The Highlander Hotel

10/10

Exceptional

31 Mar 2026

Jennifer

Great place to stay with kids!

8/10

Excellent

30 Mar 2026

Craig

We enjoy the pool and arcade in Jesus was a phenomenal bartender

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

30 Mar 2026

Jacquelyn

Enjoyed everything.

Friends

8/10

Excellent

30 Mar 2026

jeffrey

Have a game room and a beautiful pool. The food is not very good and not worth spending your money on

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

29 Mar 2026

Janelle

Loved our stay!!!!!

Family

8/10

Excellent

17 Mar 2026

Andrea

Comfortable bed, it was nice having a room walk out to the pool. The food was good! They need to explain at checking how order food works, need to explain the tools of pool and hot tub at check in. We wanted to sit in the hot tub with out kids for 10 min before getting out and going to bed and a worker stopped us said no kids. We had been there all day from 3 pm and seen kids going back and forth all day nothing said then we go to use it and told no... my daughter started balling and not the way we wanted to end our night... especially since she had seen other kids and going back and forth all day... I'm not sure what the difference between 9 or 16 year old why they can't use the pool. I had a baby with me but I was going to sit on the side with my legs in while he sat on my lap they said no.. seems like over kill and nothing was said at check in or on the website we would have gone elsewhere. Also don't waste your money on the arcade most games don't work

10/10

Exceptional

16 Mar 2026

Jeannie

Always a good time at the Highlander. We love the place and all the amenities. Beautiful rooms, great lounge areas. Yummy food.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

11 Mar 2026

Cynthia

I recommend staying here everyone was so friendly. We had 3 children aged 4,8 and 10, and they asked when we could stay again. I appreciated the wood floors in the room and not carpet. Very clean.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

10 Mar 2026

Christopher

Nice hotel, not ideal for business traveling. Not a very good desk area. Would go back for a personal trip. Staff was great. Overall nice hotel. Great outdoor area as welk, would be great on a spring or fall evening

Self

8/10

Excellent

07 Mar 2026

Jacob

Pool was great, floor in pool was dirty and not cleaned next day. Room was nice, you can tell it’s an updated older property and that’s fine. During our stay the pool bar and other areas seemed to be closed. Breakfast food was average or below for our kids, smaller selection. All that aside, we enjoyed the room and would stay again.

Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

06 Mar 2026

Karen

Nice room. Seems like the hotel could use some updating.

8/10

Excellent

01 Mar 2026

Keith

clean and most

Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

28 Feb 2026

Matt

Pool was great. Hot tub also great. Staff friendly,

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 Feb 2026

Tarah

This was the best exsperience i have ever had at a hotel. It was extremly clean. The staff were amazing and accomodating. The pool and hot tub was nice, warm and clean. Super kid freindly. Great place and will be staying again.

4/10

Poor

22 Feb 2026

Amanda

The hotel was in disrepair, the room wasn't very clean, the furnishings were sparse. They didn't have enough staff, so there was often no one at the front desk. They couldn't maintain the pool, and the pool/ pool area were dirty. There was an intoxicated guest altercation with police in the middle of the night that woke up the entire hallway. No staff were to be found during that incident, and when guests raised concerns about these issues, the staff refused to offer any assistance. In general the hotel appears run down, and poorly staffed.

Family_with_children

2/10

Poor

22 Feb 2026

Nathan

$225 for one night. No microwave, coffee pot, or usb port in toom.
Bar full of kids. Kids stayed in pool when it was supposed to be adult hour only.
Cops called in middle of night, kids running the halls all night.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

16 Feb 2026

Caitlin

Amazing food! Friendly staff

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

06 Feb 2026

Darron

Yes the room was clean and staff was helpful.

Partner

2/10

Poor

27 Jan 2026

kevin

heat didnt turn down.

4/10

Poor

06 Jan 2026

Jamee

does not look newly renovated, breakfast is terrible. shower is very old timey and falling apart. i think they spent there whole budget on the pool bc its very nice! def does not look like a hotel when you arrive.

