The Highlander Hotel, an Ascend Collection Hotel

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

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Highlander Hotel, an Ascend Collection Hotel

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

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Room service
  • Bar

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

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

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

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

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

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

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Balcony

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

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Poolside

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 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

  • Sleeps 4
  • 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 6
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds

Suite, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking

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

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

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

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

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

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

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

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

About the neighborhood

Iowa City

The Highlander Hotel, an Ascend Collection Hotel 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 - 4.5 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

  • ‪Dairy Queen - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Los Agaves Mexican Grill - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪The Black Angel Restaurant And Bar - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪BlackStone - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Scooter’s Coffee - ‬2 min drive

About this property

The Highlander Hotel, an Ascend Collection Hotel

Family-friendly hotel with free breakfast and bars
Guests staying at The Highlander Hotel, an Ascend Collection Hotel 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 tours/tickets and luggage storage. 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.

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, an Ascend Collection Hotel?

The Highlander Hotel, an Ascend Collection Hotel 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, an Ascend Collection Hotel?

As of Oct 4, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Highlander Hotel, an Ascend Collection Hotel on Oct 13, 2025 start from $134.1, 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, an Ascend Collection Hotel?

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 parking available on site at The Highlander Hotel, an Ascend Collection Hotel?

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, an Ascend Collection Hotel have a casino?

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

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

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

Is The Highlander Hotel, an Ascend Collection Hotel a good place to stay for couples?

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

Does The Highlander Hotel, an Ascend Collection Hotel have a hot tub?

Yes, this hotel has a spa tub.

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

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

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

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

Are there connecting rooms at The Highlander Hotel, an Ascend Collection Hotel?

No, this hotel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

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

The closest major airport to The Highlander Hotel, an Ascend Collection Hotel 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, an Ascend Collection Hotel?

No, at The Highlander Hotel, an Ascend Collection Hotel, there aren't any guestrooms that list a balcony.

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

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

The Highlander Hotel, an Ascend Collection Hotel Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 603 out of 929 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 168 out of 929 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 93 out of 929 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 41 out of 929 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 24 out of 929 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

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

8/10 Good

Deborah

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Overall nice and a little dated
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stacey

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

Amazing hotel

The hotel is really clean and the decor is amazing. It was myself and children and the property was safe and awesome for kids and adults. The pool area is a 10/10 and also has a hot tub. It has a snack area as well and lots of comfortable seating. The restaurant and bar/arcade also a 10/10. Breakfast in the morning was good they even had breakfast pizza!
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Kandice

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The place was nice and the room was nice. We went with 2 small children. I wish it was just a little bit more small kid friendly. If you have school age kids the pool and outside areas would be perfect.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Matthew

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

10/10 Excellent

Ayhan

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
It was a amazing stay. Everything was great especially hot tub and pool. Staff are friendly and helpful. Thank you! Highly recommended.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Meggie

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Would recommend and go back!
Stayed 1 night in May 2025