The Highlander Hotel, an Ascend Collection Hotel

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

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Photo gallery for The Highlander Hotel, an Ascend Collection Hotel

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

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
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Place, Xtream Arena & GreenState Family Fieldhouse
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Place, Mercy Hospital
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Airport, Cedar Rapids, IA (CID-Eastern Iowa)
    ‪26 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

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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 - 5 min drive - 3.1 miles
  • Xtream Arena & GreenState Family Fieldhouse - 6 min drive - 5.2 miles
  • Mercy Hospital - 6 min drive - 3.2 miles
  • The Englert Theater - 7 min drive - 3.5 miles
  • University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics - 8 min drive - 4.1 miles

Getting around

  • Eastern Iowa Airport (CID) - 27 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Dairy Queen - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪The Black Angel Restaurant And Bar - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Scooter’s Coffee - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Los Agaves Mexican Grill - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪Midtown Family Restaurant - ‬9 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 concierge services 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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

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 Dec 6, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Highlander Hotel, an Ascend Collection Hotel on Dec 23, 2025 start from $215.1, 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 The Englert Theater, Iowa City Public Library, and University of Iowa Museum of Natural History. You'll also find Iowa Old Capitol Building and Old Capitol Museum within a short drive.

Will I be able to park 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.

What will couples enjoy most about a stay at The Highlander Hotel, an Ascend Collection Hotel?

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, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this hotel.

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).

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

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

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.

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. 614 out of 948 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 174 out of 948 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 95 out of 948 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 41 out of 948 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 24 out of 948 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Amy

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is my 3rd stay. The bar is an retro sunken area with a game arcade. Saturday’s live music was at one end of the hotel and rooms at the other so rooms stayed quiet. It is a fun hotel to visit. Rooms are spacious, beds are very comfortable. They provide recycling bins. Included breakfast is a couple of steps above most continental breakfast buffets. First off - no tv, no music. No plastic utensils or paper plates. The food was cooked on site, bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, silver dollar waffles (no waffle machine mess), biscuits and gravy, oatmeal, yogurt with fruit. Thumbs up.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Brian

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Roberta

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Rude waitstaff

Poolside king room was comfortable and clean. Couples trip; we stayed two nights. What did put a sour taste in our stay was one particular bartender staff named Doug H. He was NOT very customer friendly and down right arrogantly rude. We had recieved a complimentary drink ticket for one person at check in, which we thought we would use on one of the nights. When we sat at the bar Doug was not busy, just standing; after several minutes had passed with the bartender ignoring us we asked if we could get some service. As one of us does not drink, we ordered a soda and a cocktail. After we questioned the charges on our recipt, he become rude. At one point stating he had been a bartender for 10 years, which had nothing to do with the question of the charges on the receipt. Additionally, we had witnessed as Doug had an interaction with another customer over their pet policy. After the interaction we overheard Doug unprofessionally complaining how he hated guests like that... They may want to think about putting and keeping friendlier customer facing persons in an area that you want to draw people into. Before this interaction, because the pool area was so nice, we were contemplating coming back for a larger family trip (renting 4 rooms), but are now unsure.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Galo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great hotel
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Cassie

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Seemed to be a slower night. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Only thing bothered me was it was only a little after 10 pm and no one was at front desk. And called number like the note said. Was wanting to purchase a can of soda for my daughter and lady on phone said theg dont give out anything besides water at this time.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Zachary

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great experience with family of four and two little kids!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Consellow

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service, amenities
This place is awesome and exceeded my expectation! Great place for family’s or just adults! Highly recommend!! Oh, staff is phenomenal!!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

John

Business traveler, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This property is fun and not like every other hotel you stay in.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

cara

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

Moving son into college

The bathroom door did not latch, which meant it would not shut all the way. There is no lock on the bathroom door. The vent in the bathroom did not work. The water did not get very hot. There’s no coffee maker in the room. There’s no ironing board/iron in the rooms. I didn’t have a DO NOT DISTURB placard to hang on the door. Even though checkout was 12:00, my room key was deactivated at 11. We will be back to Iowa City a lot over the next several years with kids in college, but I don’t think we would stay at the Highlander again. We had a nicer stay downtown Iowa City for less a few weeks prior to this stay.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Heidi

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

6/10 Okay

Jason

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The same category rooms online seemed much more updated than what we had. Was told the bar would be open until 12 and they called last call at 11. No do not disturb “peace” sign in our room
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sharon

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

10/10 Excellent

Aaron

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
This is a hidden gem, its vibe is something that you have to experience. The staff is amazing the pool hot tub perfect the food in restaurant was first class. Will definitely be back
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Tony

Great workers
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Katie

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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 traveler

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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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 traveler
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