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The Highlander Hotel, an Ascend Collection Hotel

4.0 star property
Family-friendly stay near University of Iowa

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Highlander Hotel, an Ascend Collection Hotel

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

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Room service

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

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

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

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

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

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

Hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop 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

Hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop 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

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

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

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

Hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop 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

Hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop 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

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Poolside

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

View all photos for Suite, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking

Hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop 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

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)

Hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop 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)

Hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop 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)

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

  • 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)

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)

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 area

Iowa City

Near the airport.Within 3 miles (5 km) of this Iowa City hotel, you'll find University of Iowa and Mercy Hospital. Iowa City Public Library and The Englert Theater are also within 6 miles (10 km).

What's nearby

  • University of Iowa - 5 min drive - 4.9 km
  • Xtream Arena & GreenState Family Fieldhouse - 6 min drive - 8.4 km
  • Mercy Hospital - 6 min drive - 5.2 km
  • The Englert Theater - 7 min drive - 5.5 km
  • University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics - 8 min drive - 6.6 km

Getting around

  • Eastern Iowa Airport (CID) - 27 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Dairy Queen - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪The Black Angel Restaurant And Bar - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Los Agaves Mexican Grill - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪Scooter’s Coffee - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Midtown Family Restaurant - ‬9 min drive

About this property

The Highlander Hotel, an Ascend Collection Hotel

Family-friendly stay near University of Iowa
The Highlander Hotel, an Ascend Collection Hotel offers its guests an indoor pool, a hot tub, and a 24-hour fitness center. 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 meters) and includes a conference center. A terrace, an arcade/game room, and multilingual staff are also featured at the family-friendly The Highlander Hotel, an Ascend Collection Hotel. Self parking is free. A complete renovation of The Highlander Hotel, an Ascend Collection Hotel was completed in July 2020.

This Iowa City hotel is smoke free.

  • 1 building
  • 97 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • 2 bars or lounges
  • 5651 sq ft of conference space
  • 525 sq m of conference space
  • Built in 1967
  • Continental breakfast (free)
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Charging station for electric cars
  • Conference center
  • Coffee in lobby
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Express check-in
  • Express check-out
  • Staff is multilingual
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Wedding services available
  • Game room or arcade
  • Pool or billiards table
  • Terrace
  • Newspapers in lobby (free)
  • ATM
  • No smoking on site
  • Microwave in a common area
  • Water dispenser
  • Bar by the pool
  • Dining venue
The Highlander Hotel, an Ascend Collection Hotel offers 97 accommodations with bathrobes and slippers. These individually decorated accommodations include desks. Beds feature pillowtop mattresses. Flat-screen televisions come with premium cable channels and pay movies.

Bathrooms include bathtubs or showers with rainfall showerheads, and hair dryers. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Hypo-allergenic bedding, irons/ironing boards, and change of towels can be requested. Housekeeping is provided on request.

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  • Pet-friendly
  • Free WiFi
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CA $136 total
includes taxes & fees
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Property amenities

Family friendly

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

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

Things to do

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

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

Room amenities

Entertainment

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

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

Food and drink

  • Champagne service
  • Limited room service
  • Restaurant dining guides

More

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

Policies

Check-in

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

Check-out

Check-out before noon
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability
Late check-out fee: USD 50
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

Guests will receive an email within 24 hours before arrival with check-in instructions and key retrieval information; front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
The credit card used to book the reservation must be presented by the cardholder at check-in along with matching photo identification, and other arrangements must be coordinated with the property prior to arrival

Access methods

Staffed front desk, key retrieval

Pets

  • Pets: USD 30 per pet, per night
  • Only dogs and cats are allowed
  • An off-leash 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 cribs (infant beds)!

Property payment types

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

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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A credit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. 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 Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products.

We should mention

  • Up to 4 children 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, an Ascend Collection Hotel Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 610 out of 941 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 172 out of 941 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 94 out of 941 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 41 out of 941 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 24 out of 941 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

8.8/10

Amenities

8.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Cassie

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled with family, Business traveller
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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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 traveller

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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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 traveller
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

6/10 Okay

Jennifer

Travelled with family

No food buying options available but menus everywh

Arrived at 10pm, no food or drinks available to buy. One person was working, had to wait 5 minutes for anyone to arrive so I could check in. Breakfast is gross, no lunch until 2pm and no alternative food choices anywhere nearby. We were starved when we left.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

alisha

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

10/10 Excellent

David, Des Moines

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fabulous staff. The pool area was amazing. Lots of fun
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

emmet

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025