The Highlander Hotel in Iowa City | Best Rates & Deals on Orbitz

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Family-friendly hotel with free breakfast and bars

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Where to?

Dates

April 2025

May 2025

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

Overview
Rooms
Location
Policies

Excellent

Popular amenities

Bar
Room service
Parking included

Explore the area

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

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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

About the neighborhood

Iowa City

The Highlander Hotel places you within 3 miles (5 km) of popular attractions like University of Iowa and Mercy Hospital. This 97-room hotel welcomes guests with conveniences like free breakfast, an indoor pool, and a 24-hour gym.

What's nearby

Mercy Hospital - 5 min drive - 3.0 miles
University of Iowa - 7 min drive - 3.8 miles
Carver-Hawkeye Arena - 9 min drive - 5.7 miles
University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics - 10 min drive - 4.4 miles
Kinnick Stadium - 10 min drive - 4.5 miles

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 with free breakfast and bars

Guests staying at The Highlander Hotel enjoy an indoor pool, a 24-hour gym, and free WiFi in public areas. A stay here includes free parking. The 24-hour front desk has multilingual staff ready to assist with luggage storage and tours/tickets. If you like to take your furry friend along on your adventures, this pet-friendly property offers an off-leash area. Other amenities at this family-friendly hotel include a hot tub, a conference center, and coffee/tea in a common area.

Guests can expect free WiFi and flat-screen TVs with cable channels and pay movies. Pillowtop beds grant a restful night's sleep, and bathrooms offer rainfall showers, hair dryers, and slippers. Desks are also standard. Housekeeping is available on request.

An indoor pool and a hot tub are on site. Other recreational amenities include a 24-hour fitness center.

Languages

English, Spanish

Similar properties

Pool
Breakfast included
Pet friendly
Free WiFi

includes taxes & fees

$90 per night

Apr 30 - May 1

Property amenities

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

Restaurants on site

Patio Bar
Snack Shack
Supper Club

Things to do

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

Family friendly

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

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

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

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

This property welcomes pets for USD 30 per pet, per night
Dogs and cats only
An off-leash area is available
Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

Up to 4 kids 17 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding
Free cribs/infant beds are available

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay these charges at the property:

1.5 percent tourism fee will be charged

These are all of the charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

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

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 list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might 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 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

Check-in: 3:00 PM
Check-out: noon
Minimum check-in age: 21

The front desk is open 24 hours a day, and checking in and out are easy with express services. Driving? This property offers free self parking, along with free RV, bus, and truck parking. There's also a car charging station.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
A credit card for incidental charges and a government-issued photo ID may be required at check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards. Cash is not accepted.
The credit card used at check-in for incidentals must be in the name of the primary guest who made the reservation.
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

There are no 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

Is a free cancellation option available at The Highlander Hotel?

The Highlander Hotel provides free cancellation on select room rates. If you'd like to learn more, review the cancellation policy on our site.

What's there to see within easy reach of The Highlander Hotel?

Based on positive ratings, guests enjoy the hotel's location in Iowa City, which is close to Kinnick Stadium, Iowa Avenue Literary Walk, and The Englert Theater. You'll also find University of Iowa Museum of Natural History and Iowa City Public Library within a short drive.

Is parking available on site at The Highlander Hotel?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the hotel. Accessible parking, free RV/bus/truck parking, and electric car charging are also available.

Does The Highlander Hotel have a casino?

No, The Highlander Hotel doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at The Highlander Hotel?

Yes, this hotel has an indoor pool along with a hot tub.

What will couples enjoy most about a stay at The Highlander Hotel?

There are many amenities for couples at this hotel, including Champagne service as well as an indoor pool and a poolside bar.

Does The Highlander Hotel have a hot tub?

Yes, guests can enjoy a spa tub at this hotel.

Does The Highlander Hotel have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

Yes, The Highlander Hotel serves free continental breakfast at Supper Club on weekday mornings.

Does The Highlander Hotel allow pets to stay for free?

Although they can't stay for free, cats and dogs are welcome at The Highlander Hotel for a fee of USD 30 per pet, per night. The property also provides an off-leash area.

Are there connecting rooms at The Highlander Hotel?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this hotel.

How far is the airport from The Highlander Hotel?

The closest major airport to The Highlander Hotel is Eastern Iowa Airport (CID), which is 23.6 mi away (27 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies at The Highlander Hotel?

No, there aren't any guestrooms with balconies at The Highlander Hotel.

Does The Highlander Hotel have a wedding venue on site?

There are wedding services available at The Highlander Hotel if that's in your vacation plans.

The Highlander Hotel Reviews

8.8

Excellent

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

8.8/10

Amenities

8.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.2/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10 Excellent

Garth M Carlson

Traveled with family

Jan 22, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Katarzyna

Traveled with family

Jan 21, 2025

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

Lee

Traveled with family

Jan 17, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kishauna

Jan 14, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

The perfect Stay and Play

We absolutely LOVE the Highlander. This was our second stay and we enjoyed it just as much as the first time. I wasn't so impressed with The Supper Club menu but I was highly impressed by the service. The weekend breakfast buffet was phenomenal though!

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kent

Traveled with family

Jan 1, 2025

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

Dec 31, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Style

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Deborah

Traveled with family

Dec 27, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kevin

Traveled with family

Dec 24, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Absolutely wonderful!

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Isabel

Dec 23, 2024

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Lisa

Traveled with group

Dec 15, 2024

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

Traveled with family

Dec 15, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

ANGEL

Dec 15, 2024

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Miranda

Dec 11, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Dawn

Dec 9, 2024

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

Dec 9, 2024

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

Dec 6, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Keith

Dec 5, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Danise

Dec 5, 2024

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

Dec 4, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Great renovation of a faded favorite

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

4/10 Poor

Jonathan

Dec 3, 2024

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

Dec 2, 2024

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

Dec 2, 2024

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

Dec 2, 2024

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

Dec 1, 2024

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