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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, pool loungers
Creator video
Suite, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking, Balcony (Pool View) | Premium bedding, pillow-top beds, individually decorated, desk
Premium bedding, pillow-top beds, individually decorated, desk
Lobby

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Pet-friendly
  • Free Wi-Fi

Explore the area

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

Room options

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

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking | Premium bedding, pillow-top beds, individually decorated, desk

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

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

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

Room, 2 Queen Beds, Roll-in Shower, Non Smoking | Premium bedding, pillow-top beds, individually decorated, desk

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

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed, Roll-in Shower, Non Smoking

Premium bedding, pillow-top beds, individually decorated, desk

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, Balcony

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Balcony | Premium bedding, pillow-top beds, individually decorated, desk

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Balcony

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

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

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Poolside | Premium bedding, pillow-top beds, individually decorated, desk

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Poolside

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

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

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking | Premium bedding, pillow-top beds, individually decorated, desk

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 | Premium bedding, pillow-top beds, individually decorated, desk

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

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking | Premium bedding, pillow-top beds, individually decorated, desk

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

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

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Poolside | Premium bedding, pillow-top beds, individually decorated, desk

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Poolside

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

View all photos for Suite, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking

Premium bedding, pillow-top beds, individually decorated, desk

Suite, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking

  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Suite, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking

Suite, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking | Premium bedding, pillow-top beds, individually decorated, desk

Suite, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking

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

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

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Patio (Courtyard View) | Premium bedding, pillow-top beds, individually decorated, desk

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

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

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

Room, 1 King Bed, Roll-in Shower, Non Smoking (Patio, Courtyard View) | Premium bedding, pillow-top beds, individually decorated, desk

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

  • 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) | Premium bedding, pillow-top beds, individually decorated, desk

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

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

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

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Balcony (Pool View) | Premium bedding, pillow-top beds, individually decorated, desk

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

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

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

Suite, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking, Balcony (Pool View) | Premium bedding, pillow-top beds, individually decorated, desk

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

  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Suite, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking

Premium bedding, pillow-top beds, individually decorated, desk

Suite, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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About this property

The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel

Along with an indoor pool, this smoke-free hotel has a restaurant and 3 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 Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel offers 97 accommodations with a hairdryer and free toiletries. Each accommodation is individually decorated. Pillowtop beds feature premium bedding. Flat-screen televisions come with premium cable channels and pay-per-view films. Bathrooms include baths or showers with a rainfall showerhead.

This Iowa City hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and telephones. Hypo-allergenic bedding, an iron/ironing board and change of towels can be requested. Housekeeping is provided on request.

An indoor pool and a 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 Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel. During your stay, you'll be close to Mercy Hospital. Free WiFi in public areas, free self-parking and 3 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
  • The restaurant, poolside bar and 3 bars/lounges offer choices for drinking and dining
  • 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 pool and the clean guestrooms
  • 7 minutes by car from Mercy Hospital and 7 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 Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel offers its guests an indoor pool, a hot tub, and a 24-hour fitness centre. There's a restaurant on site. You can enjoy a drink at one of the bars, which include 3 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 Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel. Self parking is free. A complete renovation of The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel was completed in July 2020.

This Art Deco Iowa City hotel is smoke free.

Guests are served a free continental breakfast on weekdays.
Lucy's – This family restaurant serves brunch, lunch and dinner. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar. A children's menu is available.
Lounge – This bar serves lunch, dinner and light fare. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar. A children's menu is available. Open daily.
Snack Shack – This poolside bar serves dinner and light fare. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar. A children's menu is available. Open selected days.
Room service (during limited hours) is available.

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
  • Limited on-site self parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking available

Food and drink

  • Free continental breakfast available on weekdays
  • 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 cot
  • 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 centre (5,651 square foot 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 bathroom
  • 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 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
  • Water dispenser usage encouraged

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Free cot
  • 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 films

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 and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out
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

  • 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.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • 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 is available for a fee (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out is available for a fee (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
Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Guests will receive an email 24 hours before arrival with check-in 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.
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

We should mention

  • Pool access available from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
  • 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.
  • Connecting/adjoining rooms are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property at the number on your booking confirmation.
  • 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 Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 636 out of 993 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 185 out of 993 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 101 out of 993 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 43 out of 993 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 28 out of 993 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

8.8/10

Amenities

8.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

8/10 Good

Creana

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

4/10 Poor

Jamee

Travelled 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

Travelled with family, Travelled with family and small children
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

Travelled with family, Travelled with family and small children
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

Travelled 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

8/10 Good

Virgilio

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Pleasantly better than expected.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nancy

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Clean room, great vibes
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

6/10 Okay

iain

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Amenities
Restaurant was closed for dining in. Pool side bar/snack bar closed. No coffee machine or utensils in a +$600 per night suite (which is just two adjoining rooms) The kids arcade room is a rip-off. Half the machines simply take your tokens then don’t work. The pool is great but this place could be a whole lot better.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Charles

Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amy

Travelled 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

10/10 Excellent

Tiff

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nick

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Margie

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stacy

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brent

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Very helpful staff. Very large facility quite the interesting retro decor
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Susie

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

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