The Highlander Hotel

Hotel

This hotel is awesome! We had an event in downtown Iowa City and this was conveniently located. The best part is the pool — it's huge, a two-story event that would be fun in any season. The rooms were tidy and comfortable, and the conference center is really nice. Good Wi-Fi as well as friendly staff. Thank you!

Stayed with them on 6/29 and the room was musty smelling, carpet was wet between the beds the remote for the TV did not work. Called the front desk to request help he told me he would call me back shortly. WE waited for 50 mins for a phone call back and didn't get it. So my husband went to the front desk to talk to him about our situation. Requested to be moved to another room on 1st floor as my husband has difficulties with steps. He told us he could move us to a room on 2nd floor only and as far as remote he was trying several to see if he could find one that would work and no luck. We needed room on first floor and suddenly he backs away with his hands up telling my husband that he was stepping back because my husband was getting to angry. LOL My husband is no threat he is 68 years old. LOL Called the manager today and he was rude talked over me the whole time. Said all we had to do was request our money back. Well after a call to the corp office where I got no where with they said that since we booked through a 3rd party (booked room online) they couldn't refund us. WHAT A JOKE! this hotel needs a major face lift. It is old, smells bad, hot in the breakfast room, hair on floor in our bathroom. Wet carpet between the beds, curtains so worn you could see light through some of them, bathroom repairs that had been done were shoddy at best. Front desk people need training on how to handle customers.

Comfortable, family setting. The pool is wonderful especially after a long drive.

Nice big room plus swimming pool and hot spa, and restaurant bars.

True to other post this place could use an update. But the clean rooms and amazing staff makes it a great stop along the way! Breakfast was hot and yummy as it’s difficult to keep hotel breakfast warm but they do this well. The night front desk young man was super accommodating and very friendly.

Clarion Highlander Hotel and Conference Center provides incredible service to our clients. Rooms are always clean and the service is top notch. Highly recommend!

Loved staying here last night. Excellent service and amazing food! A big thank you to everyone working last night.

I didn't pay for accommodations, so I can't speak to the value proposition, but this hotel is quite dated. Even though things have been kept in pretty well, it obviously hasn't been updated in awhile. The toilet was public-bathroom style. There was an odd towel rack in the shower. There bathroom needed re grouting. Etc. The pool area was very large and quite nice (again quite dated though. ) The gym only has a single treadmill.

This hotel is located just off the downtown area and is just a short walk to several nearby restaurants and convenience stores. The hotel is modern and updated; our room was lovely and had a nice view of the river. We had a king bed, which was extremely comfortable; we both slept very well. The bathroom was large and well appointed. Everything was extremely clean and well maintained; the staff were friendly and accommodating. We often stay with friends when we're in Iowa City, but we would gladly stay there again!

The staff here were all simply amazing! Place definitely seems like it was a happening place in years past. Rooms could use some fixing up, but for the price I really have no complaints.

We booked this hotel to be close to the Hospital for my sons testings the next day that went from 9-3. So I wanted to make sure he had a fun night before to let loose and have a great time. The pool was broken down. The website said there was an arcade, but it was removed "years ago" so I had a very upset child. We had some safety issues in our room as well but the management was very nice, listened and was compassionate to our situation and made it right with us so we can come back and give them another chance for the next trip. The Breakfast is the BEST Ive had for a continental breakfast!

No stars. Don’t stay here. No hot water all night and when I called the front desk, the agent was super rude and offered NO remedy or apology. Said the whole hotel is out of hot water (I just checked in and he didn’t bother to tell me upon check in) Horrible smells in hallway and room — chemicals covering potential mold. Lights out in the parking lot and interior spaces. Badly needs an update. Save yourself the trouble and book elsewhere.

