The Highlander Hotel

4.0 star property
Soak up fun times in the pool or sip coffee while catching up on some work. Relaxation awaits by day; then unwind over dinner.

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Highlander Hotel

Hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop beds, individually decorated, desk
Indoor spa tub
Lobby lounge
Point of interest
Hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop beds, individually decorated, desk
Nestled near the University of Iowa, The Highlander Hotel offers a refreshing retreat with its indoor pool and sun loungers. Unwind at the spa tub or grab a bite to eat at The Highlander Supper Club, where brunch and happy hour are just as popular as breakfast.

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Hot Tub
  • Bar
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Room service
  • Parking included
The current price is P7,757
P8,804 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 3 - Mar 4

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 13 of 13 rooms

Room, 1 King Bed (Courtyard)

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Renovated in 2020
Pillowtop bed
Bathrobes
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Suite (Courtyard)

Highlights

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

Room, 2 Queen Beds (Courtyard)

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Renovated in 2020
Pillowtop bed
Bathrobes
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Room, 2 Queen Beds, Mezzanine (Mezzanine)

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Renovated in 2020
Pillowtop bed
Bathrobes
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Room, 1 King Bed, Mezzanine (Mezzanine)

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Renovated in 2020
Pillowtop bed
Bathrobes
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Room, 2 Queen Beds, Poolside

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Renovated in 2020
Pillowtop bed
Bathrobes
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Classic Room, 2 Queen Beds, Accessible

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Renovated in 2020
Pillowtop bed
Bathrobes
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible (Courtyard)

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Renovated in 2020
Pillowtop bed
Bathrobes
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Classic Suite, Accessible

Highlights

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

Classic Room, 2 Queen Beds

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Renovated in 2020
Pillowtop bed
Bathrobes
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Classic Room, 1 King Bed

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Renovated in 2020
Pillowtop bed
Bathrobes
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Classic Suite

Highlights

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

Room, 1 King Bed, Poolside

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Renovated in 2020
Pillowtop bed
Bathrobes
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

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About the neighborhood

Map
2525 Highlander Place, Iowa City, IA, 52245

What's nearby

  • Mercy Hospital - 5 min drive
  • University of Iowa - 7 min drive
  • Carver-Hawkeye Arena - 9 min drive
  • University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics - 10 min drive
  • Kinnick Stadium - 10 min drive

Getting around

  • Eastern Iowa Airport (CID) - 27 min drive

Restaurants

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

About this property

The Highlander Hotel

Family-friendly hotel revitalized in 2020 and located near University of Iowa
Located close to Mercy Hospital and The Englert Theater, The Highlander Hotel provides a poolside bar, a terrace, and a coffee shop/cafe. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. The on-site restaurant, The Highlander Supper Clu, offers brunch, lunch, dinner, and happy hour. Free in-room WiFi is available to all guests, along with a bar and a 24-hour gym.
Other perks at this hotel include:
  • An indoor pool with sun loungers
  • Free self parking
  • Express check-out, express check-in, and smoke-free premises
  • Concierge services, a water dispenser, and multilingual staff
  • Guest reviews give top marks for the breakfast, pool, and helpful staff
Room features
All 97 individually decorated rooms include perks such as air conditioning and bathrobes, in addition to amenities like free WiFi. Guest reviews speak positively of the clean rooms at the property.
Other conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Children's books and free infant beds
  • Recycling, LED light bulbs, and eco-friendly cleaning products
  • Bathrooms with rainfall showers and eco-friendly toiletries
  • Flat-screen TVs with premium channels
  • Housekeeping and desks

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
  • Indoor pool
  • Music library
  • Spa tub
  • Stereo
  • Table tennis

Family friendly

  • Children's books
  • Children's games
  • Free 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

Frequently asked questions

Does The Highlander Hotel have a pool?

Yes, this property has an indoor pool.

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

As of Feb 17, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Highlander Hotel on Mar 3, 2025 start from P 7,756.75, excluding 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 The Highlander Hotel pet-friendly?

Yes, cats and dogs are allowed at this property. There's a fee of USD 30 per pet, per night. Service animals are exempt from fees.

How much is parking at The Highlander Hotel?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at The Highlander Hotel?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. Early check-in is available for a fee of USD 50 (subject to availability).

What time is check-out at The Highlander Hotel?

Check-out is at noon. Late check-out is available for USD 50 (subject to availability).

Where is The Highlander Hotel located?

This family-friendly Iowa City hotel is located near the airport, within 3 mi (5 km) of University of Iowa and Mercy Hospital. Iowa City Public Library and The Englert Theater are also within 6 mi (10 km).

The Highlander Hotel Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 529 out of 800 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 141 out of 800 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 74 out of 800 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 33 out of 800 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 23 out of 800 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

6/10 Okay

Emelyn

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Amenities
It wasn’t as we expected it to be. There are a lot of rooms for improvement. The room is old but with updated furniture. The sheets were clean, though. My daughter was not able to sleep most of the night saying she is scared and was crying on and off which she barely does in other hotels that we have been in. The place is haunted. The pool area should have anti-slip around it for walking comfort and without fear of sliding down. It’s slippery. Someone for some reason charged our room with food from the snack shack. Am glad my husband asked what the extra charge was for. The manager was reassuring that we will not be charged for it. They do not have elevators so if you are bringing big and heavy luggages asked for a room on the first floor. While there are tables available around the pool most of them are reserved for the rooms next to it. Thank you!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Tiffany

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Juan Manuel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Is a nice place. Have a bar restaurant, quiet place and clean. I recommend it to my friends
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Rick

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michelle

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Nice pool. Good pizza
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jaci

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Second time coming here and we love it a lot!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

kenneth

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
So much to to do swimming pool arcade for the kids hot tub, everything was so clean would definitely stay there again and recommend it to anybody prices are even fair.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rachel

Traveled with group, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Could use a few updates. But other than that we enjoyed our stay
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

4/10 Poor

Jessi

Disliked: Staff & service
Not all amenities were available as advertised!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Katarzyna

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Older property (from 1967) that leans into it’s historic nature by providing gramophones and vinyl records and many other amenities (vintage game arcade) and gadgets. The inner courtyard contains a pool with a retractable glass fourth wall allowing you to see a sunrise. There is outdoor furniture and a fire pit - even going in winter. The rooms and bathrooms are updated and very clean. There are a few amenities still being renovated (a breakfast room and lobby bathrooms) but overall it was renovated. Great quick stop in a quiet and intriguing hotel. Would definitely recommend.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kent

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We loved the minimalist design and eco-friendly features! Beds were very comfy, suites were spacious and well lit. The rooms smelled just a little stale, but otherwise were very nice. We especially loved that the rooms were not carpeted. We will definitely stay again!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Catfish

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Style
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Isabel

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Lisa

Traveled with group
Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Such a nice pool area. I would recommend if you want a poolside room- request a second floor unless you want to walk right out and get in. Sad that bar area was right inside the lobby where double doors of main entrance kept opening and it was freezing! We had a couple drinks in lounge/game room area but service was poor. Room was beautiful and very cozy
Stayed 1 night 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

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