Yes, the coolest hotel in the world is in Iowa.
Originally built in 1967, The Highlander Hotel & Supper Club quickly became a mid-century marvel. With the addition of a hotel, grand ballroom, and pool in 1974, the property reached new heights, hosting celebrities like Mickey Mantle, Joan Baez, and Arnold Palmer. For the next three decades, The Highlander stood as one of Iowa’s most iconic destinations for dining, entertainment, events, and hospitality.
The following 20 years were a time of slow decline for The Highlander; by 2019, the icon was in serious distress with dated decor, broken furniture, a roof leaking in countless places, and pests larger in number than guests.
Iowa entrepreneur Angela Harrington purchased the Highlander in December of 2019, three months before a pandemic would bring financial catastrophe to the industry. Somehow, the Highlander survived, and three years later, the interior renovation to bring back it's retro flair was complete. The property is now designated as a local landmark by the Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission.
Today, The Highlander Hotel has been reimagined as a chic, boutique urban resort and is TripAdvisor’s top-rated hotel in the area for three years running. The legendary Supper Club, shuttered for over 20 years, has been brought back to life as Lucy’s: a retro cocktail arcade, restaurant, and live music and event venue. Its iconic sunken bar, one of the few remaining in the country has been fully restored. Lucy’s is open to hotel guests, locals, and visitors alike, welcoming all to experience a bold revival of vintage cool.
