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The Highlander Hotel, an Ascend Collection Hotel

4.0 star property

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Photo gallery for The Highlander Hotel, an Ascend Collection Hotel

Hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop beds, individually decorated, desk
Lobby
Hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop beds, individually decorated, desk
Indoor pool, sun loungers
Hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop beds, individually decorated, desk

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Room service
$150
includes taxes & fees
Oct 22 - Oct 23

Explore the area

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

Room options

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

Hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop beds, individually decorated, desk

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

7.6 out of 10
Good
(5 reviews)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

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

Hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop beds, individually decorated, desk

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

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed, Roll-in Shower, Non Smoking

Hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop beds, individually decorated, desk

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, Balcony

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Balcony | Hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop beds, individually decorated, desk

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Balcony

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Poolside | Hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop beds, individually decorated, desk

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Poolside

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

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

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking | Hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop beds, individually decorated, desk

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

Hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop beds, individually decorated, desk

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

Hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop beds, individually decorated, desk

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

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

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Poolside | Hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop beds, individually decorated, desk

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

Hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop beds, individually decorated, desk

Suite, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking

  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Suite, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking

Suite, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking | Hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop beds, individually decorated, desk

Suite, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking

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

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

Hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop beds, individually decorated, desk

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

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

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

Hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop beds, individually decorated, desk

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

  • 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) | Hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop beds, individually decorated, desk

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

  • 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) | Hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop beds, individually decorated, desk

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

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(7 reviews)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

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

Suite, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking, Balcony (Pool View) | Hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop beds, individually decorated, desk

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

  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds

Suite, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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About this property

The Highlander Hotel, an Ascend Collection Hotel

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, an Ascend Collection Hotel 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, an Ascend Collection Hotel 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, an Ascend Collection Hotel 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.

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, an Ascend Collection Hotel Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 604 out of 933 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 171 out of 933 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 93 out of 933 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 41 out of 933 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 24 out of 933 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

Miriam

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amanda

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Bougie, Art Deco with a Hippy Flair

Stumbled on this hotel after my kiddos begged for a nicer room. We were amazed by the decor and I was happy with the price. From the old school soda shop, arcade, amazing indoor/outdoor pool, restaurant... it will not disappoint!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Leah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jason

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

Great stay.

Great stay, pool, food, arcade, and service best I’ve had.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities

Would not recommend staying here

It is an old hotel that was “renovated” as little as possible. The lobby and common areas looked great but the rooms were sparse and cheaply done. Our first room had holes in the ceiling and water stains on the shades. I asked for a new room on the first floor as there is no elevator-never mentioned at check in- and was given one immediately that was somewhat better shape. We checked in after traveling all day and picked this place because they had onsite restaurant. 30 minutes before close we walked in and was not greeted, had to seat ourselves and get our our own silverware and menus. Ordered at the bar from the most rude person who looked at his watch when we came in and then complained to people at the bar about people coming in late loud enough for us to hear. I tried to apologize when he brought our food for coming in late after a 12 hour day driving and he ignored the apology and said hey at least I’m honest with you. We paid our bill and finished our food in our room so this person would not be delayed by us there. Awful night sleeping, beds were single mattress on a platform, AC was constantly kicking off and on so the room would go from icy to sweltering. Continental breakfast was very good. Coffee was not good, had a weird taste.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Marcia

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Denis

Business traveler, Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room overlooking the pool was very nice. For 5 stars on the property condition, they would have to repair some ceiling areas over the pool, but this is a minor point overall. We checked in late, but the waiter in the bar offered to take our food order and deliver it to us in the pool area so we could enjoy the pool before it closed. Super nice guy, and I wish I would have gotten his name so I could acknowledge him here. Wristband room key was a first for me, but a great idea.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeremiah

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

The only place we will stay in Iowa City.

We loved this hotel. Not just another cookie cutter hotel. It is fun yet still fancy. Has an old school flair but also all the technology we have come to depend on. One of the best hotel pools I have ever seen. It definitely delivered more than I was expecting for the price. Yes we will stay here again.
2 queen room
On site aracde by the resturant
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Argenis

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very friendly staff!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Holly

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

Peace out Highlander. See you next time!

Perfect choice for our family. We were traveling with our dog and I appreciated that they are pet friendly. The pool was great. Loved the garage doors that opened up into the pool area. My daughter really dug the arcade. I dug being able to buy a beer at the front desk to take to my room. Honestly, my favorite thing was the wristbands they give out as room keys. It was so extremely convenient!! No digging around in my pocket or purse for my room key, it was right on me! We will definitely be back.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Karin

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

4/10 Poor

rajmond, Moline

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nothing
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kathy

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very comfortable. Was happy that the room was not carpeted — better for allergies.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Connie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

4/10 Poor

Britt, Grand Junction

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Physical ant and design
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Becky

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The pool and outside courtyard are both extremely spacious and very family friendly areas. This hotel was a great bargain.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joanna

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I was worried when I first pulled up but in this situation you can not judge a book by its cover! The hotel its self looks like a basic banquet hall but as soon as you walk in you can feel the time they took to make it like a 1960/1970 hang out. It was well decorated, had multiple areas to play games or listen to records(yes I said records!), fire pit outside, and finally the best part of the hotel, the pool. It was extremely clean and the perfect temperature. We booked a room pool side so it even came with our own reserved table. I can’t say enough good things about this hotel!!!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Heidi

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lots of fun! Marvelous decor and dramatic pool room. I enjoyed the evening bonfire while watching the full moon rise. It is just off I 80 so super convenient for cross country travel.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Wayne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Linda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Convenient location. Comfortable.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

4/10 Poor

Debra

Traveled with pets, Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service
No coffee, no breakfast, no microwave, metal seat to eat at table (only one, mind you) and 5 inches from TV. Would not stay again even for less than $250.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Alyssa

Stayed 1 night in May 2025