Comfortable and relaxed hotel right off I-80. Breakfast was standard hot continental fare. The coffee was surprisingly good. Staff was very welcoming, friendly and helpful. Bathroom was very clean and well stocked. My only complaints are that the room carpet was in need of a cleaning or replacement, as it felt a bit 'sticky' under the foot, and the pillows felt a bit thin and lumpy considering the otherwise perfectly adequate linens.

The hotel was somewhat older but most of your regular amenities were there. No refrigerator in the room though. The hotel could also make a stronger Wi-Fi signal through out the entire facility. Breakfast was great! Thanks to the staff!

The Clarion Highlander in Iowa City was loaded with spacious, quality rooms. Even with the hotel full of people there for a conference it was easy to get some piece and quiet in my room. The staff at this hotel were very nice and accommodating. At one point my keys de-magnetized and the gentleman at the front desk was very quick to help me out and get me back in my room. The cleaning staff was also extremely courteous and made sure all my needs were taken care of. The common areas are well-appointed and not a bad place to spend a little time. The room itself was very comfortable and the hotel is in a great location. It's very close to the interstate — a quick jaunt to anywhere in the Corridor you need to be — but offset enough that there's no traffic noise. All in all I would certainly stay here again.

My fiancé and I stayed at Clarion Hotel Highlander for two nights and had a great experience. Our room had full length windows into the courtyard so it was filled with natural light, or if we wanted it to be dark the curtains covered it perfectly. It was nice to have a fridge and private microwave. The bed was comfortable and the shower was nice and hot. Easy highway location. Everything I’m looking for in a hotel! I’ll be back next time I’m in Iowa City.

Great stay. Location is right near highway and only minutes to downtown. Rooms were terrific. Staff made me welcome and were very helpful. Plan to stay here on my next trip to Iowa City.

We worked with Cassie at the Clarion and her colleagues to reserve a room block for our wedding guests in October 2017. We had an excellent experience. Cassie was so easy to get a hold of via email and phone and answered any questions we had quickly and clearly. Our guests had a nice stay and utilized a very reasonably priced and convenient shuttle service to and from our wedding venue. We also had a nice brunch Sunday morning with special breakfast cocktails that our guests loved!

This hotel was very conveniently located for travel. I arrived late at night and the front desk was extremely friendly and accommodating, getting me checked in quickly without a hitch. I also enjoyed the complimentary hot/cold breakfast buffet in the morning with fresh food options and hot coffee. The rooms were quiet and clean with super comfy beds. I'd highly recommend this hotel and will definitely stay again next time I'm in Iowa City.

This complex is huge! Plenty of room and parking for guest. Staff was very kind and made check in quick and easy. Can't wait to visit again and nap on the comfy beds once more.

We had such a good experience a couple months ago at the Clarion Highlander conference center I came back with another band I tour manage and once again we had a great stay. Massive parking lot allowed up to park bus and trailer with ease. Fast and courteous staff adjusted room preferences per my clients smoking request; they were also impressed with the largest indoor pool they’ve ever seen in a hotel. Stay was quiet and peaceful; complimentary breakfast exceeded quality of other hotel chains. There is a amazing restaurant in there as well; also plenty of conference room and business resources as well if that’s your thing. This is my favorite spot to stay at in a great location when traveling through Iowa. Be sure to check out the Spam museum!

We had an awful experience here. It started with the front desk not being to put my point card into the system. The carpet and bedding is old and dirty. Our shower had no water pressure and the tub did not drain… it was disgusting. To top it off the rate was $169 and we got no service to our room. No one had left us clean towels or anything. We will never stay here again! Gross.

On behalf of our client Beth Bombara, we at Ignite Hospitality Services would like to give a huge shout out to our friends on the staff and management team here for being so friendly and accommodating while staying here! The room was awesome, and the free breakfast was a perfect way to wake up! Very convenient to the highway as well for an easy transition back on the road after a great night's sleep!

Very pleasant visit. Short notice stop as we cross the country. Reasonable rates. Comfortable, clean and nicely furnished rooms. Sufficient breakfast to get us back on the road with no need to delay our start. Staff was extremely nice and helpful.

