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The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel

4.0 star property
Art Deco hotel in Iowa City with 3 bars/lounges and indoor pool

Choose dates to view prices

Nestled near the University of Iowa, The Highlander Hotel offers a refreshing retreat with its indoor pool and sun loungers. Unwind at the spa tub or grab a bite to eat at The Highlander Supper Club, where brunch and happy hour are just as popular as breakfast.

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Free parking
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Connecting rooms available

Main amenities (12)

  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Restaurants and 3 bars/lounges
  • Indoor pool
  • 24-hour fitness centre
  • Hot tub
  • Pool bar
  • Room service
  • Conference centre
  • 3 meeting rooms
  • Terrace
  • 24-hour front desk
  • Coffee/tea in a common area

For families (6)

  • Free cots/infant beds
  • Connecting/adjoining rooms available
  • Private bathroom
  • Premium TV channels
  • Terrace
  • Blackout curtains
The current price is AU$241
includes taxes & fees
19 July - 20 July

Why we love this property

Tasty bites and bubbles
This hotel offers a restaurant, cafe, and 2 bars. Free continental breakfast with vegetarian options awaits. In-room champagne service adds a special touch.
Pool perfection
The pool area at this hotel beckons with an indoor pool, hot tub, and comfortable loungers. A poolside bar completes the aquatic retreat.
Pillowtop paradise
Rainfall showers refresh while hypo-allergenic bedding embraces weary bodies. Curated decor and champagne service elevate this hotel experience.

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 20 of 20 rooms

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

7.8 out of 10
Good
(8 reviews)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Room, 2 Queen Beds, Roll-in Shower, Non Smoking

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

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

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

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

A hotel room with a bed, two armchairs, a small round table, a lamp, and a painting on the wall.

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

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Balcony

A hotel room with a bed, two bedside tables, a desk, a chair, and artwork on the walls.

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Balcony

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Poolside

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Poolside

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Poolside

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(6 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Room, 2 Queen Beds, Roll-in Shower, Non Smoking

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, a chair, and artwork on the walls.

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

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Poolside

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Poolside

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Poolside

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Suite, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking

A hotel room with a bed, two blue armchairs, a round coffee table, a desk, and a TV on the wall.

Suite, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking

  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Suite, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking

Suite, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking

Suite, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking

  • Sleeps 8
  • 1 King Bed, 2 Queen Beds and 2 Double Sofa Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

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

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

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

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

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

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

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

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

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

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, a TV, and a view of the outside.

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

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

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

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

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

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(7 reviews)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Suite, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking, Balcony (Pool View)

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

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

  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Suite, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking

Suite, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking

Suite, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

Room

  • Sleeps 4
  • Free Wi-Fi

Room

  • Sleeps 4
  • Free Wi-Fi

Room

  • Sleeps 4
  • Free Wi-Fi

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includes taxes & fees
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About the area

Map
2525 Highlander Place, Iowa City, IA, 52245

What's nearby

  • University of Iowa - 5 min drive - 4.9 km
  • The Englert Theater - 6 min drive - 5.9 km
  • Iowa City Public Library - 6 min drive - 5.9 km
  • Xtream Arena & GreenState Family Fieldhouse - 7 min drive - 9.1 km
  • Coral Ridge Mall - 7 min drive - 12.0 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Scooter’s Coffee - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Cracken’s - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪The Black Angel Restaurant And Bar - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪A & A Pagliai's Pizza - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Los Agaves Mexican Grill - ‬16 min walk

About this property

The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel

  • The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel puts you within a 10-minute drive of University of Iowa and Mercy Hospital. Guests can take a dip in the indoor pool or grab a bite to eat at Lucy's, which serves lunch and dinner. Other highlights at this Art Deco hotel include 3 bars/lounges, a poolside bar and a 24-hour fitness centre. Fellow travellers love the pool and helpful staff.