Family

6/10

Pleasant

03 Jan 2026

Cindy

Most of stafff not friendly. Kids screaming in pool with little or no parental supervision

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

01 Jan 2026

John

The suites were large nice having connected rooms staff was friendly it’s a bit dated but clean pool area is awesome

6/10

Pleasant

30 Dec 2025

Erin

The room needs remodeling. They seem to have really poor staffing. Breakfast was two hours late because the staff didn’t show up. The pool had a bunch of hair in it because maintenance was out and no one else can run the robot, etx

Leisure Family_with_children

6/10

Pleasant

29 Dec 2025

Randy

Overall we had a nice stay, but I guess we expected more for the premium price tag. The hotel is a blend of beautiful areas, and run down areas and somewhat dated rooms. We stayed in a balcony room overlooking the pool which my kids really enjoyed, and is unique. Be aware of the noise in the evening though in these rooms as the old wood door to the balcony is not soundproof/sealed. It also was completely missing the drapes (just screw holes above) to close out the light from pool area. Room had older carpet, and somewhat dingy bathroom, but beds were fine. The restaurant with the arcade was fine but don't expect it to be fancy. Many of the arcade games were broke. The room door locks throughout the property were temporarily not working, leading us to need to leave the door unlocked or cracked when coming and going, which is unprofessional for this sort of hotel. I realize they are working on that, and it was over Christmas. Staff were friendly, but the entire hotel appeared to be understaffed, with most wearing multiple hats (front desk person was also serving food in restaurant at same time and walking guests to their rooms to let in, bartender was working in the pool area, etc.). Breakfast food was good. So overall we had a fine stay, but this place needs some physical and operations work to be considered a four star hotel.

10/10

Exceptional

21 Dec 2025

Steph

The staff go above and beyond. We had a very special birthday to celebrate and the kids had a blast! The pol area is fantastic, and WARM, fun arcade, great room service too.

2/10

Poor

18 Dec 2025

Louis

Card maker was down and needed to be escorted to our room. Restaurant was never open. Bar was limited to a makeshift bar in the lobby. Told only 10 rooms occupied that night, yet they put people (noisy people) around us. Wall blistered and peeling from water damage. Fridge was very loud and damaged. We unplugged it.

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

28 Nov 2025

Vonnie

Love this hotel. All the good vibes! Great Thanksgiving stay with the family! Pool is huge, rooms are clean and their staff is amazing! The buffet at Lucy’s was delicious!

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

28 Nov 2025

Virgilio

Pleasantly better than expected.

10/10

Exceptional

26 Nov 2025

Nancy

Clean room, great vibes

Friends_and_family Family

6/10

Pleasant

26 Nov 2025

iain

Restaurant was closed for dining in.
Pool side bar/snack bar closed.
No coffee machine or utensils in a +$600 per night suite (which is just two adjoining rooms)
The kids arcade room is a rip-off. Half the machines simply take your tokens then don’t work.
The pool is great but this place could be a whole lot better.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

17 Nov 2025

Amy

This is my 3rd stay. The bar is an retro sunken area with a game arcade. Saturday’s live music was at one end of the hotel and rooms at the other so rooms stayed quiet. It is a fun hotel to visit. Rooms are spacious, beds are very comfortable. They provide recycling bins. Included breakfast is a couple of steps above most continental breakfast buffets. First off - no tv, no music. No plastic utensils or paper plates. The food was cooked on site, bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, silver dollar waffles (no waffle machine mess), biscuits and gravy, oatmeal, yogurt with fruit. Thumbs up.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

03 Nov 2025

Brent

Very helpful staff. Very large facility quite the interesting retro decor

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

27 Oct 2025

Teresa

What a cool update this place has had! Very glam and funky at the same time! Records to play, games and puzzles, a piano, lots of cool hang out nooks. Fabulous pool area, super fun arcade, cozy dining areas.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

19 Oct 2025

Daniel

.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 Oct 2025

Jon

Terrific staff! Drew and the crew at the front desk did everything they possibly could to help my large, multigenerational family enjoy their stay.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

14 Oct 2025

Jill

The hot tub was closed. Disappointed

Friends_and_family Friends

8/10

Excellent

13 Oct 2025

Jeffery

Was a good time,breakfast disappointed (or lack of)

10/10

Exceptional

08 Oct 2025

Jonas

Family trip

Staff, particularly Kimberly and Jula, were very professional and accommodating. Pool is great and lots of fun activities for our two boys. Overall an inviting and entertaining property providing a unique experience.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

01 Oct 2025

Kyle

Great stay as always

10/10

Exceptional

29 Sep 2025

Annette

Very awesome hotel! Clean, friendly, groovy remodel, loved the comfy beds and pillows. The pool is beautiful. Great bar in the evening and breakfast in the morning! Will stay again on our return trip.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

29 Sep 2025

Lilibeth

Rooms are outdated…needs remodeling

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 Sep 2025

Kelly

We LOVE The Highlander. Have stayed here 7 times now and will continue to book all of our Iowa City visits here. It’s a full resort with plenty to do on property and then catch the bus or a cheap Uber Downtown.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

28 Sep 2025

Julie

Clean room, good free breakfast. Pool and hot tub are clean and enjoyable. Fun bar with the arcade. We liked the courtyard area and the fire pit out front. We will stay again!

