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1967
The Highlander Hotel
Iowa City, Iowa
2525 Highlander Pl, Iowa City, Iowa 52245
Original Property Opened in 1967
Historic Hotels of America member since 2023
The Highlander Hotel is a retro revival of the original 1967 Highlander Inn in Iowa City, Iowa. The historic Inn has been reimagined into a cozy, trendy, and “hippie chic” place to stay. The Highlander Hotel is a great family-friendly resort with an arcade, a snack shack, a spacious outdoor courtyard, and a massive indoor pool for swimming during all seasons. There is something artistic and unique to see at every turn.
Discover
- Discover the transformation of The Highlander Hotel from an Inn to a modern urban resort with a luxurious feel. Though renovated, The Highlander Hotel still keeps its historic originality of the 1960s and 1970s.
- Venture into the ballroom of The Highlander Hotel that underwent much thought and creativity through its renovation. The ceiling alone is a dramatic array of black Celium Westminster’s Coffered tiles punctuated by white soffits, this style is a far cry from the drop-tile ceiling of the past, but no drama or history is lost on this timeless renovation.
- Uncover the most striking architectural discovery of the renovation, the gorgeous limestone wall that once separated the sunken bar from the restaurant. The team extracted every limestone brick, removing the contemporary slate of concrete and carpet that had been placed over it. The stone was then used to help reconstruct the historic sunken bar that now acts as one of the centerpieces for the whole hotel.
- Gaze at the period psychedelic artwork on the walls as well as abstract op-art objects that lay among different fixtures in the hotel. Termed by Time Magazine in 1964, Op art is short for “optical art,” a style of visual art that uses optical illusions.
Explore
- Explore the Old Capital Museum, once the main government building for the state of Iowa, that now stands as a landmark at the University of Iowa’s campus. Now, the Old Capital Museum seeks to educate communities on humanities and serve as the culture and civic center for the state of Iowa.
- Visit the Stanley Museum of Art, that through its various art exhibits, award-winning writers have found inspiration from. The Museum displays a world-class art collection that offers immersive and educational experiences for curious people of all ages.
- Catch a performance at The Englert Theatre, its mission is “to inspire and activate a positive community through the arts.”
Experience
- Experience the arcade inside the Supper Club right at The Highlander Hotel in which one kid-friendly public activity is offered daily. The Courtyard outside the hotel is also very kid-friendly: it resembles a big backyard with bag-tossing games and large green spaces to run around.
- Explore Devonian Fossil Gorge, an archaeological site with fossils and limestone bedrock that dates back almost 200 million years before the dinosaurs. The site reveals the ancient remains of an ocean floor that predates human history and is a popular attraction for visitors to the area.
- Take a walk-through Hickory Hill Park, a 190-acre forest that consists of fields, prairie, wetlands and parklands. Visitors to the park can utilize the picnic areas and grills for a day spent in nature.
Taste
- Connect to more than just WiFi with comfortable seating and giant Pictionary wall at the Lobby Bar in The Highlander Hotel. Drinks, tacos, flatbreads and other snacks are available inside or outside at the Lobby Bar.
- Devour a shrimp po’ boy at Hudson’s Southside Tap, the local neighborhood restaurant with seasonal favorites and over 30 beers on tap. The delicious food is made 100% from scratch in house, and the beers feature the best of those locally produced in Iowa and a broad-craft selection.
- Eat dishes inspired by the flavors of France, Spain, Greece, and Italy at Vesta. Vesta includes a large dining room as well as private and outdoor dining options. This Mediterranean inspired restaurant is perfect for visitors looking for some delicious pizza and tapas.
- Enjoy a tender and juicy steak at Iowa River Power Restaurant. The upscale restaurant also offers a brunch menu with a variety of delicious local favorites to choose from, as well as fresh seafood.
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