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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

Hypo-allergenic bedding, pillow-top beds, individually decorated, desk
Hypo-allergenic bedding, pillow-top beds, individually decorated, desk
2 bars/lounges, poolside bar
Indoor spa tub
Hypo-allergenic bedding, pillow-top beds, individually decorated, desk

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Parking included

Explore the area

Map
2525 Highlander Place, Iowa City, IA, 52245
  • University of Iowa
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Kinnick Stadium
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Cedar Rapids, IA (CID-Eastern Iowa)
    ‪27 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

Hypo-allergenic bedding, pillow-top beds, individually decorated, desk

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Poolside

  • 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 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

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, Balcony (Pool View)

Hypo-allergenic bedding, pillow-top beds, individually decorated, desk

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

Hypo-allergenic bedding, pillow-top beds, individually decorated, desk

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)

Hypo-allergenic bedding, pillow-top 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, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Balcony

Hypo-allergenic bedding, pillow-top beds, individually decorated, desk

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Balcony

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

Hypo-allergenic bedding, pillow-top beds, individually decorated, desk

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

Hypo-allergenic bedding, pillow-top beds, individually decorated, desk

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

Hypo-allergenic bedding, pillow-top beds, individually decorated, desk

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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, 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)

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Similar properties

Exterior

Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown

  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Pet-friendly
  • Free WiFi
4.6 out of 5, Wonderful, (1049)
The price is €89
for 1 room
includes taxes & fees
20 May - 21 May
Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown

About this property

The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection

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 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. 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 breakfast
  • 5 minutes by car from Mercy Hospital and 6 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 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. Self parking is free. A complete renovation of The Highlander 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.

Languages

English, Spanish

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
  • Free 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 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

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • 1.5 percent tourism fee will be charged

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

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.

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

The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 561 out of 853 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 151 out of 853 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 81 out of 853 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 37 out of 853 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 23 out of 853 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

Michelle

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Nice pool. Good pizza
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jaci

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Second time coming here and we love it a lot!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Steph

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

kenneth

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
So much to to do swimming pool arcade for the kids hot tub, everything was so clean would definitely stay there again and recommend it to anybody prices are even fair.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rachel

Travelled with family, Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Could use a few updates. But other than that we enjoyed our stay
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

4/10 Poor

Jessi

Disliked: Staff & service
Not all amenities were available as advertised!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Garth M Carlson

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

10/10 Excellent

Katarzyna

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Older property (from 1967) that leans into it’s historic nature by providing gramophones and vinyl records and many other amenities (vintage game arcade) and gadgets. The inner courtyard contains a pool with a retractable glass fourth wall allowing you to see a sunrise. There is outdoor furniture and a fire pit - even going in winter. The rooms and bathrooms are updated and very clean. There are a few amenities still being renovated (a breakfast room and lobby bathrooms) but overall it was renovated. Great quick stop in a quiet and intriguing hotel. Would definitely recommend.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lee

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

10/10 Excellent

Kishauna

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

The perfect Stay and Play

We absolutely LOVE the Highlander. This was our second stay and we enjoyed it just as much as the first time. I wasn't so impressed with The Supper Club menu but I was highly impressed by the service. The weekend breakfast buffet was phenomenal though!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kent

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We loved the minimalist design and eco-friendly features! Beds were very comfy, suites were spacious and well lit. The rooms smelled just a little stale, but otherwise were very nice. We especially loved that the rooms were not carpeted. We will definitely stay again!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Catfish

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Style
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Deborah

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kevin

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Absolutely wonderful!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Isabel

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Lisa

Travelled with group
Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Such a nice pool area. I would recommend if you want a poolside room- request a second floor unless you want to walk right out and get in. Sad that bar area was right inside the lobby where double doors of main entrance kept opening and it was freezing! We had a couple drinks in lounge/game room area but service was poor. Room was beautiful and very cozy
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Martha

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

ANGEL

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Miranda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Dawn

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort

The hotel needs some TLC

Overall a little disappointed with our stay. I like the "vibe" of the hotel but it's a bit run down. For example, the front of the hotel is not well cared for and does not show well. At a bare minimum put some plants in the flower boxes. The pool area and hot tub are really nice. The pool was warm. Our only complaint here is the small thin tools that they provided. They were horrible - get new (better) towels. The room was fine and the bed was comfortable. We went to the game room which was a fun to have but about the half of the games we tried to play were not working. Again, this is why I am saying the place needs some TLC. It has a lot of potential but it's not well cared for.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nicole

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service
I was confused about the dining options at the hotel and when they were open. We enjoyed our stay overall.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

KATHY, Westchester

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Keith

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Danise

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My husband and I had a great time at the Highlander. We were lucky enough to have the hotel pretty much to ourselves for a little Sunday night getaway. The food was great. Our server/bartender Doug was top notch. All of the people we encountered were super nice and helpful. Will definitely be staying here again.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Arthur

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great renovation of a faded favorite
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

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