The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection

4.0 star property
Family-friendly hotel with free breakfast and bars

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Photo gallery for The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection

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

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Room service

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 17 of 17 rooms

Suite, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Renovated in 2020
Pillowtop bed
Separate bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Poolside

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Renovated in 2020
Pillowtop bed
Separate bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Suite, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Renovated in 2020
Pillowtop bed
Separate bedroom
  • Sleeps 8
  • 1 King Bed, 2 Queen Beds and 2 Double Sofa Beds

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

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Renovated in 2020
Pillowtop bed
Separate bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Renovated in 2020
Pillowtop bed
Separate bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

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

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Renovated in 2020
Pillowtop bed
Separate bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Poolside

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Renovated in 2020
Pillowtop bed
Separate bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Renovated in 2020
Pillowtop bed
Separate bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Balcony

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Renovated in 2020
Pillowtop bed
Separate bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Renovated in 2020
Pillowtop bed
Separate bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Renovated in 2020
Pillowtop bed
Separate bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Renovated in 2020
Pillowtop bed
Separate bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Renovated in 2020
Pillowtop bed
Separate bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Renovated in 2020
Pillowtop bed
Separate bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Renovated in 2020
Pillowtop bed
Separate bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Renovated in 2020
Pillowtop bed
Separate bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

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

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Renovated in 2020
Pillowtop bed
Separate bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Similar properties

About the neighborhood

Map
2525 Highlander Place, Iowa City, IA, 52245

What's nearby

  • University of Iowa - 6 min drive - 3.3 miles
  • Mercy Hospital - 6 min drive - 3.2 miles
  • University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics - 8 min drive - 4.1 miles
  • Kinnick Stadium - 9 min drive - 4.8 miles
  • Carver-Hawkeye Arena - 9 min drive - 4.8 miles

Getting around

  • Eastern Iowa Airport (CID) - 27 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Burge Market Place - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Wildwood Smokehouse & Saloon - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Casey's General Store - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Casey's General Store - ‬8 min drive

About this property

The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection

Family-friendly hotel remodeled in 2020 and located near University of Iowa
Located close to Mercy Hospital and The Englert Theater, The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection 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/game room.
Other perks at this hotel include:
  • An indoor pool with sun loungers
  • Free self parking
  • An electric car charging station, express check-out, and express check-in
  • Free newspapers, books, and a reception hall
  • Guest reviews give top marks for the breakfast, pool, and helpful staff
Room features
All 97 individually decorated rooms include perks such as air conditioning and bathrobes, in addition to amenities like free WiFi. Guest reviews speak positively of the clean rooms at the property.
Other 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

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
  • Smoke-free property
  • 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

Frequently asked questions

Does The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection have a pool?

Yes, this property has an indoor pool.

Is The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection 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, Ascend Hotel Collection?

Self parking is free at this property.

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

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, Ascend Hotel Collection?

Check-out is at noon. Late check-out is available for USD 50 (subject to availability).

Where is The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection 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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The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 567 out of 865 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 155 out of 865 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 82 out of 865 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 38 out of 865 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 23 out of 865 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

Would recommend and go back!
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10

Fun pool, unique property, friendly staff. We enjoyed our stay very much.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10

Rooms are clean and comfortable. Staff were super helpful and friendly.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10

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 experience every time
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10

There was a nice variety of activities.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10

The staff was very attentive.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10

This place is great. Retro in a comfy way. Food was surprisingly really good for a hotel. Can eat poolside in swanky but comfy couches. Arcade was fun and the whole vibe of the place was a great end to our vaca.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

4/10

No coffee, no breakfast, no microwave, metal seat to eat at table (only one, mind you) and 5 inches from TV. Would not stay again even for less than $250.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10

The pool was a lot of fun.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10

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

Fun, funky vibe. Facilities generally in good condition, but looking a little bit tired
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10

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

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

Wonderful experience! Thank you.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10

Second time coming here and we love it a lot!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10

The pool area was awesome! The arcade was great for us and the kids. Going back in the spring they have a really nice courtyard!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10

Everything was fantastic
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10

Loved the pool. Kids enjoyed the arcade. Staff was friendly. Liked the 12 PM check out.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10

My partner and i had an amazing stay here over our spring break. We got a poolside room, everything was incredibly clean, even during busy season. Always friendly/helpful wait staff available! Our bartender and chef during our stay was phenomenal! Everything about our stay kept us in awe from the views, activities, food, there is something for everyone here! It’s is always worth the visit!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10

The Highlander is a very cute hotel with such a vibe! We only wished we had been able to stay longer to enjoy it more!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10

Great offering for money. Interesting vibe. Supper Club dinner and ambiance pleasantly surprised, with live music duo. Drinks poolside. Helpful staff. Nice brunch. Glad this gem has been refurbished and keeps the groovey times going! Thank you. Hope to visit again soon!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10

The pool and hot tub, plus the arcade and billards, made this a fun and enjoyable stay. Rooms could be a bit more furnished with things like a dresser, luggage rack, hangers. Overall, the facility was great and loved their accommodations for dogs.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10

Is a nice place. Have a bar restaurant, quiet place and clean. I recommend it to my friends
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10

Nice pool. Good pizza
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025