At a glance

DONE

Hotel size

    • 97 rooms
    • Arranged over 2 floors
DONE

Arriving/Leaving

    • Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: anytime
    • Contactless check-in and check-out are available
    • Express check-out available
    • Early check-in subject to availability
    • Minimum check-in age – 21
    • Check-out time is 11:00 AM
    • Contactless check-out
    • Late check-out subject to availability
DONE

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
DONE

Required at check-in

    • Credit card required for incidental charges
    • Government-issued photo ID may be required
    • Minimum check-in age is 21
DONE

Children

    • Up to 4 children (17 years old and younger) stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room using existing bedding
DONE

Pets

    • Pets allowed (dogs and cats only)*
    • Service animals welcome
    • Off-lead area available
WIFI

Internet

    • Free WiFi in public areas
    • Free WiFi in rooms
LOCAL_PARKING

Parking

    • Free on-site self-parking
    • Free on-site motorhome/coach/lorry parking
    • Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking on site
    • Electric vehicle charging point on site
DONE

Other information

    • Smoke-free property

Property amenities

Food and drink

  • 3 bars/lounges
  • Restaurant
  • Poolside bar
  • Coffee/tea in a common area
  • Shared microwave
  • Room service (limited hours)
  • Water dispenser

Travelling with children

  • Children stay for free (see details)
  • Children's menu
  • Children's games
  • Children's books

What to do

  • Pool table
  • Ping pong

Working away

  • 3 meeting rooms
  • Co-working spaces
  • Conference centre (5651 square feet of space)

Services

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Concierge services
  • Tour/ticket assistance
  • Luggage storage
  • Wedding services
  • Multilingual staff
  • Pool loungers
  • Romance packages

Facilities

  • 1 building/tower
  • Built in 1967
  • ATM/banking
  • Terrace
  • Television in common areas
  • 24-hour fitness centre
  • An indoor pool
  • Arcade/games room
  • Hot tub
  • Music library
  • Vegan dining options
  • Vegetarian dining options
  • Locally owned and organised tours and activities
  • Local artist showcase
  • Double-glazed windows
  • Uses some LED lighting
  • No plastic soft drinks bottles
  • No plastic coffee stirrers
  • No plastic drinking straws
  • No plastic water bottles
  • Water dispenser
  • Reusable cups only
  • Reusable tableware only
  • Reception hall
  • Firepit
  • Outdoor entertainment area
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Art Deco architecture

Accessibility

  • Braille/raised signage
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • 4 on-site accessible parking spaces
  • Wheelchair-accessible public bathroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible concierge desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible van parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant
  • Wheelchair-accessible lounge
  • Visual alarms in hallways
  • Handrails in stairwells
  • Wheelchairs available on site
  • Closed-captioned TV
  • Lever door handles
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Step-free path to entrance
  • Thin carpet in public areas
  • Tile flooring in public areas
  • Hardwood flooring in public areas

Room amenities

Be entertained

  • Flat-screen television
  • Premium cable channels
  • Films for purchase

Home comfort

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Iron/ironing board (on request)

Sleep well

  • Hypo-allergenic bedding
  • Blackout curtains
  • Premium bedding
  • Pillow-top mattress
  • Free cot/infant bed

What to enjoy

  • Individually decorated

Freshen up

  • Private bathroom
  • Bath or shower
  • Rainfall shower heads
  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Hairdryer
  • Towels
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste (on request)
  • Toilet paper

Stay connected

  • Desk
  • Free WiFi
  • Phone

More

  • Housekeeping on request
  • Connecting/adjoining rooms available
  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Bulk dispenser for toiletries
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products provided
  • Uses some LED lighting
  • Recycling
  • Water-efficient showers only
  • Restaurant dining guide

Special features

Dining

Lucy's – This family restaurant serves brunch, lunch and dinner. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar. A children's menu is available. Open daily.
Lounge – This bar serves lunch, dinner and light fare. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar. A children's menu is available. Open daily.
Snack Shack – This poolside bar serves dinner and light fare. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar. A children's menu is available. Open selected days.

Fees & policies

Optional extras

  • Early check-in can be arranged for an extra charge (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out can be arranged for an extra charge (subject to availability)

Pets

  • Service animals exempt from fees
  • Pets are allowed for an extra charge of USD 30 per pet, per night

Pool, spa, & gym (if applicable)

  • Pool access available from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Policies

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 property has connecting/adjoining rooms. These are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property using the number on the booking confirmation.
Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed.
This property does not have lifts.
Guests can rest easy knowing that there's a fire extinguisher on-site.
This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).
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.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover

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 offer free cancellation for a full refund?

Yes, The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in, depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure that you check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.

Is there a pool at The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel?

Yes, there's an indoor pool. Guests have pool access from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

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

Yes, cats and dogs are welcome. There's a charge of USD 30 per pet, per night. Service animals are exempt from fees. Dog exercise areas are available.

Is parking offered on site at The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel?

Yes, there's free self parking. Free motorhome/bus/lorry parking and electric car charging are available.

