Independent. Counterculture

JUST LIKE THE CITY THAT FORMED US.

Stay in the loop on all things Highlander and get the inside scoop on all the groovy changes we’re making to our hotel. We’ll keep you up-to-date on how you can have the most retro Iowa City experience.
The Hotel Guru
The Best Hotels in The United States of America

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The Daily Iowan
Retro-revival of Highlander Hotel sheds light on historical past

The Clarion Highlander Hotel will undergo a “retro revival” and be renamed the Bohemian after renovations.

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boutiquehotel.me
The 19 Best Boutique Hotels in Iowa

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Iowa City Commission for Historic Preservation
Best Large Commercial Historic Preservation 2022

Travel Iowa
History Meets Luxury

Take a break from chain hotels and experience a truly one-of-a-kind stay at two Iowa hotels along the I-80 corridor.

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Iowa Hotel & Lodging Association
Amelia Nickle, Highlander Director of Operations, Employee of the Year 2023

The first employee of boutique hotel developer Angela Harrington, Amelia Nickle has performed nearly every role in both The Hotel Grinnell and the Highlander.

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Historic Hotels of America
Top 25 Historic Hotels of America Most Romantic Hotels

At any time of the year, historic hotels are the perfect place to celebrate special occasions that create lifelong memories and are the ideal location for a romantic proposal

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Locals Love Us
2024 Best Hotel in Iowa City

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Travel Iowa
Top Weekend Hotel Stays

Get away for the weekend to one of Iowa’s most unique, intimate and historic boutique hotels.

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US News & World Report
Top 15 Hotels in Iowa 2024

Hotels ranked on industry awards, guest reviews and hotel class ratings

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CBJ Business Staff
Historic Supper Club revived as cocktail arcade

Live music, sunken bar is back at Iowa City’s Highlander Hotel

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98.1 KHAK
Iowa City is Home to a One-of-a-Kind, 70s-Inspired Hotel

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Kevin Boyd
The Highlander, Iowa City’s strange, star-studded supper club, is now a historic hotel

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Jessica Rish
Ring in the new year with these 10 events in Iowa City, from a rooftop to the pool

New Year's Eve at The Highlander

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Megan Bannister, Olio
Plan A Groovy Stay At The Highlander Hotel In Iowa City

I love seeing old spaces transformed into something new. In Iowa City, The Highlander Hotel is the perfect example of a classic space turned into a modern gem. Originally opened in the 1960s as a supper club, this vintage hotel was recently renovated to fully embrace a glamorous retro aesthetic.

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Melinda Schnyder, The Wichita Eagle
Travel inspiration: 21 travel ideas to plan for in 2021

Here are 21 regional travel ideas to inspire you to plan for 2021. If you need a deadline for motivation, Jan. 26 is the U.S. Travel Association’s annual National Plan for Vacation Day.

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Erin Huiatt, desmoinesparent.com
Retro Family Fun at The Highlander Hotel

When our family travels it is all about the attractions, local eats, craft brews, parks, and of course, lodging. We love to experience unique and new things. When planning a fun Spring Break trip to Iowa City, Iowa I came across a fun, retro-inspired hotel that I knew would check all the boxes for the kids and the parents, The Highlander Hotel.

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Angela Holmes, Corridor Business Journal
Angela Harrington named CBJ’s Entrepreneur of the Year

Entrepreneurship isn’t for the faint of heart — especially during a global pandemic. But hotelier Angela Harrington relied on her tenacity and experience from a previous failure to make it through the tumult.

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Lisa Waterman Gray, Wander with Wonder
The Highlander Hotel in Iowa City, Iowa

A road trip to Iowa offers a great opportunity to explore the Midwestern US. I reached The Highlander Hotel, on a hilltop near Interstate 80 in Iowa City, in the late afternoon. Large peace signs decorated indoor walls as Janis Joplin sang through the sound system. A bright-hued hand-painted ceiling overlooked the horseshoe-shaped bar. I knew I was in for a retro hotel experience.

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Kevin Boyd, Little Village
The Highlander, Iowa City’s strange, star-studded supper club, is now a historic hotel

I was a little nervous during my first meeting as a member of Iowa City’s Historic Preservation Commission a few years ago. After we voted to adjourn, I breathed a sigh of relief — I hadn’t made a motion at the wrong time and didn’t seem to screw anything up.

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The Highlander Hotel
The Iowa Hawkeyes Are BACK In Iowa City

Say WHAT?! Hawkeye Football is {finally} headed back to Iowa City and for fans who need a place to hang their head, there’s nowhere cooler than The Highlander Hotel.

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Iowa Economic Developement
TSB Highlights July 2021

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gaytravel
GayTravel.com’s Top 10 Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations 2022

One of the silver linings of the pandemic is that inclusive U.S. destinations that may not have had our attention before...have it now! We've uncovered many "off-the-beaten-path" places that are not only inclusive and welcoming but also quickly becoming the darlings of savvy LGBTQ+ travelers like you!

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Katy Flint, Flint & Co
Book a Funky Staycation at the Highlander Hotel in Iowa City, IA

We are all about staycations, especially in the winter because you never know what the weather is going to do here in the Midwest!! Thankfully, Iowa is full of great staycation destinations including the Highlander Hotel in Iowa City. And with it’s modern funky vibe, it’s extra special!

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Nicole Schnitzler, Condé Nast Traveler
The Midwest’s Best College Towns

Summer may be coming to a close, but there's good news that comes with school being back in session: College campuses everywhere are springing back to life in full force. The Midwest is home to several of the best, with world-class museums, acclaimed restaurants, and notable festivals, boasting their own unique draws.

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Leah Hall, Gastronom
The Highlander Hotel, Iowa City – Family Friendly Hotel

The Highlander Hotel in Iowa City, Iowa is a great family friendly hotel with options for all ages. Chic meets shag in this bohemian themed hotel with an indoor pool and lounges. This urban resort is the place to stay in Iowa City or Coralville, Iowa!

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Michael Mackie
The Highlander Hotel ROCKS!

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Field Trip Iowa
Toddler-Teens will love The Highlander Hotel in Iowa City

Do you want to feel like you left Iowa and landed in chic 1970’s Hollywood? Stroll through the stunning lobby at The Highlander Hotel in Iowa City, spin a vintage vinyl record, and you’ll be hooked.

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Megan Reuther, Hello Iowa
Travel writer shares a new favorite place in Iowa

Travel Writer Michael Mackie recently checked out the revamped Highlander Hotel in Iowa City.

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Carissa Johnson
The Highlander Hotel in Iowa City

One of the chicest staying spots in Iowa, The Highlander Hotel is a funky boutique hotel that taps into your funkadelic side. The Highlander Hotel is located in Iowa City, just 10 minutes from the heart of Downtown Iowa City and directly off of I-80.

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SPECIALS & OFFERS

You’ll be trippin’ in style.

Couple enjoying Highlander Hotel ammenities.

PLUS ONE

Valentine's Day is just around the corner! Give the gift of a stylish, fun-filled getaway at this retro icon.

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Dog at The Highlander Hotel.

Dogcation

Treat yourself and your furry best friend to a getaway like no other. Wag into a stay of peace, love, and pet-friendly fun at The Highlander.

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Group at the Highlander.

GET THE GANG TOGETHER!

Whether it’s a girls’ trip or bro-cation, a neighborhood block party, basecamp for Hawkeye sports, or a road trip with the fam, babies to ‘80s is our jam! The Highlander is the perfect getaway spot for you and your crew.

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