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The Highlander Hotel

4.0 star property
Family-friendly stay near University of Iowa

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Highlander Hotel

Hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop beds, individually decorated, desk
Indoor spa tub
Hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop beds, individually decorated, desk
2 bars/lounges, poolside bar
Point of interest

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Room service
  • Parking included

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

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed (Courtyard)

Hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop beds, individually decorated, desk

Room, 1 King Bed (Courtyard)

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Suite (Courtyard)

Hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop beds, individually decorated, desk

Suite (Courtyard)

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

View all photos for Room, 2 Queen Beds (Courtyard)

Hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop beds, individually decorated, desk

Room, 2 Queen Beds (Courtyard)

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Room, 2 Queen Beds, Mezzanine (Mezzanine)

Hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop beds, individually decorated, desk

Room, 2 Queen Beds, Mezzanine (Mezzanine)

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed, Mezzanine (Mezzanine)

Hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop beds, individually decorated, desk

Room, 1 King Bed, Mezzanine (Mezzanine)

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Room, 2 Queen Beds, Poolside

Hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop beds, individually decorated, desk

Room, 2 Queen Beds, Poolside

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Classic Room, 2 Queen Beds, Accessible

Hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop beds, individually decorated, desk

Classic Room, 2 Queen Beds, Accessible

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible (Courtyard)

Hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop beds, individually decorated, desk

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible (Courtyard)

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Classic Suite, Accessible

Hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop beds, individually decorated, desk

Classic Suite, Accessible

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

View all photos for Classic Room, 2 Queen Beds

Classic Room, 2 Queen Beds

Classic Room, 2 Queen Beds

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Classic Room, 1 King Bed

Hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop beds, individually decorated, desk

Classic Room, 1 King Bed

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Classic Suite

Hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop beds, individually decorated, desk

Classic Suite

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

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed, Poolside

Hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop beds, individually decorated, desk

Room, 1 King Bed, Poolside

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

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About the area

Iowa City

Near the airport.Within 3 miles (5 km) of this Iowa City hotel, you'll find University of Iowa and Mercy Hospital. Iowa City Public Library and The Englert Theater are also within 6 miles (10 km).

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

  • 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 stay near University of Iowa
The Highlander Hotel offers its guests an indoor pool, a hot tub, and a 24-hour fitness center. Along with a restaurant, there's a coffee shop/cafe on site. You can enjoy a drink at one of the bars, which include 2 bars/lounges and a poolside bar. Free breakfast is served on weekdays. Public spaces have free WiFi.

3 meeting rooms and coworking spaces are available. Event space at this hotel measures 5651 square feet (525 square meters) and includes a conference center. A terrace, an arcade/game room, and multilingual staff 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
  • 2 bars or lounges
  • 5651 sq ft of conference space
  • 525 sq m of conference space
  • Built in 1967
  • Continental breakfast (free)
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Charging station for electric cars
  • Conference center
  • Coffee in lobby
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Express check-in
  • Express check-out
  • Staff is multilingual
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Wedding services available
  • Game room or arcade
  • Pool or billiards table
  • Terrace
  • Newspapers in lobby (free)
  • ATM
  • No smoking on site
  • Microwave in a common area
  • Water dispenser
  • Bar by the pool
  • Dining venue
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.

Languages

English, Spanish

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Property amenities

Family friendly

  • Arcade/game room
  • Children's books
  • Children's games
  • In-room crib
  • Indoor pool

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

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

Food and drink

  • Free continental breakfast available on weekdays
  • 2 bars/lounges
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A poolside bar
  • A restaurant
  • Coffee and tea in common areas

Things to do

  • 24-hour gym
  • Arcade/game room
  • Billiards/pool table
  • Books
  • Games
  • Hot tub
  • Indoor pool
  • Table tennis

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

Room amenities

Entertainment

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

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

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
The credit card used to book the reservation must be presented by the cardholder at check-in along with matching photo identification, and other arrangements must be coordinated with the property prior to arrival

Access methods

Staffed front desk, key retrieval

Pets

  • Pets: USD 30 per pet, per night
  • Only dogs and cats are allowed
  • An off-leash 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 cribs (infant beds)!

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

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

  • 1.5 percent 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 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 credit 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 guestroom 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 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

The Highlander Hotel Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 553 out of 840 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 148 out of 840 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 80 out of 840 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 36 out of 840 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 23 out of 840 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

Ashley

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

10/10 Excellent

Kent

Travelled 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

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

10/10 Excellent

Deborah

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kevin

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

10/10 Excellent

Isabel

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Lisa

Travelled 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

8/10 Good

Martha

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

ANGEL

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

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

Travelled 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 traveller
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

Travelled 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

Travelled with family, Travelled with family and small children
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

Travelled with family, Travelled with family and small children
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

Travelled 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

10/10 Excellent

Alan

Travelled 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