can enjoy a drink at one of the bars, which include a poolside bar and a bar/lounge. Public spaces have free WiFi.

3 meeting rooms and coworking spaces are available. Event space at this hotel measures 5651 square feet (525 square metres) and includes a conference centre. A terrace, multilingual staff, and tour/ticket assistance are also featured at the family-friendly The Highlander Hotel. Self parking is free. A complete renovation of The Highlander Hotel was completed in July 2020.

This Iowa City hotel is smoke free.

  • 1 building
  • 97 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • 5651 sq ft of conference space
  • 525 sq. m of conference space
  • Built in 1967
  • Deli
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Conference centre
  • Coffee in lobby
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Express check-in
  • Express check-out
  • Staff members are multilingual
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Wedding services available
  • Terrace
  • Newspapers in lobby (free)
  • ATM
  • No smoking on site
  • Microwave in a common area
  • Water dispenser
  • Bar or lounge
  • Bar by the pool
  • Dining venue
The Highlander Hotel offers 97 accommodations with complimentary dressing gowns and complimentary slippers. This individually decorated accommodation includes desks. Beds feature pillowtop mattresses. Flat-screen televisions come with premium cable channels and pay-per-view films.

Bathrooms include baths or showers with a rainfall showerhead, and hairdryers. Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access. Hypo-allergenic bedding, an iron/ironing board and change of towels can be requested. Housekeeping is provided on request.

Languages

English, Spanish

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transport

  • Free self parking on site
  • Free RV/bus/lorry 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

Family friendly

  • Children's books
  • Children's games
  • Free cot
  • 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 centre (5,651 square foot 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 bathroom
  • 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 organised tours and activities
  • No plastic coffee stirrers
  • No plastic drinking straws
  • No plastic soft drink bottles
  • No plastic water bottles
  • Reception hall
  • Reusable cups
  • Reusable tableware
  • Smoke-free property
  • Vegan dining options
  • Vegetarian breakfast available
  • Vegetarian dining options

Room amenities

Bedroom

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

Bathroom

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

Entertainment

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

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 and check-out are available
Express check-in available
Minimum check-in age - 21

Check-out

Check-out before noon
Contactless check-out
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

Access methods

Staffed front desk, key retrieval

Pets

  • Pets: USD 30 per pet, per night
  • Only dogs and cats are allowed
  • An off-lead area is available
  • Service animals are exempt from fees.

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! Up to 4 children 17 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding.
  • Free cots (infant beds)!

Payment types

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • A 1.5 per cent tourism fee will be charged

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • 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)

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guest room reservation. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products.

We should mention

  • Up to 4 children aged 17 years old and younger stay free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.
  • 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

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at The Highlander Hotel?

The Highlander Hotel offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at The Highlander Hotel?

As of 21 Nov 2024, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Highlander Hotel on 9 Dec 2024 start from AU$230.64, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is parking available at The Highlander Hotel?

Yep, The Highlander Hotel has a free self car park and free RV/bus/truck parking.

Does The Highlander Hotel have a pool?

Yep, and guests love it! The Highlander Hotel has a pool and an indoor pool. Grab your bathers and lounge poolside while enjoying on a lounger and with a coldie from the bar.

What makes The Highlander Hotel a romantic place to stay?

1 hot tub and a champagne service, as well as rainfall showerheads and pillowtop beds in the guestrooms, help set the scene for a romantic weekend at The Highlander Hotel.

Is The Highlander Hotel family-friendly?

You bet! With amenities such as a deli and an indoor pool, as well as children's books and free infant beds in the guestrooms, it's no surprise that The Highlander Hotel is a hit with families.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at The Highlander Hotel?

No, The Highlander Hotel does not offer an airport shuttle service.

Is there a bar or restaurant at The Highlander Hotel?

Yep, they've got a lounge bar and an onsite restaurant that serves brunch, lunch and dinner.

What time are check-in & check-out at The Highlander Hotel?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. Check-out time is noon.

Are pets allowed at The Highlander Hotel?

Cats and dogs are welcome at The Highlander Hotel, with dog exercise areas on offer.