The Clarion hotel really gave you bang for your buck. It was extremely cheap and 10x better than what we expected. The setup was unique and beautiful and the complimentary breakfast was outstanding! Totally coming back if I need to visit Iowa again! 10/10

The hotel is reasonably decent, in terms of furnishings and cleanliness. HOWEVER, a couple of dozen rooms face a harshly and brightly lit indoor pool, giving you no view of the outside (that is, you have no idea whether it's day or night, sunny or raining, when you draw back your curtains). And you won't be drawing back your curtains at all, unless you want to share your private space with everyone who's at the pool. Further, the lights to the pool switch on at 6 am and turn off at 11 pm. They don't tell you that you've got such a room when you check in, nor ask you if you would be happy with such a room. I was tempted to ask to change rooms after the first night (Friday), but figured that I would just ride with it, since I was only staying one more night. I should have demanded a switch … the pool hours 6am-11pm are 7 days/week. What that meant for me is that I was awakened at 6:15 am on SUNDAY MORNING by kids jumping around and yelling in the pool. And the hotel could do nothing about it, since they open the pool at 6am on Sunday. Needless to say, it was be most unpleasant and unrestful stay that I've ever had, anywhere. To top it off, when I checked out, the desk clerk didn't even bother to ask whether I had a good stay (something else that normally happens at every hotel I've ever stayed at). Won't be going back there, obviously. If you do go, don't let them give you a room facing the pool, if you have any desire to sleep.

The room was great and the staff was helpful. I took a shower and went to bed. That was awesome. Then I ate about four bagels from their continental breakfast. Nobody stopped me!

Right off of 80, this is a classic hotel that is well maintained. The staff was extremely friendly and advised recommendations for local food and attractions. Hotel features many different ballrooms and an Olympic sized indoor swimming pool and spa, cool hotel bar and great breakfast that rivals even home cooking. A lot of business rooms set up with fax machines and copiers. Also an impressive selection of fine teas. Highlander — there can be only one!

The hotel room was clean but could use a little maintenance. The staff was all very helpful and friendly. The pool area was pretty nice but it seemed like the pool filter and pool bottom needed a little maintenance.

Poor quality of facility which is old and not kept up. Smells like old dirty wet carpet. Mattress old and saggy. Mildew in caulking of bathroom. Furniture old and wood is chipped. Felt like a nursing home that is old. Would not recommend to anyone.

The Clarion Hotel Highlander was comfortable, quiet and convenient with some nice amenities as well. Check in was quick and friendly and the rooms were very clean and comfortable. The hotel has an on site restaurant and served complimentary breakfast. The hotel also has a large indoor pool and spa tub! Very convenient to the highway so great for a quick stop over or a longer stay.

I had a wonderful stay at the Clarion Hotel Highlander Conference Center in Iowa City, IA. The hotel is conveniently located right off Interstate 80 that made it easy for my early departure time. The staff was welcoming and accommodating. The hotel had a very large parking lot that allowed us to park near the closest entrance to our room. The room was large and clean with a comfortable king size bed. There was also a recliner that made for some enjoyable television watching just like at home. Continental breakfast was provided and delicious. The conference centre seemed to host wonderful events and had a bar in the lobby, however our room was silent and provided a quiet nights sleep. There was also a pool in the hotel which was clean and refreshing. Next time I am in Iowa City I will be sure to stay at the Clarion Hotel Highlander Conference Center.

We have stayed here over the last 20 years many times, you can say they are our home away from home. I have a child that is now an adult with CKD who had many surgerys at the hospital, I have had many hospital visits and our most recent this past week was for my husband. Yes this hotel needs updating there has been times the hot tub has been down we stayed at another chain a few years ago for this reason paid twice as much and guess what their pool and hot tub shut down. It happens. This by far is our favorite and we tried several places the first few years but after that this has been it. For many reasons, sometimes we need many rooms, we have a huge family, the breakfast is always great compared to other places, the pool size is awesome! Staff is always excellent and helpful I'm disabled and they always help carry stuff or warm things up for me if I need it.

