See Why the New Highlander Hotel in Iowa City ROCKS
The Highlander Hotel, Iowa City IA
Bless its hospitable heart. Over the last four decades, the iconic Highlander Hotel and Supper Club in Iowa City has gone through eight different chain remodels, each duller than the last. Think the bland leading the bland.
When hotelier Angela Harrington purchased the mammoth property just a few months before the pandemic hit, she had an overarching vision in her head. She wanted to restore the hotel to its heyday—complete with chic meets shag décor. Five million dollars later and the newly revamped hotel has become a buzzworthy getaway destination.
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From day one, Harrington fought an uphill battle restoring the hotel. Once the crown jewel of Eastern Iowa, the aging property was battling a slew of disastrous online reviews. Guest relations became her top priority. “When I bought the hotel, (we) ranked dead last on Trip Advisor,” she laments. “Six months after relaunch, we arrived at number one and have been there ever since.”
It was also Harrington’s idea to give the waning travel lodge a decidedly updated, yet retro rock-n-roll theme. Psychedelic colors and paisley prints dot the hotel’s spacious lobby and rooms. The painstaking transformation is an ode to yesteryear, but with all the amenities fussy travelers demand—including hyper-fast Wi-Fi. Clearly, Harrington and her team left no (rolling) stone unturned—even the kitschy-quirky ‘fridges in the suites look like old-school iceboxes. Want to spin a Jefferson Airplane or Byrds album? Ask for a record player in your room.
Initially, The Highlander Hotel got its auspicious start as a noteworthy supper club in the late 60s with an elaborate menu that rivaled any big city restaurant. The hotel now offers a high-end (and somewhat meandering) bar menu—everything from flavorful flatbreads to Japanese noodle bowls. Trust and believe, if you don’t try the Indian butter chicken street tacos, you’re not living your best life. “We have a full bar with retro cocktails and a food truck-inspired menu,” says Harrington. “The eatery and bar hours are 12 a.m. to 12 p.m. 365 days a year.” Be advised, if you’re expecting a Harvey Wallbanger, think again. All the curated cocktails have their own spin on them—mod meets modern.
Wondering if the hotel would make a good romantic getaway? Yes and no. The hotel has a party atmosphere on weekends—especially during football season. If you’re looking for quiet respite, visit Sunday through Wednesday. Full stop. Harrington mentions the hotel went for almost 11 months with nary a single guest. Now, weekends are completely sold out. (And brace yourself, prices reflect it—especially during Iowa’s rowdy home football games.)
Harrington has bequeathed a “make it happen” mentality to her staff—many of whom look like they just stepped off campus. They’re all wildly cordial and attentive—uh, and multi-talented. One of the front desk clerks also crafted our cocktails and helped whip up a charcuterie tray for us. (We’re pretty sure he also washed the dishes.) Talk about versatility.
During our nickel tour, oh-so helpful staff members pointed out the hotel’s wall of fame. Hidden in an interior office/former board room is a wall of autographs from famous celeb guests over the years—Micky Mantle, Arnold Palmer, Glen Campbell, and Joan Baez to name a few. Harrington adds that more than 700,000 guests have stayed at the hotel during its illustrious 48 years.
With 80+ vibey rooms from which to choose, guests have ample options. Many of the guest rooms at the two-story hotel surround the massive indoor pool—a majority of which offer either balconies or patios. “By gallons of water, it’s the largest hotel pool in Iowa,” Harrington says. If you tire of hearing kids play MARCO! POLO!, there’s an impressive greenspace just outside the pool deck complete with firepits, games, and other sundry items. And, like any good urban resort, there’s a gigantic hot tub—which screams late night shenanigans.
One-part hippie-dippie, one-part Mad Men, this hotel is bound to see its popularity grow as word gets out. For now, it’s a hidden gem—say, a mood ring if you will. Given its hospitable kid-friendly and pet-friendly status, it’s sure to be a staycation staple for years to come. “We are the opposite of a chain hotel,” quips Harrington. “Nothing about us is beige.”
The Highlander Hotel
2525 Highlander Pl, Iowa City, IA 52245