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The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel

4.0 star property

Photo gallery for The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel

3 bars/lounges, poolside bar
Creator video
Premium bedding, pillow-top beds, individually decorated, desk
Indoor pool, open 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM, pool loungers
Lobby

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Pet-friendly
  • Free Wi-Fi
The current price is AU$244
includes taxes & fees
1 Apr - 2 Apr

Explore the area

View 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

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

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

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

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

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

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Balcony

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

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Poolside

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

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Poolside

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

Suite, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking

  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds

Suite, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking

  • 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)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen 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

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

A family-friendly stay in Iowa City awaits you at The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel. You'll be 4 km (2.5 mi) from University of Iowa and 4.7 km (2.9 mi) from Mercy Hospital. Highlights at this Art Deco hotel include 3 bars/lounges, a restaurant and an indoor swimming pool. .The family restaurant, Lucy's, is open for brunch, lunch and dinner. Lounge is the hotel's own bar, serving drinks along with lunch and dinner. Enjoy the 24-hour gym, Hot tub and pool loungers. 5651 square feet (525 square metres) of event facilities include 3 meeting rooms and a conference centre, and other business amenities include coworking space. Added amenities include free Wi-Fi in public areas, coffee/tea in a common area and a microwave in a common area. On weekday mornings a free continental breakfast is served. Bring your pet along and take advantage of this property's pet-friendly amenities, such as an off-lead area. There's also the convenience of free self parking. .Sights within a 10-minute drive of this 4-property class Iowa City hotel include Xtream Arena & GreenState Family Fieldhouse and Iowa City Public Library.

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
  • ‪Scooter’s Coffee - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪A & A Pagliai's Pizza - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Dairy Queen - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Kindred Coffee - ‬6 min drive

About this property

The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel

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.

  • 1 building
  • 97 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • 3 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 centre
  • Coffee in lobby
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Express check-out
  • Staff members are multilingual
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Wedding services available
  • Games room or arcade
  • Pool or billiards table
  • Terrace
  • Television in lobby
  • ATM
  • No smoking on site
  • Microwave in a common area
  • Water dispenser
  • Bar by the pool
  • Dining venue
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.

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
  • 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

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

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
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. 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. The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guest room reservation. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products. Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed.
    For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher in all accommodation.

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

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel?

The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

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

As of 27 Mar 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel on 1 Apr 2026 start from AU$244, including 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 parking available at The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel?

Yep, The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel has a free self car park and free RV/bus/truck parking.

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

Yep, and guests love it! The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel has an indoor pool. Grab your bathers and lounge poolside while enjoying on a lounger and with a coldie from the bar. The pool is open 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

What luxury perks are available at The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel?

The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel features an indoor pool, 1 hot tub and 3 bars. All guestrooms come with pillowtop beds and premium bedding.

What makes The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel a romantic place to stay?

1 hot tub and poolside dining, as well as rainfall showerheads and pillowtop beds in the guestrooms, help set the scene for a romantic weekend at The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel.

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

You bet! With amenities such as children's meals and an arcade, as well as children's books and free infant beds in the guestrooms, it's no surprise that The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel is a hit with families.

Does The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel serve breakfast?

Yeah, our travelers love the free continental breakfast here! Served on weekdays, this is the place to fuel up for a day of adventure.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel?

No, The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel does not offer an airport shuttle service.

Is there a bar or restaurant at The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel?

Yep, they've got a poolside bar and an onsite restaurant that serves brunch, lunch and dinner.

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

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. Check-out time is 11:00 AM.

Are pets allowed at The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel?

Cats and dogs are welcome at The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel, with dog exercise areas on offer.

The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 628 out of 980 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 182 out of 980 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 99 out of 980 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 43 out of 980 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 28 out of 980 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

8.8/10

Amenities

8.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

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

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

8/10 Good

Teresa, Colorado Springs

Travelled with family
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

10/10 Excellent

Daniel, Albia

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jon, barrington

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Terrific staff! Drew and the crew at the front desk did everything they possibly could to help my large, multigenerational family enjoy their stay.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Jill

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The hot tub was closed. Disappointed
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Jeffery

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Was a good time,breakfast disappointed (or lack of)
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Nicholas

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jonas

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

Family trip

Staff, particularly Kimberly and Jula, were very professional and accommodating. Pool is great and lots of fun activities for our two boys. Overall an inviting and entertaining property providing a unique experience.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Todd

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kyle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great stay as always
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025