What are the check-in and check-out times at The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: anytime. There's a charge for early check-in (subject to availability). Check-out time is 11:00 AM. Late check-out is available for a charge (subject to availability). Express check-out and contactless social distancing and check-out are available.

What is there to do at The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel and nearby?

The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel has 3 bars, an indoor pool and a 24-hour fitness centre, as well as a hot tub and an arcade.

Are there restaurants at or near The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel?

Yes, Lucy's offers pool views and poolside dining.

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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

Guest review summary

What guests liked

  • The pool area is a highlight of the property, offering a large and clean space for guests to enjoy. (100 reviews)
  • The spa area at this property offers a relaxing atmosphere, clean facilities, and comfortable temperatures. (28 reviews)
  • The hot tub is clean, comfortable, and well-maintained, with some properties offering adult-only swim times. (31 reviews)
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From real guest reviews summarized by AI.

Popular mentions

Service staff
Room
Breakfast
Hot Tub
Children
Food
Bed
Family friendly
Ambience
Amenities

Reviews

Verified

8/10 Very good

The room was very clean and the staff was friendly. The pool area was beautiful and close to the restaurant. Only complaint is the pool opens at 9am. Would be nice to have access earlier.
Amanda, 2-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Great place to stay with kids!
Jennifer, 1-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

We always en the pool and hot tub area. We love the decor.
Darron, 1-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Very pleasant surprise how nice the pool area was. Staff even delivered drinks to us in the hot tub. Overall excellent hotel!!!!
Shane, 1-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Great hotel! Very unique compared to today’s standards. Not a chain type hotel. Beautiful and perfect for our staycation!
Courtney, 1-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Friendly staff, huge pool and hot tub, convenient room locations. A huge patio with games to play and kids to run. A very safe area. We'll for sure be back in our travels!
Sheryl, 1-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

It is a vibe for sure! It has swanky motel vibes. When you drive up you may ask yourself what is this. However once you see the lobby, pool area and “Lucy” you get it. Throwback vibes in a modern way. Solid updated rooms, nice indoor pool and hot tub. Outdoor fire pits, corn hole and a life sized chess board! You can pick a room next to the pool or away from it. Might not be for everyone, especially if you like a more ritzy hotel. However me and the wife will be back for quick getaways as we only live an hour away. Clean, family friendly and great staff.
Robert, 1-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Always a good time at the Highlander. We love the place and all the amenities. Beautiful rooms, great lounge areas. Yummy food.
Jeannie, 1-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Yes the room was clean and staff was helpful.
Darron, 1-night trip
Verified

8/10 Very good

Pool was great. Hot tub also great. Staff friendly,
Matt, 2-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

This was the best exsperience i have ever had at a hotel. It was extremly clean. The staff were amazing and accomodating. The pool and hot tub was nice, warm and clean. Super kid freindly. Great place and will be staying again.
Tarah, 1-night trip
Verified

8/10 Very good

clean and most
Keith, 2-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

I recommend staying here everyone was so friendly. We had 3 children aged 4,8 and 10, and they asked when we could stay again. I appreciated the wood floors in the room and not carpet. Very clean.
Cynthia, 1-night trip
Verified

8/10 Very good

Nice hotel, not ideal for business traveling. Not a very good desk area. Would go back for a personal trip. Staff was great. Overall nice hotel. Great outdoor area as welk, would be great on a spring or fall evening
Christopher, 1-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

The suites were large nice having connected rooms staff was friendly it’s a bit dated but clean pool area is awesome
John, 1-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

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, 2-night trip
Verified

8/10 Very good

Clean rooms and friendly staff!
Sara, 1-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

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, 2-night trip
Verified

8/10 Very good

Pool was great, floor in pool was dirty and not cleaned next day. Room was nice, you can tell it’s an updated older property and that’s fine. During our stay the pool bar and other areas seemed to be closed. Breakfast food was average or below for our kids, smaller selection. All that aside, we enjoyed the room and would stay again.
Jacob, 2-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Very friendly staff!
Argenis, 1-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Very helpful staff. Very large facility quite the interesting retro decor
Brent, 1-night trip
Verified

8/10 Very good

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!
Julie, 2-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Fun pool, unique property, friendly staff. We enjoyed our stay very much.
Hilary, 1-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

wonderful pool area.
Mark, 1-night trip
Verified

8/10 Very good

The pool and outside courtyard are both extremely spacious and very family friendly areas. This hotel was a great bargain.
Becky, 3-night trip