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

28 Sep 2025

Lilia

Great hotel

Leisure Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

23 Sep 2025

Thomas L.

1960s style. Clean. great food. No receptacles for cell phones and laptops.

Leisure Pet

6/10

Pleasant

01 Sep 2025

Roberta

Rude waitstaff

Poolside king room was comfortable and clean. Couples trip; we stayed two nights. What did put a sour taste in our stay was one particular bartender staff named Doug H. He was NOT very customer friendly and down right arrogantly rude. We had recieved a complimentary drink ticket for one person at check in, which we thought we would use on one of the nights. When we sat at the bar Doug was not busy, just standing; after several minutes had passed with the bartender ignoring us we asked if we could get some service. As one of us does not drink, we ordered a soda and a cocktail. After we questioned the charges on our recipt, he become rude. At one point stating he had been a bartender for 10 years, which had nothing to do with the question of the charges on the receipt. Additionally, we had witnessed as Doug had an interaction with another customer over their pet policy. After the interaction we overheard Doug unprofessionally complaining how he hated guests like that... They may want to think about putting and keeping friendlier customer facing persons in an area that you want to draw people into. Before this interaction, because the pool area was so nice, we were contemplating coming back for a larger family trip (renting 4 rooms), but are now unsure.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 Aug 2025

Galo

Great hotel

8/10

Excellent

25 Aug 2025

Cassie

Seemed to be a slower night. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Only thing bothered me was it was only a little after 10 pm and no one was at front desk. And called number like the note said. Was wanting to purchase a can of soda for my daughter and lady on phone said theg dont give out anything besides water at this time.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

24 Aug 2025

Zachary

Great experience with family of four and two little kids!

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

21 Aug 2025

Consellow

This place is awesome and exceeded my expectation! Great place for family’s or just adults! Highly recommend!! Oh, staff is phenomenal!!

Business_and_leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

20 Aug 2025

John

This property is fun and not like every other hotel you stay in.

Business Family

6/10

Pleasant

18 Aug 2025

cara

Moving son into college

The bathroom door did not latch, which meant it would not shut all the way. There is no lock on the bathroom door. The vent in the bathroom did not work. The water did not get very hot. There’s no coffee maker in the room. There’s no ironing board/iron in the rooms. I didn’t have a DO NOT DISTURB placard to hang on the door. Even though checkout was 12:00, my room key was deactivated at 11. We will be back to Iowa City a lot over the next several years with kids in college, but I don’t think we would stay at the Highlander again. We had a nicer stay downtown Iowa City for less a few weeks prior to this stay.

Friends_and_family Family

6/10

Pleasant

17 Aug 2025

Jason

The same category rooms online seemed much more updated than what we had. Was told the bar would be open until 12 and they called last call at 11. No do not disturb “peace” sign in our room

10/10

Exceptional

15 Aug 2025

Aaron

This is a hidden gem, its vibe is something that you have to experience. The staff is amazing the pool hot tub perfect the food in restaurant was first class. Will definitely be back

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

13 Aug 2025

Tony

Great workers

10/10

Exceptional

09 Aug 2025

Katie

Nice stay very friendly staff great pool area.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

08 Aug 2025

Jay

Great place to stay!

Leisure Family_with_children

6/10

Pleasant

06 Aug 2025

Sherry

Meh

Pictures must be feom when they first remodeled...mold around bath drain, bathroom tile floor was beat-up, pool has seen better days, pool ceiling falling apart, snack shop was never open. It was nice that it was dog friendly but other than that stay closer to campus so you have dining/walking options.

Friends_and_family Family

6/10

Pleasant

06 Aug 2025

Verified traveler

Its ok.

Quiet. Off season may be why but not a complaint. Customer service is scarce. A phone number is on the front desk if you need something. Resturant is supposedly open til 9 or 930 but one night no one was around and chairs on the tables at 7. Place is clean. Pool is large and nice. Hot tub is clean and nice. Brkfst. is ok. Biscuit sandwich, yogurt and instant oatmeal.
No microwave or coffe in rooms. Lighting is very very dark.
Enjoyed the pool tables and arcade.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

03 Aug 2025

Andrew

The pictures on Expedia make this look like a spruced up hotel; the lobby actually looks nice. The pool was the reason that we chose the hotel in the first place; my daughter was hoping to get some pool time in the morning. But when we went down to use the pool, I was told by the woman at the desk that the chlorine was \"zero\" and it was closed.

