2525 Highlander Place, Iowa City, IA 52245, United States
#8 of 10 hotels in Iowa City
Guests' ChoiceBased on 138 hotel reviews
7.9Cleanliness
8.4
Comfort
8.4
Location
8.7
Facilities
8.0
Staff
9.1
Value for money
7.6
Free Wifi
9.4
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End of dialog contentReviewed: August 5, 2025
Ashley
United StatesThe front of the building could use some updating and landscaping. I liked everything about the Decor besides the art. The canvas’ didn’t really fit the rest of the style. The windows to the balcony look great. But could use full coverage for night time. The pull down shades leave light in and I prefer pitch black. I woke up at 4 am thinking it was closer to 6 until I realized it was light not the sun.
Style. It had a great vibe to it. The bar was clean and classy even being in the same area as the arcade, nice to see the pool tables in a dry area. So often hotels will put a pool table in the same area as the pool. Love love love the pool, disappointed the hot tub was closed for repairs.
Stayed in August 2025
Reviewed: June 24, 2025
Assani
CanadaInform guests about the free city bus to Iowa downtown. The string that holds the key for the room, hard to remove hahah
I enjoy everything, friendly staff, especially Mich, breakfast was good, with multiple options. Nice view from my room, I wish I had time to jump into the swimming pool, and more likely, the quietness of the whole area, I have been in different hotels in the USA, I know what I experienced at Highlander. Bref, I will go again and I will recommend anyone else. KEEP THE GOOD JOB
Stayed in June 2025
Reviewed: November 13, 2024
Jacqueline
United Statesonly complaint I had was the shower head was a disappointment it didn't spray out properly and the $28 breakfast available only on weekends no breakfast of any kind offered during the week
the decor of the entire place was amazing. this place just has an amazing vibe
Stayed in November 2024
Reviewed: November 5, 2024
Mackenzie
United StatesWas woken up in the morning by kids playing ping pong at 7:30am in the pool area. I know that isn’t the hotels fault but maybe the whole pool area should stay closed until the pool itself is open. The restaurant also didn’t have the sirloin or the pork chop that were offered on the menu. Our waiter was very nice but also made us feel very bad as we tried to leave because they didn’t have any of the options I wanted so we were persuaded to stay and spent almost $100 on an awful meal we didn’t even eat. Overall I was pretty upset after paying almost $500 for a hotel room that we couldn’t even eat well.
Enjoyed all the amenities offered and the nice staff
Stayed in November 2024
Reviewed: November 2, 2024
Caron
United StatesBathroom fan didn’t work Turned in towels to be replaced and had to get them from the night clerk. He was exceptional the whole time we were there.
Quiet. Location was great.
Stayed in October 2024
Reviewed: October 23, 2024
Jeff
United Statesno elevator, bar closed too early.
nice bar.
Stayed in September 2024
Reviewed: September 1, 2024
Kevin
United StatesParking lot
Nearness to medical facilities
Stayed in August 2024
Reviewed: August 19, 2024
Wendy
United StatesParking lot
Rooms were clean & comfortable
Stayed in August 2024
Reviewed: July 20, 2024
Michelle
United StatesNeeded some updates in the room.
Kids loved the heated pool. The brunch was amazing!
Stayed in June 2024
Reviewed: July 7, 2024
Christine
United StatesSlightly pricey for what it was and a bit noisy (from families having fun mostly).
Very nice hotel right off the highway. Mostly updated room and lots to do at the hotel. Perfect for my family traveling with a toddler and dog.
Stayed in July 2024
Reviewed: April 28, 2024
Martin
United StatesThe large noisy crowd at the pool.
The breakfast was just the standard and the breakfast room was somewhat cramped. The pool was wonderful, but too noisy and full of local kids. The room was great. The restaurant was good, but not as good as expected, considering the new chef,
Stayed in April 2024
Reviewed: November 19, 2023
Annette
United StatesThe hot tub was down and the vevt in our bathroom didn't work. However, the staff did have someone coming to work on the hot tub.
