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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, pillow-top beds, individually decorated, desk
Hypo-allergenic bedding, pillow-top beds, individually decorated, desk
Hypo-allergenic bedding, pillow-top beds, individually decorated, desk
Indoor pool, pool loungers
Lobby

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • 24/7 front desk

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)
    ‪26 min drive‬

Room options

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

Hypo-allergenic bedding, pillow-top 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, pillow-top 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, pillow-top 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

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

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

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, pillow-top 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, pillow-top 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

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, pillow-top 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

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, pillow-top 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, pillow-top 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)

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)

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)

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

Family-friendly hotel with free breakfast and bars
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.
Our customers tell us they can't get enough of the free breakfast at The Highlander Hotel, an Ascend Collection Hotel. During your stay, you'll be close to Mercy Hospital. Free WiFi in public areas, free self parking, and 2 bars are available. This property offers pet-friendly amenities like an off-leash area.
  • Free continental breakfast served on weekdays
  • Free WiFi
  • Free self parking and RV/bus/truck parking
  • Options for a bite to eat or a refreshing drink include a coffee shop, a restaurant, a poolside bar, and 2 bars/lounges
  • Take a swim in the indoor pool or soak in the hot tub
  • Services include a concierge, tour or ticket assistance, and luggage storage
  • Onsite recreation includes a 24-hour gym
  • Guests have great things to say about the clean accommodations and the helpful staff
  • 7 minutes by car from Mercy Hospital and 7 minutes from Xtream Arena & GreenState Family Fieldhouse
  • Cats and dogs welcome for a fee
  • Pet-friendly amenities are available, including an off-leash area
The Highlander Hotel, an Ascend Collection Hotel offers its guests an indoor pool, a hot tub, and a 24-hour fitness center. Along with a restaurant, there's a coffee shop/cafe on site. You can enjoy a drink at one of the bars, which include 2 bars/lounges and a poolside bar. Free breakfast is served on weekdays. Public spaces have free WiFi.

3 meeting rooms and coworking spaces are available. Event space at this hotel measures 5651 square feet (525 square meters) and includes a conference center. A terrace, an arcade/game room, and multilingual staff are also featured at the family-friendly The Highlander Hotel, an Ascend Collection Hotel. Self parking is free. A complete renovation of The Highlander Hotel, an Ascend Collection Hotel was completed in July 2020.

This Iowa City hotel is smoke free.

Guests are served free 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 transport

  • Electric car charging station on site
  • Free self parking on site
  • Free RV/bus/lorry 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 cot
  • 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 centre (5,651 square foot 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 bathroom
  • 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 organised 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
  • Smoke-free property
  • Vegan dining options
  • Vegetarian breakfast available
  • Vegetarian dining options

Room amenities

Bedroom

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

Bathroom

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

Entertainment

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

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: USD 30 per pet, per night
  • Only dogs and cats are allowed
  • An off-leash area is available
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! Up to 4 children 17 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding.
  • Free cribs (infant beds)!

Payment types at the property

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • 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)

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
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
Guests will receive an email 24 hours before arrival with check-in information and key retrieval information. Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property. The credit card used when booking the reservation must be presented by the cardholder at check-in along with matching photo ID. Other arrangements must be coordinated with the property prior to arrival.
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

We should mention

  • Up to 4 children 17 years old and younger stay free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.
  • 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

Reviews

The Highlander Hotel, an Ascend Collection Hotel Reviews

8.8

Excellent

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

8.8/10

Amenities

8.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.2/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 608 out of 939 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 172 out of 939 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 94 out of 939 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 41 out of 939 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 24 out of 939 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Katie

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice stay very friendly staff great pool area.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jay

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great place to stay!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Monica, Grinnell

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

6/10 Okay

Sherry

Travelled with family
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities

Meh

Pictures must be feom when they first remodeled...mold around bath drain, bathroom tile floor was beat-up, pool has seen better days, pool ceiling falling apart, snack shop was never open. It was nice that it was dog friendly but other than that stay closer to campus so you have dining/walking options.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service

Its ok.

Quiet. Off season may be why but not a complaint. Customer service is scarce. A phone number is on the front desk if you need something. Resturant is supposedly open til 9 or 930 but one night no one was around and chairs on the tables at 7. Place is clean. Pool is large and nice. Hot tub is clean and nice. Brkfst. is ok. Biscuit sandwich, yogurt and instant oatmeal. No microwave or coffe in rooms. Lighting is very very dark. Enjoyed the pool tables and arcade.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Yvette

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Andrew

Liked: Staff & service
The pictures on Expedia make this look like a spruced up hotel; the lobby actually looks nice. The pool was the reason that we chose the hotel in the first place; my daughter was hoping to get some pool time in the morning. But when we went down to use the pool, I was told by the woman at the desk that the chlorine was "zero" and it was closed.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

John

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

Great for families

Highlander is a really cool hotel. I was traveling with my 17 years old son and we enjoyed the stay. It seems like a perfect place for families with young children. Breakfast could have been better, but overall nice experience and good value.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Cheryl

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice place. Did not have coffee pot in room
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kevin

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

micaela

Business traveller
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities

Dirty. Won’t go back

Dirty rooms. Hair in bathroom, toilet was not clean it was disgusting
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Jennifer

Travelled with family

No food buying options available but menus everywh

Arrived at 10pm, no food or drinks available to buy. One person was working, had to wait 5 minutes for anyone to arrive so I could check in. Breakfast is gross, no lunch until 2pm and no alternative food choices anywhere nearby. We were starved when we left.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

alisha

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

10/10 Excellent

David, Des Moines

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fabulous staff. The pool area was amazing. Lots of fun
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

emmet

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Ryan

Travelled with family
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Kinda Disappointed

There was a serious lack of staff to attend to the number of guests. The staff on hand was friendly and great but running in too many directions at once. More than a few times I had to walk around the hotel looking for someone to assist at the pool bar or answer a question at the front desk, etc.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Samantha

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

I’m totally coming back

A very clean and unique hotel. The staff was friendly and accommodating and the rooms were neat and extremely comfortable!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Sara

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean rooms and friendly staff!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Helen

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

Fun vibe. Comfortable beds. Large Rooms.

Great pool and hot tub. Nice on-site bar and arcade room. Friendly service. Historic hotel with a fun vibe. Rooms are larger with comfortable beds. Comfortable lobby with fun velvet chairs. Not your average hotel.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Miriam

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amanda

Business traveller
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

Travelled with family, Travelled with group
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 traveller

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

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Travelled 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