8/10

Excellent

03 Aug 2025

John

Great for families

Highlander is a really cool hotel. I was traveling with my 17 years old son and we enjoyed the stay. It seems like a perfect place for families with young children. Breakfast could have been better, but overall nice experience and good value.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

02 Aug 2025

Cheryl

Nice place. Did not have coffee pot in room

Partner

2/10

Poor

31 Jul 2025

micaela

Dirty. Won’t go back

Dirty rooms. Hair in bathroom, toilet was not clean it was disgusting

Business

6/10

Pleasant

29 Jul 2025

Jennifer

No food buying options available but menus everywh

Arrived at 10pm, no food or drinks available to buy. One person was working, had to wait 5 minutes for anyone to arrive so I could check in. Breakfast is gross, no lunch until 2pm and no alternative food choices anywhere nearby. We were starved when we left.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

23 Jul 2025

David

Fabulous staff. The pool area was amazing. Lots of fun

Leisure Partner

4/10

Poor

21 Jul 2025

Ryan

Kinda Disappointed

There was a serious lack of staff to attend to the number of guests. The staff on hand was friendly and great but running in too many directions at once. More than a few times I had to walk around the hotel looking for someone to assist at the pool bar or answer a question at the front desk, etc.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

21 Jul 2025

Samantha

I’m totally coming back

A very clean and unique hotel. The staff was friendly and accommodating and the rooms were neat and extremely comfortable!

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

20 Jul 2025

Sara

Clean rooms and friendly staff!

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

19 Jul 2025

Helen

Fun vibe. Comfortable beds. Large Rooms.

Great pool and hot tub. Nice on-site bar and arcade room. Friendly service. Historic hotel with a fun vibe. Rooms are larger with comfortable beds. Comfortable lobby with fun velvet chairs. Not your average hotel.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jul 2025

Amanda

Bougie, Art Deco with a Hippy Flair

Stumbled on this hotel after my kiddos begged for a nicer room. We were amazed by the decor and I was happy with the price. From the old school soda shop, arcade, amazing indoor/outdoor pool, restaurant... it will not disappoint!

Business

10/10

Exceptional

10 Jul 2025

Jason

Great stay.

Great stay, pool, food, arcade, and service best I’ve had.

Friends_and_family Family

6/10

Pleasant

06 Jul 2025

Verified traveler

Would not recommend staying here

It is an old hotel that was “renovated” as little as possible. The lobby and common areas looked great but the rooms were sparse and cheaply done. Our first room had holes in the ceiling and water stains on the shades. I asked for a new room on the first floor as there is no elevator-never mentioned at check in- and was given one immediately that was somewhat better shape. We checked in after traveling all day and picked this place because they had onsite restaurant. 30 minutes before close we walked in and was not greeted, had to seat ourselves and get our our own silverware and menus. Ordered at the bar from the most rude person who looked at his watch when we came in and then complained to people at the bar about people coming in late loud enough for us to hear. I tried to apologize when he brought our food for coming in late after a 12 hour day driving and he ignored the apology and said hey at least I’m honest with you. We paid our bill and finished our food in our room so this person would not be delayed by us there. Awful night sleeping, beds were single mattress on a platform, AC was constantly kicking off and on so the room would go from icy to sweltering. Continental breakfast was very good. Coffee was not good, had a weird taste.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

03 Jul 2025

Denis

Room overlooking the pool was very nice. For 5 stars on the property condition, they would have to repair some ceiling areas over the pool, but this is a minor point overall. We checked in late, but the waiter in the bar offered to take our food order and deliver it to us in the pool area so we could enjoy the pool before it closed. Super nice guy, and I wish I would have gotten his name so I could acknowledge him here. Wristband room key was a first for me, but a great idea.

Business Family

10/10

Exceptional

29 Jun 2025

Jeremiah

The only place we will stay in Iowa City.

We loved this hotel. Not just another cookie cutter hotel. It is fun yet still fancy. Has an old school flair but also all the technology we have come to depend on. One of the best hotel pools I have ever seen. It definitely delivered more than I was expecting for the price. Yes we will stay here again.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 Jun 2025

Argenis

Very friendly staff!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

26 Jun 2025

Holly

Peace out Highlander. See you next time!

