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The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection

4.0 star property

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Photo gallery for The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection

Guests can play a game of chess in the outdoor area surrounded by comfortable seating.
Contemporary space with a wooden table and four stools, a brick accent wall, and a glass partition.
Two single beds with white linens and a dark headboard, set against a large window with an outdoor view.
Relax by the pool surrounded by comfortable seating and expansive views of the surrounding landscape.
Guests can relax on the striped sofa in this stylish lounge area.

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Room service

Explore the area

Map
2525 Highlander Place, Iowa City, IA, 52245
  • University of Iowa
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Kinnick Stadium
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Cedar Rapids, IA (CID-Eastern Iowa)
    ‪30 min drive‬

Room options

Suite, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking

  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Poolside

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Poolside | 1 bedroom, hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop beds

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Poolside

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Suite, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking

Suite, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking | 1 bedroom, hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop beds

Suite, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking

  • Sleeps 8
  • 1 King Bed, 2 Queen Beds and 2 Double Sofa Beds

View all photos for Room, 2 Queen Beds, Roll-in Shower, Non Smoking

1 bedroom, hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop beds

Room, 2 Queen Beds, Roll-in Shower, Non Smoking

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

1 bedroom, hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop beds

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Balcony (Pool View)

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Balcony (Pool View) | 1 bedroom, hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop beds

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Balcony (Pool View)

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Poolside

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Poolside | 1 bedroom, hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop beds

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Poolside

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Patio (Courtyard View)

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Patio (Courtyard View) | 1 bedroom, hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop beds

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Patio (Courtyard View)

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Balcony

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Balcony | 1 bedroom, hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop beds

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Balcony

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Suite, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking, Balcony (Pool View)

Suite, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking, Balcony (Pool View) | 1 bedroom, hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop beds

Suite, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking, Balcony (Pool View)

  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking | 1 bedroom, hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop beds

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed, Roll-in Shower, Non Smoking (Patio, Courtyard View)

1 bedroom, hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop beds

Room, 1 King Bed, Roll-in Shower, Non Smoking (Patio, Courtyard View)

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Room, 1 King Bed, Roll-in Shower, Non Smoking

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking

1 bedroom, hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop beds

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Room, 2 Queen Beds, Roll-in Shower, Non Smoking

Room, 2 Queen Beds, Roll-in Shower, Non Smoking | 1 bedroom, hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop beds

Room, 2 Queen Beds, Roll-in Shower, Non Smoking

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

1 bedroom, hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop beds

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(3 reviews)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Patio (Courtyard View)

1 bedroom, hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop beds

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Patio (Courtyard View)

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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About this property

The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection

Iowa City hotel with 2 bars/lounges
Along with an indoor pool, this smoke-free hotel has a restaurant and 2 bars/lounges. Free weekday breakfast, free WiFi in public areas, and free self parking are also provided. Additionally, a 24-hour fitness center, a poolside bar, and a conference center are onsite. Housekeeping is available on request.
The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection offers 97 accommodations with bathrobes and slippers. These individually decorated accommodations include desks. Beds feature pillowtop mattresses. Flat-screen televisions come with premium cable channels and pay movies.

Bathrooms include bathtubs or showers with rainfall showerheads, and hair dryers. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Hypo-allergenic bedding, irons/ironing boards, and change of towels can be requested. Housekeeping is provided on request.

An indoor pool and a hot tub are on site. Other recreational amenities include a 24-hour fitness center.
In addition to an indoor pool, The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection provides a hot tub and a 24-hour fitness center. The hotel offers a restaurant and a coffee shop/cafe. Guests can unwind with a drink at one of the hotel's bars, which include 2 bars/lounges and a poolside bar. Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast on weekdays. Wireless Internet access is complimentary.

This hotel offers access to 3 meeting rooms and coworking spaces. Event facilities measuring 5651 square feet (525 square meters) include a conference center. This family-friendly hotel also offers a terrace, an arcade/game room, and multilingual staff. Complimentary self parking is available on site, along with a car charging station. A total renovation of this property was completed in July 2020.

The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection is a smoke-free property.

Guests are offered a complimentary continental breakfast on weekdays.
Supper Club - This restaurant serves brunch, lunch, and dinner. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar. Happy hour is offered.
Patio Bar - This bar serves light fare only. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar. Open daily.
Snack Shack - This coffee shop specializes in American cuisine. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar. Open daily.
Room service (during limited hours) is available.

Languages

English, Spanish

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Electric car charging station on site
  • Free self parking on site
  • Free RV/bus/truck parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking available

Food and drink

  • Free continental breakfast available on weekdays
  • 2 bars/lounges
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A poolside bar
  • A restaurant
  • Coffee and tea in common areas

Restaurants on site

  • Patio Bar
  • Snack Shack
  • Supper Club

Things to do

  • 24-hour gym
  • Arcade/game room
  • Billiards/pool table
  • Books
  • Games
  • Hot tub
  • Indoor pool
  • Table tennis

Family friendly

  • Arcade/game room
  • Children's books
  • Children's games
  • In-room crib
  • Indoor pool

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • ATM
  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Guidebooks
  • Luggage storage
  • Shared microwave
  • Water dispenser

Guest services

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Proposal/romance packages
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • 3 meeting rooms
  • Conference center (5,651 square feet of space)
  • Coworking space

Outdoors

  • Pool loungers
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Braille/raised signage
  • Handrails in stairways
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Valet for wheelchair-equipped vehicles
  • Visual alarms in hallways
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible concierge desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible gym
  • Wheelchair-accessible lounge
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible public washroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible van parking

