The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel

4.0 star property
Travelers can enjoy the indoor pool for daytime relaxation, catch up on work with a coffee, or end the day with a satisfying dinner at this Iowa retreat.

Choose dates to view prices

The Highlander Hotel, located near the University of Iowa, offers a refreshing getaway with its indoor pool and comfortable sun loungers. Guests can relax in the spa tub or visit The Highlander Supper Club, where the brunch and happy hour options rival the breakfast selections.

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Pet-friendly
  • Free Wi-Fi
The current price is ฿3,655
฿4,094 total
includes taxes & fees
21 Jan - 22 Jan

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 17 of 17 rooms

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

7.6 out of 10
Good
(5 reviews)

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Pillow-top bed
Bathrobes
Rainfall showerhead
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

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

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Pillow-top bed
Bathrobes
Rainfall showerhead
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

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

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Pillow-top bed
Bathrobes
Rainfall showerhead
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Balcony

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Pillow-top bed
Bathrobes
Rainfall showerhead
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Poolside

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Pillow-top bed
Bathrobes
Rainfall showerhead
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Pillow-top bed
Bathrobes
Rainfall showerhead
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Pillow-top bed
Bathrobes
Rainfall showerhead
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Pillow-top bed
Bathrobes
Rainfall showerhead
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Poolside

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Pillow-top bed
Bathrobes
Rainfall showerhead
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Suite, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Pillow-top bed
Bathrobes
Rainfall showerhead
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds

Suite, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Pillow-top bed
Bathrobes
Rainfall showerhead
  • Sleeps 8
  • 1 King Bed, 2 Queen Beds and 2 Double Sofa Beds

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

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Pillow-top bed
Bathrobes
Rainfall showerhead
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Pillow-top bed
Bathrobes
Rainfall showerhead
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Pillow-top bed
Bathrobes
Rainfall showerhead
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

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

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(7 reviews)

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Pillow-top bed
Bathrobes
Rainfall showerhead
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

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

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Pillow-top bed
Bathrobes
Rainfall showerhead
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds

Suite, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Pillow-top bed
Bathrobes
Rainfall showerhead
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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About the area

Located in Iowa City, The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel is in the business district and near the airport. Looking to enjoy an event or a match? See what's going on at Xtream Arena & GreenState Family Fieldhouse or Kinnick Stadium.
Map
2525 Highlander Place, Iowa City, IA, 52245

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

  • Cedar Rapids, IA (CID-Eastern Iowa) - 30 min drive

Restaurants

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

About this property

The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel

Family-friendly hotel near University of Iowa
Located close to Mercy Hospital and The Englert Theater, The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel provides free continental breakfast, a poolside bar and a terrace. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. The on-site restaurant, Supper Club, offers brunch, lunch, dinner and happy hour. Free in-room WiFi is available to all guests, along with a coffee shop/cafe and an arcade/games room.
Other perks at this hotel include:
  • An indoor pool, along with sunloungers
  • Free self-parking
  • An electric car charging station, express check-out and express check-in
  • Smoke-free property, concierge services and a water dispenser
  • Guest reviews speak highly of the breakfast, pool and helpful staff
Room features
All 97 individually decorated rooms have thoughtful touches such as air conditioning and bathrobes, in addition to amenities such as free WiFi. Guest reviews speak positively of the cleanliness rooms at the property.
Extra conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Children's books and free infant beds
  • Recycling, LED light bulbs and eco-friendly cleaning products
  • Bathrooms with rainfall showers and eco-friendly toiletries
  • Flat-screen TVs with premium channels
  • Housekeeping and desks

Similar properties

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
  • 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 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
  • 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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk, key retrieval

Pets

Pets are 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-lead 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 cots are available on request at the property

Payment types at the property

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 any lifts
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

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

Yes, this property has an indoor pool.

How much does it cost to stay at The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel?

As of 15 Jan 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel on 21 Jan 2026 start from ฿3,655.06, excluding 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.

Is The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel pet-friendly?

Yes, cats and dogs are allowed at this property. There's a fee of USD 30 per pet, per night. Service animals are exempt from fees.

How much is parking at The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel?

Self-parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. Early check-in is available for a fee of USD 50 (subject to availability).

What time is check-out at The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel?

Checkout is at noon. Late checkout is available for USD 50 (subject to availability).

Where is The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel located?

This family-friendly Iowa City hotel is located near the airport, within 3 mi (5 km) of University of Iowa and Mercy Hospital. Iowa City Public Library and The Englert Theater are also within 6 mi (10 km).

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Reviews

The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel Reviews

8.8

Excellent

9.0

Cleanliness

8.8

Amenities

9.2

Staff & service

8.6

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 619 out of 959 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 174 out of 959 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 98 out of 959 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 42 out of 959 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 26 out of 959 reviews

Reviews

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

4/10 Poor

Jamee

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

8/10 Good

Teresa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
What a cool update this place has had! Very glam and funky at the same time! Records to play, games and puzzles, a piano, lots of cool hang out nooks. Fabulous pool area, super fun arcade, cozy dining areas.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Julie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Clean room, good free breakfast. Pool and hot tub are clean and enjoyable. Fun bar with the arcade. We liked the courtyard area and the fire pit out front. We will stay again!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Sara

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean rooms and friendly staff!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kelly

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We LOVE The Highlander. Have stayed here 7 times now and will continue to book all of our Iowa City visits here. It’s a full resort with plenty to do on property and then catch the bus or a cheap Uber Downtown.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Argenis

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very friendly staff!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Samantha

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

I’m totally coming back

A very clean and unique hotel. The staff was friendly and accommodating and the rooms were neat and extremely comfortable!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Thomas L.

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
1960s style. Clean. great food. No receptacles for cell phones and laptops.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Becky

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The pool and outside courtyard are both extremely spacious and very family friendly areas. This hotel was a great bargain.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

David

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

10/10 Excellent

Hilary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fun pool, unique property, friendly staff. We enjoyed our stay very much.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Helen

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

Fun vibe. Comfortable beds. Large Rooms.

Great pool and hot tub. Nice on-site bar and arcade room. Friendly service. Historic hotel with a fun vibe. Rooms are larger with comfortable beds. Comfortable lobby with fun velvet chairs. Not your average hotel.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Steven

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Jane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Convenient location. Comfortable.
Stayed 1 night in May 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

10/10 Excellent

kenneth

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

10/10 Excellent

Lori

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

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lots of fun! Marvelous decor and dramatic pool room. I enjoyed the evening bonfire while watching the full moon rise. It is just off I 80 so super convenient for cross country travel.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ayhan

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

Sheila

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff was very attentive.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Mellette

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The pool was a lot of fun.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Eva

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff, nice room location
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jordyn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
It was super cozy and comfortable in the hotel. I loved the design and layout of the building. The court yard and pool is super cozy and inviting! I would 100% recommend this hotel to anyone!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025