Room was clean and comfortable. Very pretty hotel. Decorated very cool!! Loved all the Christmas trees! Nice game room and pool area. They have a nice outdoor area also, with outdoor chess and bags. Breakfast was amazing.
Stayed in November 2023
Reviewed: November 18, 2023
Amanda
United StatesRooms need another mirror in them (outside of the bathroom).
The variety of activities for all ages, beautiful pool and snack shack.
Stayed in November 2023
Reviewed: November 13, 2023
Erica
United StatesThe band was extremely loud. You can certainly avoid it by not going in the dinner club but in order to order food one had to go in there. The pizza needs help, but I am from the Chicago area.
The staff are phenomenal. The hotel is clean. Some areas seem a little older and very minimalist. Not a horrible thing. The pizza needs a little help. Tacos were great but the shell was more pita than tortilla. The complimentary breakfast is fantastic. I will definitely stay again. Super nice to have the complimentary beverages available 24/7.
Stayed in November 2023
Reviewed: November 1, 2023
Mary
United StatesDidn't matter to us, but the parking lot needs some help and may deter some guests as they arrive at the property.
Breakfast was better than expected and not your typical "breakfast included" hotel breakfast. Rooms were comfortable but nothing to write home about as far as decor.
Stayed in October 2023
Reviewed: October 15, 2023
Nathan
United StatesWas a bit dated. Tub was stained. The shower head was a bit wonky.
The location was great for Iowa City proper. Was only a few minute drive from anything we wanted to do. Staff was good. Friendly. The pool looked clean.
Stayed in October 2023
Reviewed: September 27, 2023
Priscilla
United StatesOverpromise the gluten-free options, there was very little at dinner menu except scraping the breading off the cod, and taking filling from wheat breakfast wraps, or oatmeal . Weird setting for dinner in game room. No drawers for clothes! Had to ask for a clock. No iron.
Good fresh and homemade. Really appreciate the quality and being open until 10 for breakfast. Good dinner , again fresh homemade food. Staff always helpful.
Stayed in September 2023
Reviewed: August 30, 2023
Olivia
United StatesI didn't like that our room didn't have a deadbolt/ extra lock. Our shower didn't have hot water on the first night. There also was no TV guide.
I liked that it was quiet and that the staff was friendly. We requested a mini fridge and it was waiting in the room for us.
Stayed in August 2023
Reviewed: August 6, 2023
Joyce
United StatesBreakfast fine…. Brown sugar makes oatmeal awesome…😊 We LOVED the vibes and creative decor all around… many things to keep a family busy… very cool… Full size hand soap.. lotion and shampoo/ body wash was fantastic… Wristband key cards complete genius… The things I noticed comfort wise… to get ready for the day.. the leaning mirror in room not next to any outlet to fix hair while others getting ready in bathroom… and very little counter space in bathroom but that is prob a fix with adding shelves? Staff was on top of it at all times with service and friendly and easy to talk to… seemed like everyone liked their jobs and finally a place that appeared not short of staff… Thanks and we will be back! Williams family
Stayed in August 2023
Reviewed: June 13, 2023
Elyse
United StatesWe booked the hotel specifically for the hot tub, which was closed during our stay for repairs
The beds were very comfortable and we were impressed with the service we received from staff.
Stayed in June 2023
Reviewed: May 9, 2023
Diane
United StatesThe swimming pool and spa area looked very nice.
Stayed in May 2023
Reviewed: April 26, 2023
Sara
United Statesthe gal in the snack shack did it seem happy that she had to make a milk shake. we encountered bad weather during our stay. owner kept letting herself into our room
Spacious room, fun design. most of the staff was wonderful.
Stayed in April 2023
Reviewed: March 19, 2023
Becki
United StatesWeather haha! it was freezing
The one stop shop features was nice. Live jazz music in the bar/restaurant and arcade area, pool and hot tub with corn hole and snack bar. Beautiful environment and decor. Ilike that they bought out an old hotel and made it new from the inside out. Lovely!
Stayed in March 2023
Reviewed: January 9, 2023
John
United StatesI didn't like elements of eastern religion, budda and yoga.
Breakfast and coffee bar was good.
Stayed in January 2023
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