The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel

4.0 star property

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Photo gallery for The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel

Indoor pool, open 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM, sun loungers
Creator video
Suite, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking, Balcony (Pool View) | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, individually decorated, desk
Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, individually decorated, desk
3 bars/lounges, poolside bar

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant

Explore the area

View in a map
2525 Highlander Place, Iowa City, IA, 52245
  • Place, University of Iowa
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Place, The Englert Theater
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Place, Iowa City Public Library
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Airport, Cedar Rapids, IA (CID-Eastern Iowa)
    ‪25 min drive‬

Room options

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

7.8 out of 10
Good
(6 reviews)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

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

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

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

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Balcony

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

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Poolside

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

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(4 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

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

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Poolside

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

Suite, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking

  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

Suite, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking

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

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

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

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

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

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

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

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

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

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

  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

Suite, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

About the neighborhood

Iowa City

The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel places you within 3 miles (5 km) of popular attractions like University of Iowa and Mercy Hospital. This 97-room, 4-star hotel has an indoor pool along with a 24-hour gym and free in-room WiFi.

What's nearby

  • University of Iowa - 5 min drive - 3.1 miles
  • The Englert Theater - 6 min drive - 3.7 miles
  • Iowa City Public Library - 6 min drive - 3.7 miles
  • Xtream Arena & GreenState Family Fieldhouse - 7 min drive - 5.7 miles
  • Coral Ridge Mall - 7 min drive - 7.4 miles

Getting around

  • Eastern Iowa Airport (CID) - 30 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Scooter’s Coffee - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪The Black Angel Restaurant And Bar - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Cracken’s - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪A & A Pagliai's Pizza - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Dairy Queen - ‬7 min drive

About this property

The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel

Guests staying at The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, 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 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. Bathrooms offer rainfall showers, hair dryers, and free toiletries, and pillowtop beds with premium bedding ensure a restful night. Other standard amenities include phones and desks. 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

  • 3 bars/lounges
  • A poolside bar
  • A restaurant
  • Coffee and tea in common areas

Restaurants on site

  • Lounge
  • Lucy's
  • Snack Shack

Things to do

  • 24-hour gym
  • Arcade/game room
  • Billiards/pool table
  • Books
  • Games
  • Hot tub
  • Indoor pool
  • Music library
  • Table tennis
  • TV in common areas

Family friendly

  • Arcade/game room
  • Children's books
  • Children's games
  • In-room crib
  • Indoor pool

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • ATM
  • 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

  • Firepit
  • In a nature reserve
  • Outdoor entertainment area
  • Outdoor furniture
  • 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.
  • 4 accessible parking spaces
  • Braille/raised signage
  • Handrails in stairways
  • Hardwood flooring in public areas
  • Lever door handles
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Thin carpet in public areas
  • Tile flooring in public areas
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Visual alarms in hallways
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible concierge desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible lounge
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible public washroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant
  • Wheelchair-accessible van parking
  • Wheelchairs on site

More

  • 1 building
  • 2 floors
  • Art Deco architecture
  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Ballroom
  • Biodegradable coffee stirrers available
  • Biodegradable drinking straws available
  • Built in 1967
  • 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 dining options
  • Water dispenser usage encouraged

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Free crib
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding
  • Pillowtop mattress
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Bathtub or shower
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste (on request)
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

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

Food and drink

  • Limited room service
  • Restaurant dining guides

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Bulk dispensers for toiletries
  • Cleaning products are eco-friendly
  • Connecting rooms available
  • Desk
  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Energy-saving switches in guestrooms
  • Individual decor
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Laptop workspace
  • LED lighting
  • Phone
  • Recycling
  • Water-efficient showers

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime

Early check-in subject to availability

Early check-in is available for a fee

Contactless check-in available

Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Contactless check-out available

Late check-out subject to availability

A late check-out fee will be charged

Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

Guests will receive an email within 24 hours before arrival with check-in instructions; 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

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 is available for a fee (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out is available for a fee (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
Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM—-anytime
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 21
The front desk is open 24 hours a day, and checking out is 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.
  • This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
  • 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.
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Pool access available from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
  • Connecting or adjoining rooms can be requested, but all rooms are subject to availability. Contact the property using the phone number on your booking confirmation.
  • There are no elevators.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.
  • Noise-free rooms can't be guaranteed.
  • 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 Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel?

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

As of May 31, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel on Jun 2, 2026 start from $169, including 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 Iowa City, 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 Iowa Old Capitol Building and Old Capitol Museum within a short drive.

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

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the hotel. An electric car charging station, free RV/bus/truck parking, and wheelchair-accessible van parking are also available.

Does The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel have a casino?

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

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

Yes, this hotel has an indoor pool along with a hot tub. Guests have pool access between 9:00 AM and 10:00 PM.

What do couples enjoy most about The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel?

There are many amenities for couples at this hotel, including a restaurant and an indoor pool plus some guestrooms feature a fireplace.

