The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection

4.0 star property
Family-friendly hotel with free breakfast and bars

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection

1 bedroom, hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop beds
Creator video
Lobby
Room, 2 Queen Beds, Poolside | 1 bedroom, hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop beds
Indoor pool, sun loungers

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

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Room options

Suite, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking

  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Poolside

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

Suite, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking

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

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

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

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

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Poolside

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Balcony

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds

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

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

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

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

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

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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About the neighborhood

Iowa City

The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection places you within 3 miles (5 km) of popular attractions like University of Iowa and Mercy Hospital. This 97-room hotel welcomes guests with conveniences like free breakfast, an indoor pool, and a 24-hour gym.

What's nearby

  • University of Iowa - 6 min drive - 3.3 miles
  • Mercy Hospital - 6 min drive - 3.2 miles
  • University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics - 8 min drive - 4.1 miles
  • Kinnick Stadium - 9 min drive - 4.8 miles
  • Carver-Hawkeye Arena - 9 min drive - 4.8 miles

Getting around

  • Eastern Iowa Airport (CID) - 27 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Burge Market Place - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Wildwood Smokehouse & Saloon - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Casey's General Store - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Casey's General Store - ‬8 min drive

About this property

The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection

Family-friendly hotel with free breakfast and bars
Guests staying at The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection enjoy an indoor pool, a 24-hour gym, and free WiFi in public areas. A stay here includes free parking. The 24-hour front desk has multilingual staff ready to assist with luggage storage and concierge services. If you like to take your furry friend along on your adventures, this pet-friendly property offers an off-leash area. Other amenities at this family-friendly hotel include a hot tub, a conference center, and coffee/tea in a common area.
Guests can expect free WiFi and flat-screen TVs with cable channels and pay movies. Pillowtop beds grant a restful night's sleep, and bathrooms offer rainfall showers, hair dryers, and slippers. Desks are also standard. Housekeeping is available on request.
An indoor pool and a hot tub are on site. Other recreational amenities include a 24-hour fitness center.

Languages

English, Spanish

Similar properties

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

  • This property welcomes pets for USD 30 per pet, per night
  • Dogs and cats only
  • An off-leash area is available
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Up to 4 kids 17 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding
  • Free cribs/infant beds are available

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

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

  • 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 list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might 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
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out: noon
  • Minimum check-in age: 21
The front desk is open 24 hours a day, and checking in and out are easy with express services. Driving? This property offers free self parking, along with free RV, bus, and truck parking. There's also a car charging station.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A credit card for incidental charges and a government-issued photo ID may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • The credit card used at check-in for incidentals must be in the name of the primary guest who made the reservation.
  • This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no 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

Frequently asked questions

Is a free cancellation option available at The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection?

The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection provides free cancellation on select room rates. If you'd like to learn more, review the cancellation policy on our site.

How much does it cost to stay at The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection?

As of Jul 2, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection on Jul 7, 2025 start from $109.0, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What's there to see within easy reach of The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection?

Based on positive ratings, guests enjoy the hotel's location in Iowa City, which is close to Kinnick Stadium, The Englert Theater, and Iowa City Public Library. You'll also find University of Iowa Museum of Natural History and Iowa Old Capitol Building within a short drive.

Is there parking available at The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the hotel. Accessible parking, free RV/bus/truck parking, and electric car charging are also available.

Does The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection have a casino?

No, The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection?

Yes, this hotel has an indoor pool along with a hot tub.

Is The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection good for couples?

There are many amenities for couples at this hotel, including Champagne service as well as an indoor pool and a poolside bar.

Are there hot tubs at The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection?

Yes, guests can enjoy a spa tub at this hotel.

Does The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

Yes, The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection serves free continental breakfast at Supper Club on weekday mornings.

Does The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection allow pets to stay for free?

Although they can't stay for free, cats and dogs are welcome at The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection for a fee of USD 30 per pet, per night. The property also provides an off-leash area.

Does The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection have connecting rooms?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this hotel.

How far is the airport from The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection?

The closest major airport to The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection is Eastern Iowa Airport (CID), which is 23.6 mi away (27 minutes by car).

Can I book a room with a balcony at The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection?

No, there aren't any guestrooms with balconies at The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection.

Does The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection have a wedding venue on site?

There are wedding services available at The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection if that's in your vacation plans.

The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 574 out of 876 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 156 out of 876 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 83 out of 876 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 40 out of 876 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 23 out of 876 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

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

10/10 Excellent

Jordan

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

8/10 Good

Heather

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Mellette

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The pool was a lot of fun.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Pamela, Iowa City

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Mary

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sherry

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

8/10 Good

Molly

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

Unique, fun vibe

Pool area was nice. Hot tub was clean and comfortable temperature. Beds were comfortable. Unique artwork and designs throughout the hotel.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

4/10 Poor

Mackenzi

Traveled with partner, Traveled with pets, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service, amenities
The breakfast was grab and go, which isn't usually too bad but they had plain yogurt, dried apricots and chai seeds to choose from. It was really limited even for a grab and go. They shut down all of the fun stuff at 10pm sharp and the front desk people are not kind about doing it. I don't plan on coming back and I will be telling others to not come here.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ashley

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

6/10 Okay

Jessica

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Jessica

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Its a cute hotel at first glance, but not a great stay for adults looking for a business stay or a weekend getaway. It was loud! There were babies crying, kids screaming, dogs barking, doors slamming starting early in the day and late through the evening. Restaurant food was not good at all. Drinks were ok. Cute decore throughout. Beds were comfortable. Basic cable only. Not all rooms had mini fridges. Rooms not clean. Floors dirty both in main room and bathroom. Beds comfortable and linens were decent.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Troy

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

4/10 Poor

elizabeth

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Well, I have stayed at this hotel a couple times if you’re not actually enjoying the pool, it’s very average. The interior does not have an elevator so you have to drag your luggage upstairs if you’re going upstairs as well as the rooms are not cozy. They’re extremely dark and eclectic while that’s fine for some it’s not cozy at all The actual blinds that cover the windows are ridiculously cheap. You can see right through them so you worry about people looking in your room not a safe feeling as well as no coffee in the room a couple of cardboard cups for drinking water out of a faucet. The actual hand towels are kitchen towels in the bathroom very low-grade lo maintained facility if you have kids and enjoy the pool area. That is the only positive thing about this hotel.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

ROXANNE

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything was fantastic
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025