More

  • 1 building
  • 2 floors
  • At least 10% of profits reinvested in community and sustainability
  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • At least 80% of food locally-sourced
  • At least 80% organic food
  • Ballroom
  • Biodegradable coffee stirrers available
  • Biodegradable drinking straws available
  • Built in 1967
  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Comprehensive recycling policy
  • Double-glazed windows
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Local artist showcase
  • Locally-owned and organized tours and activities
  • No plastic coffee stirrers
  • No plastic drinking straws
  • No plastic soft drink bottles
  • No plastic water bottles
  • Reception hall
  • Renovated entire property - July 2020
  • Reusable cups
  • Reusable tableware
  • Smoking not allowed
  • Vegan dining options
  • Vegetarian breakfast available
  • Vegetarian dining options

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Free crib
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding
  • Pillowtop mattress

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • Shampoo
  • Slippers
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with premium cable channels
  • Pay movies

Food and drink

  • Champagne service
  • Limited room service
  • Restaurant dining guides

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Cleaning products are eco-friendly
  • Desk
  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Energy-saving switches in guestrooms
  • Individual decor
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • LED lighting
  • Recycling
  • Water-efficient showers

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in fee: USD 50
Contactless check-in available
Express check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before noon
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability
Late check-out fee: USD 50
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

Guests will receive an email within 24 hours before arrival with check-in instructions and key retrieval information; front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
The credit card used to book the reservation must be presented by the cardholder at check-in along with matching photo identification, and other arrangements must be coordinated with the property prior to arrival

Access methods

Staffed front desk, key retrieval

Pets

Pets allowed for an extra charge of USD 30 per pet, per night
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs and cats only
An off-leash area is available

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
4 children, up to the age of 17 years, can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room
Free cribs are available on request at the property

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Pet fee: USD 30 per pet, per night
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Early check-in fee: USD 50 (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out fee: USD 50 (subject to availability)

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards; cash is not accepted
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly)

Property is also known as

Clarion Highlander
Clarion Highlander Iowa City
Clarion Hotel Highlander
Clarion Hotel Highlander Iowa City
Clarion Highlander Hotel And Conference Center Iowa City
Clarion Highlander Hotel Iowa City
The Bohemian
The Highlander Hotel
Clarion Hotel Highlander Conference Center
The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection Hotel
The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection Iowa City
The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection Hotel Iowa City

The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 581 out of 887 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 159 out of 887 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 84 out of 887 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 40 out of 887 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 23 out of 887 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

8.8/10

Amenities

8.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Matthew

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Steven

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great place. Not a typical motel. Great pool, great place for kids.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Thomas, DES MOINES

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Rooms are clean and comfortable. Staff were super helpful and friendly.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

4/10 Poor

Rebecca

Business traveler
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The online presentation of this property is very misleading. This is the ultimate ‘Catfish’ of hotel properties. The water stains on window coverings, filthy carpets, stains on bedding, and deodorizers stashed on top of cheap artwork to mask the smell is very off putting. I have pretty low standards but this was not a good stay.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lori

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
There was a nice variety of activities.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Beth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Melissa

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful experience! Thank you.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mark

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
wonderful pool area.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kristen

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Heidi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Being an old hippie, i enjoyed the 60s theme. Easy to get to and from the interstate. Didn't use the pool but it looks nice. Next time!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

4/10 Poor

Dave

Traveled with family
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was not like pictured on the page. The soap was so watered down I’d be hard pressed to call it soap. More like blue water. The bathroom floor was painted and after showering flecks of paint were stuck to the bottom of my feet. The room seemed very old as did all of the bathroom fixtures. The bed was lumpy and the sheets were a bit like sand paper. There were what appeared to be claw marks on the bathroom floor. Perhaps where the beast they were stabbing with their steely knives tried to escape. I’m just glad we were able to leave after checking out. I’ll never stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ryan

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great offering for money. Interesting vibe. Supper Club dinner and ambiance pleasantly surprised, with live music duo. Drinks poolside. Helpful staff. Nice brunch. Glad this gem has been refurbished and keeps the groovey times going! Thank you. Hope to visit again soon!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Hilary

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fun pool, unique property, friendly staff. We enjoyed our stay very much.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

rajmond, Moline

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Staff & service
I like pool. Room needs some improvement.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nicole

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great customer service, fun pool area. Rooms are cute but bathrooms need updated.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brittany

Traveled with family
Liked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kari

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This place is great. Retro in a comfy way. Food was surprisingly really good for a hotel. Can eat poolside in swanky but comfy couches. Arcade was fun and the whole vibe of the place was a great end to our vaca.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sandra

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Melissa

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sheila

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff was very attentive.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

James

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

EV Friendly

For those traveling with electric vehicles, there are two complimentary level 2 chargers on the property for guests!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jordyn

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
It was super cozy and comfortable in the hotel. I loved the design and layout of the building. The court yard and pool is super cozy and inviting! I would 100% recommend this hotel to anyone!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Hannah

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My partner and i had an amazing stay here over our spring break. We got a poolside room, everything was incredibly clean, even during busy season. Always friendly/helpful wait staff available! Our bartender and chef during our stay was phenomenal! Everything about our stay kept us in awe from the views, activities, food, there is something for everyone here! It’s is always worth the visit!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Travis

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved the pool. Kids enjoyed the arcade. Staff was friendly. Liked the 12 PM check out.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025