See all properties

The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection

4.0 star property

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection

1 bedroom, hypo-allergenic bedding, pillow-top beds
Indoor pool, pool loungers
1 bedroom, hypo-allergenic bedding, pillow-top beds
Lobby
Exterior detail

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • 24/7 front desk

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

Room options

Suite, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking

  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Poolside

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Poolside | 1 bedroom, hypo-allergenic bedding, pillow-top beds

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Poolside

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Suite, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking

Suite, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking | 1 bedroom, hypo-allergenic bedding, pillow-top beds

Suite, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking

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

View all photos for Room, 2 Queen Beds, Roll-in Shower, Non Smoking

1 bedroom, hypo-allergenic bedding, pillow-top beds

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

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

1 bedroom, hypo-allergenic bedding, pillow-top beds

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

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

1 bedroom, hypo-allergenic bedding, pillow-top beds

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

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Poolside

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Poolside | 1 bedroom, hypo-allergenic bedding, pillow-top beds

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Poolside

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Patio (Courtyard View) | 1 bedroom, hypo-allergenic bedding, pillow-top beds

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

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Balcony

1 bedroom, hypo-allergenic bedding, pillow-top beds

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Balcony

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

Suite, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking, Balcony (Pool View) | 1 bedroom, hypo-allergenic bedding, pillow-top beds

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

  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking | 1 bedroom, hypo-allergenic bedding, pillow-top 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

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking

1 bedroom, hypo-allergenic bedding, pillow-top beds

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Room, 2 Queen Beds, Roll-in Shower, Non Smoking

Room, 2 Queen Beds, Roll-in Shower, Non Smoking | 1 bedroom, hypo-allergenic bedding, pillow-top beds

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

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

1 bedroom, hypo-allergenic bedding, pillow-top beds

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

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

1 bedroom, hypo-allergenic bedding, pillow-top beds

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

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Similar properties

Lobby

Drury Inn & Suites Iowa City Coralville

  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Pet-friendly
  • Parking included
4.9 out of 5, Exceptional, (1208)
The price is €93
for 1 room
includes taxes & fees
24 Jun - 25 Jun
Drury Inn & Suites Iowa City Coralville

About this property

The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection

Family-friendly hotel with free breakfast and bars/lounges
Along with an indoor pool, this smoke-free hotel has a restaurant and 2 bars/lounges. Free weekday breakfast, free WiFi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Additionally, a 24-hour fitness centre, a poolside bar and a conference centre are on-site. Housekeeping is available on request.
The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection offers 97 accommodations with complimentary bathrobes and complimentary slippers. This individually decorated accommodation includes desks. Beds feature pillowtop mattresses. Flat-screen televisions come with premium cable channels and pay-per-view films.

Bathrooms include baths or showers with a rainfall showerhead, and hairdryers. Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access. Hypo-allergenic bedding, an iron/ironing board and change of towels can be requested. Housekeeping is provided on request.

An indoor pool and Access to hot tub are on site. Other recreational amenities include a 24-hour fitness centre.
Our customers tell us that they can't get enough of the free breakfast at The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection. During your stay, you'll be close to Mercy Hospital. Free WiFi in public areas, free self-parking and 2 bars are available. This property offers pet-friendly amenities, such as an off-lead area.
  • Free continental breakfast served on weekdays
  • Free WiFi
  • Free self-parking and Motorhome/coach/lorry parking
  • Options for a bite to eat or a refreshing drink include a coffee shop, a restaurant, a poolside bar and 2 bars/lounges
  • Take a swim in the indoor pool or soak in the hot tub
  • Services include a concierge, tour or ticket assistance and luggage storage
  • On-site recreation includes a 24-hour gym
  • Guests have great things to say about the clean guestrooms and the pool
  • 5 minutes by car from Mercy Hospital and 6 minutes from Xtream Arena & GreenState Family Fieldhouse
  • Cats and dogs welcome for a fee
  • Pet-friendly amenities are available, including an off-lead area
The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection offers its guests an indoor pool, Access to hot tub, and a 24-hour fitness centre. Along with a restaurant, there's a coffee shop/cafe on site. You can enjoy a drink at one of the bars, which include 2 bars/lounges and a poolside bar. Free breakfast is served on weekdays. Public spaces have free WiFi.

3 meeting rooms and coworking spaces are available. Event space at this hotel measures 5651 square feet (525 square metres) and includes a conference centre. A terrace, an arcade/games room, and multilingual staff are also featured at the family-friendly The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection. Self parking is free. A complete renovation of The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection was completed in July 2020.

This Iowa City hotel is smoke free.

Guests are served a free continental breakfast on weekdays.
Supper Club – This restaurant serves brunch, lunch and dinner. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar. Happy hour is offered.
Patio Bar – This bar only serves light fare. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar. Open daily.
Snack Shack – This coffee shop specialises in American cuisine. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar. Open daily.
Room service (during limited hours) is available.

