A retro vibe: Iowa City's historic Highlander Hotel reveals 90-room, $10 million renovations

Jessica Rish, Iowa City Press-Citizen
·3 min read

A three-year, $10 million project has reinvented the Highlander Inn for a new generation while honoring its rich history as a must-see stop in Iowa City.

The nearly 60-year-old establishment is celebrating its makeover with a grand opening on Aug. 26, anchored by its modern take on retro lodging. Highlander ownership has changed hands multiple times since the building's inception in 1967, before landing under the umbrella of Catalyst Project Management CEO and president Angela Harrington. Harrington purchased the property in 2019 to revive it, making the Highlander one of two woman-owned hotels in Iowa.

The Highlander Inn is celebrating a $10 million renovation with a party Saturday, Aug. 26, where guests can return to funkadelic times.
The Highlander Inn is celebrating a $10 million renovation with a party Saturday, Aug. 26, where guests can return to funkadelic times.

A long Iowa City history

The hotel, located on nine acres of land near the intersection of Interstate 80 and Highway 1, has since been inducted into Historic Hotels of America, the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation for recognizing and celebrating historic hotels in the U.S.

Originally a well-attended supper club, the Highlander started servicing hotel guests in 1974.

Built in 1964 and just 10 minutes away from downtown Iowa City, the now 90-room Highlander Inn was a hotspot for Iowans on staycations and celebrities passing through.
Built in 1964 and just 10 minutes away from downtown Iowa City, the now 90-room Highlander Inn was a hotspot for Iowans on staycations and celebrities passing through.

“I wanted to make The Highlander into Iowa City’s hippest hangout again,” Harrington said in a release.

Initially built in 1964 and 10 minutes from downtown Iowa City, the now 90-room boutique hotel was a hotspot for Iowans on staycations and celebrities passing through like Joan Baez, Micky Mantle and Arnold Palmer.

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A celebration for the future

Next week's grand opening re-introduces residents to the Iowa City landmark while setting the scene with a retro vibe, complete with plush furniture and personal complimentary turntables. Hotel guests can peruse the Highlander's expansive library of vinyl records. The three-year renovation was completed for nearly $10 million, which included land acquisition, construction and interior design.

The unique and renovated Highlander Inn in Iowa City, Iowa, radiates retro vibes throughout the boutique hotel.
The unique and renovated Highlander Inn in Iowa City, Iowa, radiates retro vibes throughout the boutique hotel.

The iconic supper club maintains the same allure of the past, converging retro styles with contemporary favorites in the cocktail arcade lounge, with nostalgic and contemporary games, from Pacman to Minecraft. An expansive menu is inspired by food truck fare, from tacos to burgers.

The Highlander hasn't just been modernized with a retro twist, but expanded with more dining options, including The Highlander Lounge, which provides an al fresco experience with inventive and unique cocktail and mocktail options. The Snack Shack offers free soft drinks, coffee and tea around the clock for guests, maintaining the original charm of the supper club.

The Highlander Inn is celebrating a $10 million renovation with a party Saturday, Aug. 26,
The Highlander Inn is celebrating a $10 million renovation with a party Saturday, Aug. 26,

The Highlander's penthouse provides access to a full chef’s kitchen, a separate family room suite, and a king bedroom in addition to what Highlander staff has designated as "the most incredible bathroom in the state."

“We’re thrilled to bring The Highlander and its iconic supper club back,” Harrington said the release.

“I wanted to make The Highlander into Iowa City’s hippest hangout again,” said Catalyst Project Management CEO and president Angela Harrington.
“I wanted to make The Highlander into Iowa City’s hippest hangout again,” said Catalyst Project Management CEO and president Angela Harrington.

Next weekend's grand opening will be highlighted by performances from ’70s tribute band PetRock, The Drive Ins, Iowa bag pipe band Turlach Ur and the Old Capitol Chorus, Iowa City’s own barbershop a cappella group. The celebration will also include carnival games in addition to what the Highlander called a traditional Iowa picnic, complete with sweet corn, barbecue pork and coleslaw. Hotel employees encourage partygoers to wear 1960s and 1970s attire next weekend.

Grand opening festivities are free with RSVP before Aug. 26 and tickets the day of the event without prior RSVP are $25 for adults and $15 for children.

Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and business reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at JRish@presscitizen.com.

This article originally appeared on Aberdeen News: Iowa City's Highlander Inn to host party for it's $10 million makeover