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  5. Reviews of The Highlander Hotel

Reviews of The Highlander Hotel This rating is a reflection of how the property compares to the industry standard when it comes to price, facilities and services available. It's based on a self-evaluation by the property. Use this rating to help choose your stay!

2525 Highlander Place, Iowa City, IA 52245, United States of America

#8 of 11 hotels in Iowa City

Guests' Choice

Review Score

Based on 173 hotel reviews

8.2

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    8.9

  • Comfort

    8.8

  • Location

    8.7

  • Facilities

    8.5

  • Staff

    9.3

  • Value for money

    8.1

  • Free WiFi

    9.0

Verified guest reviews from real Bookers

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Showing 1 - 25

  • Reviewed: April 28, 2024

    8.0
    Good place to stay in Iowa City
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Queen Room with Balcony
    • Stayed 3 nights

    The 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

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Travelers with friends
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The 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

    9.0
    Will definitely stay here again. Absolutely loved it!
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • King Room with Pool View
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Rooms 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

    8.0
    Will definitely stay again. Staff is all wonderful!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The 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

    8.0
    Pleasant surprise. Close to the music venue we were going to (Wildwood) and they should list that.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • King Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    Didn'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

    8.0
    Good value. Good location. Clean.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • King Room with Pool View
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Was 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

    7.0
    Staff is the strong suit and the diversity vibe, expensive for so few room amenities.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • King Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Overpromise 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

    7.0
    The Highlander is the place to go if you want a friendly, quiet place to stay the night
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • King Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    I 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

    7.0
    Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Queen Room with Balcony
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Breakfast 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

    8.0
    Very Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    We 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

    8.0
    We would of liked to of used the spa but it was closed.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • King Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The swimming pool and spa area looked very nice.

    Stayed in May 2023

  • Reviewed: April 26, 2023

    7.0
    fun place
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • King Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    the 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

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Weather 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

    7.0
    Check in great, staff friendly, clean.
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • King Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    I didn't like elements of eastern religion, budda and yoga.

    Breakfast and coffee bar was good.

    Stayed in January 2023

  • Reviewed: January 4, 2023

    8.0
    it was a great stay
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • King Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    facility is old

    there was lots to do with family

    Stayed in January 2023

  • Reviewed: October 31, 2022

    8.0
    Came with friends for football weekend
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Needs a little sprucing. Very cute concept, they are getting there. Staffing seemed short and hope some restaurants establish around the location

    The pool side room availability, dimmer switches and the arcade! WONDERFUL for families

    Stayed in October 2022

  • Reviewed: October 17, 2022

    7.0
    The price of the hotel was too high for the quality and location of the hotel.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • King Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    The blinds should open from the bottom so you do not have to close the blinds completely for privacy. No elevators hard to bring luggage up all stairs. You should help elderly people if you place them on second floor.

    The location was good. The hotel was clean.

    Stayed in October 2022

  • Reviewed: September 27, 2022

    9.0
    We had a 2 night stay to visit our daughter at school. We enjoyed the atmosphere and the bar.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • King Room
    • Stayed 2 nights

    The price was very high due to it being parents weekend for the university. The lighting in the hallway was a little dark and uninviting. There were dogs barking.

    The breakfast was very good. Presented very well. The decor was unique. We loved the bar atmosphere. The pool was very inviting however we did not have our swim suits. The staff was very helpful.

    Stayed in September 2022

  • Reviewed: September 16, 2022

    8.0
    perfect place to stay when visiting nearby health clinics
    • Couple
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    outside landscaping needs some touching up. parking lot pretty bumpy.

    staff was fantastic and very eager to help. very clean and comfortable rooms. room service was fast and yummy

    Stayed in September 2022

  • Reviewed: September 7, 2022

    9.0
    A terrific way to recapture the heydays of holidomes / deep pools / 60s & 70s memories.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    The staff was exceptionally kind and helpful.

    Stayed in September 2022

  • Reviewed: September 1, 2022

    8.0
    we had a great time as a family
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    bathroom, no shelves or bars in shower. toilet flushing took T least two times to clear stool or paper each time. messy paint on the floor

    ease of access, lovely pool area. great snacks

    Stayed in August 2022

  • Reviewed: August 8, 2022

    7.0
    Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Mildew in bathtub. Bathroom floor not clean. Poor paint job throughout room. Not what we expected for 175 a night. No coffee maker in room. Complimentary breakfast wasnt vegan friendly.

    Staff, food and pool were excellent. Beds very comfortable.

    Stayed in August 2022

  • Reviewed: August 2, 2022

    7.0
    Go for the pool and kichy vibe and some nice tacos
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    lots of flies in all the common areas, enjoy free breakfast but yogurt machine was out with staff not really concerned about it or putting a notice on machine. Was not a fan of the smell of the hallways and entryways into hotel

    we love the pool area and the food and drinks were good as well

    Stayed in July 2022

  • Reviewed: August 2, 2022

    8.0
    Kimpton clone does good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • King Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Staff training needed. Inappropriate banter by staff in front of guests at bar. Bar was out of wine. Bartender rounded up bar room charge - illegal practice. Power outage - no staff onsite to address. Front desk staff nonexistent at check out.

    Retro chic design, food menu, friendly staff, amenities.

    Stayed in August 2022

Showing 1 - 25

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