Languages

English, Spanish

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Electric car charging station on site
  • Free self parking on site
  • Free RV/bus/lorry parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking available

Food and drink

  • Free continental breakfast available on weekdays
  • 2 bars/lounges
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A poolside bar
  • A restaurant
  • Coffee and tea in common areas

Restaurants on site

  • Patio Bar
  • Snack Shack
  • Supper Club

Things to do

  • 24-hour gym
  • Arcade/game room
  • Billiards/pool table
  • Books
  • Games
  • Hot tub
  • Indoor pool
  • Table tennis

Family friendly

  • Arcade/game room
  • Children's books
  • Children's games
  • Free cot
  • Indoor pool

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • ATM
  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Guidebooks
  • Luggage storage
  • Shared microwave
  • Water dispenser

Guest services

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Proposal/romance packages
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • 3 meeting rooms
  • Conference centre (5,651 square foot of space)
  • Coworking space

Outdoors

  • Pool loungers
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Braille/raised signage
  • Handrails in stairways
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Valet for wheelchair-equipped vehicles
  • Visual alarms in hallways
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible concierge desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible gym
  • Wheelchair-accessible lounge
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible public bathroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible van parking

More

  • 1 building
  • 2 floors
  • At least 10% of profits reinvested in community and sustainability
  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • At least 80% of food locally-sourced
  • At least 80% organic food
  • Ballroom
  • Biodegradable coffee stirrers available
  • Biodegradable drinking straws available
  • Built in 1967
  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Comprehensive recycling policy
  • Double-glazed windows
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Local artist showcase
  • Locally-owned and organised tours and activities
  • No plastic coffee stirrers
  • No plastic drinking straws
  • No plastic soft drink bottles
  • No plastic water bottles
  • Reception hall
  • Renovated entire property - July 2020
  • Reusable cups
  • Reusable tableware
  • Smoke-free property
  • Vegan dining options
  • Vegetarian breakfast available
  • Vegetarian dining options

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Free cot
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding
  • Pillowtop mattress

Bathroom

  • Bathtub or shower
  • Dressing gowns
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • Shampoo
  • Slippers
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

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

Food and drink

  • Champagne service
  • Limited room service
  • Restaurant dining guides

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Cleaning products are eco-friendly
  • Desk
  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Energy-saving switches in guestrooms
  • Individual decor
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • LED lighting
  • Recycling
  • Water-efficient showers

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in fee: USD 50
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Express check-in available
Minimum check-in age - 21

Check-out

Check-out before noon
Contactless check-out
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

  • Pets: USD 30 per pet, per night
  • Only dogs and cats are allowed
  • An off-lead area is available
    • Service animals are exempt from fees.

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! Up to 4 children 17 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding.
  • Free cots (infant beds)!

Payment types at the property

Important information

Optional extras

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

  • Pet fee: USD 30 per pet, per night
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Early check-in fee: USD 50 (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out fee: USD 50 (subject to availability)

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards; cash is not accepted
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Guests will receive an email 24 hours before arrival with check-in information and key retrieval information. Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property. The credit card used when booking the reservation must be presented by the cardholder at check-in along with matching photo ID. Other arrangements must be coordinated with the property prior to arrival.

We should mention

  • Up to 4 children aged 17 years old and younger stay free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.
  • This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).

Property is also known as

Clarion Highlander
Clarion Highlander Iowa City
Clarion Hotel Highlander
Clarion Hotel Highlander Iowa City
Clarion Highlander Hotel And Conference Center Iowa City
Clarion Highlander Hotel Iowa City
The Bohemian
The Highlander Hotel
Clarion Hotel Highlander Conference Center
The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection Hotel
The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection Iowa City
The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection Hotel Iowa City

The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 567 out of 865 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 155 out of 865 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 82 out of 865 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 38 out of 865 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 23 out of 865 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

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

Travelled 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

6/10 Okay

Grace

Travelled with partner
The property definitely looks better in the pictures than it does in person. The staff was nice and the space was generally clean. The pool area is nice but there are ceiling tiles missing above the pool exposing a lot of dirt and/or mold. Overall it was an okay stay but I don’t think we would stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

6/10 Okay

Roberta

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Linda, Des Moines

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The pool and hot tub, plus the arcade and billards, made this a fun and enjoyable stay. Rooms could be a bit more furnished with things like a dresser, luggage rack, hangers. Overall, the facility was great and loved their accommodations for dogs.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

6/10 Okay

Christopher

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Ok not great but ok
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

AndreAnna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Unique experience. Fun for a family
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lori

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The pool area was awesome! The arcade was great for us and the kids. Going back in the spring they have a really nice courtyard!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cindy

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was our third annual trip to Rhe Highlander. I gift it to my kids and grandkids for Christmas each year and we all love it. There is so much for the kids to do that the adults enjoy, as well. The food is wonderful and we love being able to order from wherever we are in the hotel. The staff is so helpful. We were there on February 15 and the young man working the bar at the pool was awesome. He was alone and very busy and stayed kind, professional, and helpful. He represents your hotel well. We are already looking forward to our trip next winter. We are building wonderful family memories that I hope my children and grandchildren will always remember.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

6/10 Okay

Emelyn

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Amenities
It wasn’t as we expected it to be. There are a lot of rooms for improvement. The room is old but with updated furniture. The sheets were clean, though. My daughter was not able to sleep most of the night saying she is scared and was crying on and off which she barely does in other hotels that we have been in. The place is haunted. The pool area should have anti-slip around it for walking comfort and without fear of sliding down. It’s slippery. Someone for some reason charged our room with food from the snack shack. Am glad my husband asked what the extra charge was for. The manager was reassuring that we will not be charged for it. They do not have elevators so if you are bringing big and heavy luggages asked for a room on the first floor. While there are tables available around the pool most of them are reserved for the rooms next to it. Thank you!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Tiffany

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

10/10 Excellent

Lawrence

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Juan Manuel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Is a nice place. Have a bar restaurant, quiet place and clean. I recommend it to my friends
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Janet

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

What a vibe!

The Highlander is a very cute hotel with such a vibe! We only wished we had been able to stay longer to enjoy it more!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

John, Fairbanks

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Rick

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

10/10 Excellent

Michelle

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

10/10 Excellent

Jaci

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

8/10 Good

Steph

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

kenneth

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