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The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection

4.0 star property

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1 bedroom, hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop beds
1 bedroom, hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop beds
1 bedroom, hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop beds
Lobby
Indoor pool, sun loungers

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Hot Tub
  • Bar
  • Room service
$144
includes taxes & fees
Aug 28 - Aug 29

Explore the area

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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

View all photos for Suite, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking

1 bedroom, hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop beds

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, pillowtop beds

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

Suite, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking | 1 bedroom, hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop 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, pillowtop 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, pillowtop 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)

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Balcony (Pool View) | 1 bedroom, hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop 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

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, pillowtop beds

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

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

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Balcony | 1 bedroom, hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop beds

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

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

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

1 bedroom, hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop beds

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

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

1 bedroom, hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop beds

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, pillowtop 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, pillowtop 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, pillowtop beds

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

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

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

1 bedroom, hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop beds

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

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

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Exterior

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About this property

The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection

Iowa City hotel with 2 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 center, a poolside bar, and a conference center are onsite. Housekeeping is available on request.
The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection 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.

An indoor pool and a hot tub are on site. Other recreational amenities include a 24-hour fitness center.
In addition to an indoor pool, The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection provides a hot tub and a 24-hour fitness center. The hotel offers a restaurant and a coffee shop/cafe. Guests can unwind with a drink at one of the hotel's bars, which include 2 bars/lounges and a poolside bar. Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast on weekdays. Wireless Internet access is complimentary.

This hotel offers access to 3 meeting rooms and coworking spaces. Event facilities measuring 5651 square feet (525 square meters) include a conference center. This family-friendly hotel also offers a terrace, an arcade/game room, and multilingual staff. Complimentary self parking is available on site, along with a car charging station. A total renovation of this property was completed in July 2020.

The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection is a smoke-free property.

Guests are offered a complimentary 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 serves light fare only. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar. Open daily.
Snack Shack - This coffee shop specializes 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 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

Access methods

Staffed front desk, key retrieval

Pets

Pets allowed for an extra charge of USD 30 per pet, per night
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs and cats only
An off-leash area is available

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
4 children, up to the age of 17 years, can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room
Free cribs are available on request at the property

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • 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)

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may 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

We should mention

This property does not have 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

The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 594 out of 915 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 165 out of 915 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 91 out of 915 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 41 out of 915 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 24 out of 915 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

Stacey

Traveled with group, Business traveler, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Amazing hotel

The hotel is really clean and the decor is amazing. It was myself and children and the property was safe and awesome for kids and adults. The pool area is a 10/10 and also has a hot tub. It has a snack area as well and lots of comfortable seating. The restaurant and bar/arcade also a 10/10. Breakfast in the morning was good they even had breakfast pizza!
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Kandice

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The place was nice and the room was nice. We went with 2 small children. I wish it was just a little bit more small kid friendly. If you have school age kids the pool and outside areas would be perfect.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Matthew

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ayhan

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
It was a amazing stay. Everything was great especially hot tub and pool. Staff are friendly and helpful. Thank you! Highly recommended.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Meggie

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Would recommend and go back!
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Teri

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Danielle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Lucinda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Didn't feel like just a copy paste hotel. Unique furnishings and decor. Parking was amble and close. Drinks and dining were delicious. Staff were very friendly and accommodating. Rooms were clean. At the time of my visit the pool and hot tub were closed due to issues with the filtration system. Looking forward to visiting again, and hiking the pool and hot tub will be functioning properly 😊
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

ROXANNE

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent experience every time
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Katelyn

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We loved this place. It’s very unique very chill and very family friendly. Great service, food, and facilities. It’s a historic hotel keeping up with the current times. There is no elevator but everything was very clean and very fun. Arcade was great. Pool was great. And breakfast was delicious! Staff was wonderful. We will go back for sure and highly recommend to others.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

NAMHEE

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

MICHAEL, WEST SALEM

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Scott

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fun, funky vibe. Facilities generally in good condition, but looking a little bit tired
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Janet

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Matthew

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

10/10 Excellent

Steven

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great place. Not a typical motel. Great pool, great place for kids.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Thomas, DES MOINES

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Rooms are clean and comfortable. Staff were super helpful and friendly.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

4/10 Poor

Rebecca

Business traveler
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The online presentation of this property is very misleading. This is the ultimate ‘Catfish’ of hotel properties. The water stains on window coverings, filthy carpets, stains on bedding, and deodorizers stashed on top of cheap artwork to mask the smell is very off putting. I have pretty low standards but this was not a good stay.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lori

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
There was a nice variety of activities.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Beth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Melissa

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful experience! Thank you.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mark

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
wonderful pool area.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kristen

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

10/10 Excellent

Heidi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Being an old hippie, i enjoyed the 60s theme. Easy to get to and from the interstate. Didn't use the pool but it looks nice. Next time!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

4/10 Poor

Dave

Traveled with family
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was not like pictured on the page. The soap was so watered down I’d be hard pressed to call it soap. More like blue water. The bathroom floor was painted and after showering flecks of paint were stuck to the bottom of my feet. The room seemed very old as did all of the bathroom fixtures. The bed was lumpy and the sheets were a bit like sand paper. There were what appeared to be claw marks on the bathroom floor. Perhaps where the beast they were stabbing with their steely knives tried to escape. I’m just glad we were able to leave after checking out. I’ll never stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025