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
Photo gallery for The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel
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.
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 game? See what's going on at Xtream Arena & GreenState Family Fieldhouse or Kinnick Stadium. Visit our Iowa City travel guide
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
Iowa City Public Library
7 min drive - 5.5 km
Getting around
Eastern Iowa Airport (CID)
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
Upscale family-friendly hotel renovated in 2020 and located 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, Lucy's, offers brunch, lunch, dinner, and kids' meals. Free in-room WiFi is available to all guests, along with a firepit and an arcade/game room.
Other perks at this hotel include:
An indoor pool along with sun loungers
Free self parking
An electric car charging station, express check-out, and a reception hall
Smoke-free premises, games, and luggage storage
Guest reviews give top marks for the breakfast, pool, and helpful staff
Room features
All 97 individually decorated rooms include perks such as premium bedding and laptop-friendly workspaces, in addition to amenities like free WiFi and air conditioning. 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
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 crib
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 center (5,651 square feet 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 washroom
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 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
Water dispenser usage encouraged
Room amenities
Bedroom
Blackout drapes
Free crib
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 movies
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 available
Minimum check-in age: 21
Check-out
Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
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 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
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
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 is available for a fee (subject to availability)
Late check-out is available for a fee (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
Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
We should mention
This property does not have elevators
Pool access available from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
The property has connecting/adjoining rooms, which are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property using the number on the 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
Does The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel have a pool?
Yes, this property has an indoor pool. Pool access is from 9:00 AM–10:00 PM.
How much does it cost to stay at The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel?
As of 6 March 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel on 30 March 2026 start from AED 459, 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?
Self parking is free at this property.
What time is check-in at The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel?
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime. A fee applies for early check-in (subject to availability).
What time is check-out at The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel?
Check-out is at 11:00 AM. Late check-out is available for a fee (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).
Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?
Yes, this property offers free cancellation on select room rates, because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.
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Reviews
The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel Reviews
8.8
Excellent
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
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.
Steph
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
10/10 Excellent
Vonnie
28 November 2025
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!
Vonnie
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
4/10 Poor
Jamee
7 January 2026
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.
Jamee
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
10/10 Excellent
Brent
4 November 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Very helpful staff. Very large facility quite the interesting retro decor
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.