The Highlander Hotel Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 504 out of 759 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 131 out of 759 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 71 out of 759 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 31 out of 759 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 22 out of 759 reviews" "

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

8.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

6/10 Okay

Zhengfang

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nice place
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Erin

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Highly recommend
Loved this location so much and already making plans to visit again. Cute, friendly, convenient and up-to-date. Can’t say enough good things!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Mark

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
When we pulled into the parking lot, we were a little nervous. The outside looked run down & landscaping needing improvement. However, the inside was just as the pictures showed.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great find!
Great, unique hotel that’s been fully renovated. First time staying but coming back for an Iowa game and likely for other events.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Julie

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gina

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Staff are super helpful
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

6/10 Okay

Sarita

Travelled with family
Disliked: Room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ross

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Jade

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Needs blackout curtains in north facing rooms.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Thomas J

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Fun and funky in Iowa City?? YESSS!
Easily THE coolest place Ive stayed on my cross-country journey. Hip, funky (ask to see Arnold Palmers autograph on the wall!) Comfortable place with EVERYTHING. You gotta see the pool. Bring your suit. Its amazing. Female designed and owned and every detailid just amazing. Get there.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kara

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

6/10 Okay

Joel

Travelled with family
Good but but not outstanding
We loved that this hotel was not a chain and owned by a woman! Nice touches and updated features. Came up short in a few areas (pool area seemed a bit chaotic, bar seemed understaffed, and our sheets seemed worn).
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

6/10 Okay

Pathana

Travelled with family
There’s so much potential with this property! Someone obviously put a lot of effort into renovating this old hotel. The good: tasteful decor, beautiful pool area, many places to gather around the property- indoors and out. The Bad and OK - the staff - nothing great, nothing bad, just average. Mostly young, apathetic seeming employees, probably not noticeable except I’m a frequent traveler and it sort of stands out when staff is mediocre. Cleanliness - bathroom was likely cleaned but some hair was left on the sink and there was a scum ring around the sink drain, not great. Pool area - had a poolside room and we immediately could smell cigarette smoke coming from the pool area. While smoking isn’t allowed, it didn’t stop a guest from sitting just outside the garage doors and blow city smoke inside the pool area. Seemed acceptable to staff as no one intervened. Sorta like the old non-smoking areas of restaurants back in the day. From afar the pool area is gorgeous- decor, flooring, all great. Up close - clumps of hair in the pool, very dirty tile grout, tables not bussed, crumbs on the floor, no towels, hot tub closed, and cigarette smell lingered. Beds- not comfortable. Linens - ratty and worn. Exterior landscaping could use some work. Seems like they ran out of money making the inside pretty and the outside was an afterthought. I get the feeling it started great but it could definitely use some fine tuning.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

6/10 Okay

Melissa, Davenport

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Understaffed. The hot tub had a sign that it was closed but it did not look like it was broken. The pool area is fantastic with a convenient attached beverage/bar area. Shower had water pressure and soap/conditioner/lotion etc.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Coleen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great hotel, excellent value w/ a super cool vibe.
Such a nice surprise and better than expected. The hotel has a cool vibey feel with modern touches as well as some amazing historical perspective. The customer service was excellent and the staff were delightful. I will return for sure.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Abigail

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

6/10 Okay

Kimberly

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Pool staff couldn’t wait to shut down on a Friday night. Went in for adult swim 9-10 pm, but she was already cleaning floors, pushing all the dirty floor water back into the pool! Grossed me out and we got out even thought there was supposed to be an hour left. Hot tub was not open during our stay. We then went down to the supper club bar to check out the live music, but it seemed a local crowd and the bartender literally would not acknowledge us or take a drink order. Also, the arcade games were half broken and ate the tokens. So we retreated back to the room, ordered Mr. Beast burgers on door dash and left at 9 am. This was our 2nd stay, but will not be returning.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Malia

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our poolside balcony suite was wonderful and incredibly spacious. The pool area is beautiful and the kids and adults all really enjoyed it. Dinner at the supper club was delicious and our server/bartender Doug was awesome! The arcade was a hit with the kids, and we even got to make smores on the fire pit after which was fun! The front desk staff were also great and so accommodating. Excellent stay!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

George

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Angela

Business traveller
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

LaShell

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

10/10 Excellent

Samuel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Near presidential library
This hotel is a little of the beaten path but the stay was great. Room was quiet and bed was comfortable. Would stay here again
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Shannon

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