this is our history

The Story of us

Welcome to the history of the Highlander Hotel page! Here, we look back at the vibrant past of this iconic landmark. Built-in 1964, the Highlander Hotel has been a fixture in the community for nearly 60 years. In its early days, it was home to the original supper club, where guests would gather for delicious food, drinks, and entertainment.In 2019, our team purchased this storied property, and we are committed to preserving its legacy for future generations. So whether you have fond memories of the Highlander Hotel or are discovering its history for the first time, we invite you to explore our website and learn more about this remarkable piece of history

Preview of the old lobbyAfter preview of the renovated lobby
Entryway

The Highlander entryway was designed with an unforgettable first impression, combining timeless elegance with dazzling chandeliers, bold furniture, and a touch of our vibrant 70s spirit

Lobby Corridor BeforeLobby Corridor
Lobby Corridor

We transformed the Highlander Hotel corridor by removing the drab red carpeting and the closed-off wall, replacing them with an open, welcoming space highlighted by custom selected black-and-white patterned tiles.

Ballroom beforeBallroom
Ballroom

The 5,382 sq ft ballroom was transformed with new light fixtures handcrafted by a California chandelier artisan made specifically for the Highlander Hotel. He personally delivered them in a U-Haul driven all the way from California. The space also proudly features the original 1974 grand piano.

Former bar top before restorationBar after
Lobby Bar

It's all about the details. Gold fixtures and a hand-painted ceiling mural.

Supper CLub beforeSupper Club
The Super Club

The original 1974 sunken bar remains a centerpiece of our supper club today. We prioritized preserving this rare and iconic feature, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy a unique element that is hard to find today.

Courtyard beforecourtyard
Courtyard

Experience an oasis just minutes from downtown Iowa City. The courtyard offers plenty of green space, outdoor yard games, and easy access to the pool.

Pool, Southeast View, beforePool, Southeast View
Hot Tub

No matter the weather or time of year you can sit back and relax in the adult-only hotel.

Pool West View - beforePool West View
Pool

This vibrant mural, created by local artist Thomas Agran, adds a lively pop of color and a groovy spirit to the pool area, infusing it with an artistic flair.

Double Queen beforeDouble Queen
Double Queen Room

Rooms have been transformed from outdated to clean, open, and character-rich spaces, blending modern comfort with distinctive charm.

Presidential Suite beforePresidential Suite
The Penthouse Suite

Over-the-top luxury with a full chef's kitchen, living area with giant plasma television, separate king bedroom, and the coolest hotel bathroom in the state of Iowa.

Bridal Suite, beforebridal suite, after
Penthouse Bath

From drab to fab. The penthouse features a giant tub and a walk-in shower with teak floors and five shower heads.

King Guest bedroom beforeKing Guest Bedroom
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Welcome to the history of the Highlander Hotel page! Here, we look back at the vibrant past of this iconic landmark. Built-in 1964, the Highlander Hotel has been a fixture in the community for nearly 60 years. In its early days, it was home to the original supper club, where guests would gather for delicious food, drinks, and entertainment.In 2019, our team purchased this storied property, and we are committed to preserving its legacy for future generations. So whether you have fond memories of the Highlander Hotel or are discovering its history for the first time, we invite you to explore our website and learn more about this remarkable piece of history