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

No, there isn't a spa tub at this hotel.

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

Yes, The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel serves brunch for a surcharge at Lucy's.

Does The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, 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 Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel for a fee of USD 30 per pet, per night. The property also provides an off-leash area.

Does The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel have connecting rooms available?

Yes, you can book connecting rooms at this hotel for your group or family vacation.

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

The closest major airport to The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel is Eastern Iowa Airport (CID), which is 23.6 mi away (30 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel?

Yes, some guestrooms at this hotel offer a furnished patio where guests can enjoy pool and courtyard views.

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

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

The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 636 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 186 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 101 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 49 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 29 out of 1001 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

8.8/10

Amenities

8.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

4/10 Poor

Bradi

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Sadly disappointed by this stay. Room was in need of a serious deep cleaning, ancillary lock on door had been removed, fridge wasn’t plugged in and was missing the handle. Won’t stay here again. Definitely not what we expected for the cost.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026

6/10 Okay

Maria

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

8/10 Good

Keith

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
clean and most
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026

8/10 Good

Matt

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Pool was great. Hot tub also great. Staff friendly,
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Tarah

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was the best exsperience i have ever had at a hotel. It was extremly clean. The staff were amazing and accomodating. The pool and hot tub was nice, warm and clean. Super kid freindly. Great place and will be staying again.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

4/10 Poor

Amanda

Traveled with group, Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The hotel was in disrepair, the room wasn't very clean, the furnishings were sparse. They didn't have enough staff, so there was often no one at the front desk. They couldn't maintain the pool, and the pool/ pool area were dirty. There was an intoxicated guest altercation with police in the middle of the night that woke up the entire hallway. No staff were to be found during that incident, and when guests raised concerns about these issues, the staff refused to offer any assistance. In general the hotel appears run down, and poorly staffed.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026

2/10 Terrible

Nathan

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Amenities
$225 for one night. No microwave, coffee pot, or usb port in toom. Bar full of kids. Kids stayed in pool when it was supposed to be adult hour only. Cops called in middle of night, kids running the halls all night.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Janet

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Caitlin

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing food! Friendly staff
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Darron

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Yes the room was clean and staff was helpful.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

2/10 Terrible

kevin, Cedar Rapids

heat didnt turn down.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

8/10 Good

Creana

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

4/10 Poor

Jamee

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
does not look newly renovated, breakfast is terrible. shower is very old timey and falling apart. i think they spent there whole budget on the pool bc its very nice! def does not look like a hotel when you arrive.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

6/10 Okay

Cindy

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with family
Most of stafff not friendly. Kids screaming in pool with little or no parental supervision
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

James

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brenda

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The suites were large nice having connected rooms staff was friendly it’s a bit dated but clean pool area is awesome
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

6/10 Okay

Erin

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with family
Liked: Amenities
Disliked: Cleanliness
The room needs remodeling. They seem to have really poor staffing. Breakfast was two hours late because the staff didn’t show up. The pool had a bunch of hair in it because maintenance was out and no one else can run the robot, etx
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

6/10 Okay

Randy

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Overall we had a nice stay, but I guess we expected more for the premium price tag. The hotel is a blend of beautiful areas, and run down areas and somewhat dated rooms. We stayed in a balcony room overlooking the pool which my kids really enjoyed, and is unique. Be aware of the noise in the evening though in these rooms as the old wood door to the balcony is not soundproof/sealed. It also was completely missing the drapes (just screw holes above) to close out the light from pool area. Room had older carpet, and somewhat dingy bathroom, but beds were fine. The restaurant with the arcade was fine but don't expect it to be fancy. Many of the arcade games were broke. The room door locks throughout the property were temporarily not working, leading us to need to leave the door unlocked or cracked when coming and going, which is unprofessional for this sort of hotel. I realize they are working on that, and it was over Christmas. Staff were friendly, but the entire hotel appeared to be understaffed, with most wearing multiple hats (front desk person was also serving food in restaurant at same time and walking guests to their rooms to let in, bartender was working in the pool area, etc.). Breakfast food was good. So overall we had a fine stay, but this place needs some physical and operations work to be considered a four star hotel.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Sherry

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Steph

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff go above and beyond. We had a very special birthday to celebrate and the kids had a blast! The pol area is fantastic, and WARM, fun arcade, great room service too.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

2/10 Terrible

Norman

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

2/10 Terrible

Louis

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Card maker was down and needed to be escorted to our room. Restaurant was never open. Bar was limited to a makeshift bar in the lobby. Told only 10 rooms occupied that night, yet they put people (noisy people) around us. Wall blistered and peeling from water damage. Fridge was very loud and damaged. We unplugged it.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kristi

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Vonnie

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Love this hotel. All the good vibes! Great Thanksgiving stay with the family! Pool is huge, rooms are clean and their staff is amazing! The buffet at Lucy’s was delicious!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025