Perfect choice for our family. We were traveling with our dog and I appreciated that they are pet friendly. The pool was great. Loved the garage doors that opened up into the pool area. My daughter really dug the arcade. I dug being able to buy a beer at the front desk to take to my room. Honestly, my favorite thing was the wristbands they give out as room keys. It was so extremely convenient!! No digging around in my pocket or purse for my room key, it was right on me! We will definitely be back.

Friends_and_family Family

4/10

Poor

22 Jun 2025

rajmond

Nothing

10/10

Exceptional

22 Jun 2025

Kathy

Very comfortable. Was happy that the room was not carpeted — better for allergies.

Friends_and_family Family

4/10

Poor

19 Jun 2025

Britt

Physical ant and design

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

19 Jun 2025

Becky

The pool and outside courtyard are both extremely spacious and very family friendly areas. This hotel was a great bargain.

Business_and_leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

17 Jun 2025

Joanna

I was worried when I first pulled up but in this situation you can not judge a book by its cover! The hotel its self looks like a basic banquet hall but as soon as you walk in you can feel the time they took to make it like a 1960/1970 hang out. It was well decorated, had multiple areas to play games or listen to records(yes I said records!), fire pit outside, and finally the best part of the hotel, the pool. It was extremely clean and the perfect temperature. We booked a room pool side so it even came with our own reserved table. I can’t say enough good things about this hotel!!!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

12 Jun 2025

Elizabeth

Lots of fun! Marvelous decor and dramatic pool room. I enjoyed the evening bonfire while watching the full moon rise. It is just off I 80 so super convenient for cross country travel.

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

02 Jun 2025

Jane

Convenient location.
Comfortable.

Partner

4/10

Poor

01 Jun 2025

Debra

No coffee, no breakfast, no microwave, metal seat to eat at table (only one, mind you) and 5 inches from TV. Would not stay again even for less than $250.

Leisure Pet

8/10

Excellent

29 May 2025

Deborah

Overall nice and a little dated

10/10

Exceptional

26 May 2025

Stacey

Amazing hotel

The hotel is really clean and the decor is amazing. It was myself and children and the property was safe and awesome for kids and adults. The pool area is a 10/10 and also has a hot tub. It has a snack area as well and lots of comfortable seating. The restaurant and bar/arcade also a 10/10. Breakfast in the morning was good they even had breakfast pizza!

Business Family

8/10

Excellent

25 May 2025

Kandice

The place was nice and the room was nice. We went with 2 small children. I wish it was just a little bit more small kid friendly. If you have school age kids the pool and outside areas would be perfect.

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

14 May 2025

Ayhan

It was a amazing stay. Everything was great especially hot tub and pool. Staff are friendly and helpful. Thank you! Highly recommended.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

11 May 2025

Meggie

Would recommend and go back!

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

04 May 2025

Lucinda

Didn't feel like just a copy paste hotel. Unique furnishings and decor. Parking was amble and close. Drinks and dining were delicious. Staff were very friendly and accommodating. Rooms were clean. At the time of my visit the pool and hot tub were closed due to issues with the filtration system. Looking forward to visiting again, and hiking the pool and hot tub will be functioning properly 😊

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

03 May 2025

ROXANNE

Excellent experience every time

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

01 May 2025

Katelyn

We loved this place. It’s very unique very chill and very family friendly. Great service, food, and facilities. It’s a historic hotel keeping up with the current times. There is no elevator but everything was very clean and very fun. Arcade was great. Pool was great. And breakfast was delicious! Staff was wonderful. We will go back for sure and highly recommend to others.

Business_and_leisure Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

25 Apr 2025

Scott

Fun, funky vibe. Facilities generally in good condition, but looking a little bit tired

10/10

Exceptional

21 Apr 2025

Steven

Great place. Not a typical motel. Great pool, great place for kids.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

17 Apr 2025

Thomas

Rooms are clean and comfortable. Staff were super helpful and friendly.

Business Self

4/10

Poor

17 Apr 2025

Rebecca

The online presentation of this property is very misleading. This is the ultimate ‘Catfish’ of hotel properties. The water stains on window coverings, filthy carpets, stains on bedding, and deodorizers stashed on top of cheap artwork to mask the smell is very off putting. I have pretty low standards but this was not a good stay.

Business

10/10

Exceptional

13 Apr 2025

Lori

There was a nice variety of activities.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

12 Apr 2025

Melissa

Wonderful experience! Thank you.