Rated 3 stars but is more like a 1.5. The tub was rusty and cracked. The furniture was scuffed and dented. The pool was nice but the towels were terrible. No evening refreshments (again, was advertised as a 3 star — we were expecting a little more) the carpets were dirty and gross. The tv, phone, and 2 of the lamps didn't work in our room. They wouldn't give us a receipt upon checkout. The outside of the building was not well lit or well marked.

I called two weeks prior to our stay and they confirmed the pool would be working for our stay. It was only posted on the door of the pool that it was under construction, nothing listed on the website either. No one at the front desk had any words to us when checking in, no thank you, if you need anything, etc. Just cold customer service. Someone had left our room door overlooking the pool construction open so it smelled rather toxic in there. The beds were older with worn sheets that could be changed out. The book of information in the room was stained all over. Looked like they fished the sheets out of the garbage can. We didn't get a single ice bucket so we had to use the trash can (gross). Just in general, the up keep level was very low. I've stayed at cheaper hotels with better up keep and care for their customers!

Stayed after wedding nearby. Room was overall nice, bathroom door door was a little messed up, but it didn't really matter. Staff was friendly and helped return a phone that was lost the night before.

Decent room. Allowed dogs. Pricey though.

Room smells like cigarette smoke, cob webs on walls. No hot water which seems to be an issue they're aware of. Noisy. Its a motel 6 at holiday in prices. However they do have a large parking lot.

Nice hotel, stayed here for a solid week. Great breakfast in the morning (I believe I stole it from the Hampton next door though), pool was nice, bar had decent prices and good food and they make cookies for customers. Also, rented a conference room for a business event. Good service for this as well.

The conference room was set up for a book fair. It was a great size, clean, organized and easy to find.

The banquet wait staff was clumsy and not well trained. Also the food was mediocre. I had the New York strip and it was bland and tough.

Great value, quiet, spacious, friendly staff, easy parking.

We really enjoyed the large indoor swimming pool. However, when my husband arrived home, he realized he had left some clothing items in the room at the Clarion. He immediately called and they said that the clothing had been found and they would hold these items until he came back to retrieve them. My husband explained that we were hundreds of miles away and would not be returning for a LONG time. My husband offered to send a check to cover the cost of shipping the items to us. They said they did not do that. My husband called repeatedly to speak with the manager about the problem, but the manager never returned his call. We finally figured out a way that another person could get the clothing from the hotel and then return the items to us. The hotel said that the clothing items were no longer at the hotel. They basically said it was our problem all along and they were not responsible. This is a matter of servicing the clientele for the hotel… something that hotels pride this themselves with. So we called the national Clarion offices and were told, in not so many words, that they did not care either. So… be very careful when staying in a Clarion hotel, which I would not recommend. They care very little about the service they provide.

Excellent rooms. Great service. A fantastic breakfast. The restaurant inside has awesome food as well. I have stayed here several times. The experience has always been good.

Clairon Highlander 2525 N Dodge St Iowa City Ia. Two queen bed room was clean and acceptable. Hot tub was not working. Bar was not properly stocked for quality drinks. Room next to us was occupied by teenagers who were loud and disrespectful. Complaints made several times to the front desk. Was awoken at 145 am by the police asking if we were having a party. Breakfast is only served until 930 am.

Horrible, atrocious place. We had money stolen out of our wallets from the room, which the hotel staff ignored — "you didn't rent the safe, so this is your problem" and a watch stolen from the whirlpool, which the staff ignored as "this is a whirlpool, you should have known. " Further, the water tap did not have hot water, the remote control had no batteries, and the internet did not work. This is by far the worst hotel I've ever stayed at and the price far exceeds other places available in Iowa city which provide very acceptable service.