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
8.88.8 out of 10
Excellent
Popular amenities
Pool
Electric vehicle charging point
Non-smoking
Bar
24/7 front desk
Main amenities (12)
Housekeeping (on request)
Restaurant and 2 bars/lounges
Indoor pool
24-hour fitness center
Hot tub
Pool bar
Room service
Coffee shop/cafe
Conference center
3 meeting rooms
Terrace
24-hour front desk
For families (6)
Children stay free
Free cribs/infant beds
Private bathroom
Premium TV channels
Terrace
Bathtub or shower
$129 nightly
The total price is $144
$144 total
Aug 19 - Aug 20
Total includes taxes and fees
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
Separate bedroom
Pillowtop bed
Sleeps 6
1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds
View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Poolside
Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Poolside
10.010.0 out of 10
Exceptional
2 reviews
(2 reviews)
Highlights
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Renovated in 2020
Separate bedroom
Pillowtop bed
Sleeps 4
2 Queen Beds
View all photos for Suite, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking
Suite, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking
Highlights
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Renovated in 2020
Separate bedroom
Pillowtop bed
Sleeps 8
1 King Bed, 2 Queen Beds and 2 Double Sofa Beds
View all photos for Room, 2 Queen Beds, Roll-in Shower, Non Smoking
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
Separate bedroom
Pillowtop bed
Sleeps 4
2 Queen Beds
View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking
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
Separate bedroom
Pillowtop bed
Sleeps 4
2 Queen Beds
View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Balcony (Pool View)
Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Balcony (Pool View)
8.48.4 out of 10
Very good
7 reviews
(7 reviews)
Highlights
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Renovated in 2020
Separate bedroom
Pillowtop bed
Sleeps 4
2 Queen Beds
View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Poolside
Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Poolside
10.010.0 out of 10
Exceptional
1 review
(1 review)
Highlights
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Renovated in 2020
Separate bedroom
Pillowtop bed
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed
View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Patio (Courtyard View)
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
Separate bedroom
Pillowtop bed
Sleeps 4
2 Queen Beds
View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Balcony
Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Balcony
10.010.0 out of 10
Exceptional
1 review
(1 review)
Highlights
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Renovated in 2020
Separate bedroom
Pillowtop bed
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed
View all photos for Suite, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking, Balcony (Pool View)
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
Separate bedroom
Pillowtop bed
Sleeps 6
1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds
View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking
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
Separate bedroom
Pillowtop bed
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed
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)
Highlights
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Renovated in 2020
Separate bedroom
Pillowtop bed
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
Separate bedroom
Pillowtop bed
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed
View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking
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
Separate bedroom
Pillowtop bed
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed
View all photos for Room, 2 Queen Beds, Roll-in Shower, Non Smoking
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
Separate bedroom
Pillowtop bed
Sleeps 4
2 Queen Beds
View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking
Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking
7.67.6 out of 10
Good
5 reviews
(5 reviews)
Highlights
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Renovated in 2020
Separate bedroom
Pillowtop bed
Sleeps 4
2 Queen Beds
View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Patio (Courtyard View)
Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Patio (Courtyard View)
University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics - 8 min drive - 6.6 km
Kinnick Stadium - 9 min drive - 7.6 km
Carver-Hawkeye Arena - 9 min drive - 7.7 km
Getting around
Eastern Iowa Airport (CID) - 27 min drive
Restaurants
A & A Pagliai's Pizza - 7 min drive
Kindred Coffee - 6 min drive
Dairy Queen - 7 min drive
Scooter’s Coffee - 2 min drive
BlackStone - 7 min drive
About this property
The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection
When you stay at The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection, you'll be within a 10-minute drive of University of Iowa and University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics. Guests can take a dip in the indoor pool or grab a bite to eat at Supper Club, which serves lunch and dinner. Other highlights include 2 bars/lounges, a poolside bar, and a 24-hour fitness center. Fellow travelers love the pool and helpful staff.
Languages
English, Spanish
At a glance
DONE
Hotel size
97 rooms
Arranged over 2 floors
DONE
Arriving/Leaving
Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Express check-in/out available
Early check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 21
Check-out time is noon
Contactless check-out available
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 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
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-leash area available
WIFI
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Free WiFi in rooms
LOCAL_PARKING
Parking
Free onsite self parking
Free onsite RV/bus/truck 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
Free continental breakfast on weekday mornings
2 bars/lounges
Restaurant
Poolside bar
Coffee shop
Coffee/tea in a common area
Shared microwave
Room service (limited hours)
Water dispenser
Traveling with children
Children stay free (see details)
Children's games
Children's books
What to do
Pool table
Table tennis
Working away
3 meeting rooms
Coworking spaces
Conference center (5651 square feet of space)
Services
24-hour front desk
Concierge services
Tour/ticket assistance
Free newspapers in lobby
Luggage storage
Wedding services
Multilingual staff
Pool loungers
Romance packages
Facilities
1 building/tower
Built in 1967
ATM/banking
Terrace
24-hour fitness center
An indoor pool
Arcade/game room
Hot tub
At least 80% of food locally-sourced
At least 80% organic food
Vegan dining options
Vegetarian dining options
Locally-owned & organized tours & activities
Local artist showcase
At least 10% of profits reinvested in community & sustainability
Double-glazed windows
At least 80% lighting from LEDs
Comprehensive food waste policy
Comprehensive recycling policy
No plastic soda bottles
No plastic coffee stirrers
No plastic drinking straws
No plastic water bottles
Reusable cups only
Reusable tableware only
Reception hall
Accessibility
Braille/raised signage
Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
Wheelchair-accessible parking
Wheelchair-accessible public washroom
Wheelchair-accessible concierge desk
Wheelchair-accessible van parking
Valet for wheelchair-equipped vehicle
Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
Wheelchair-accessible fitness center
Wheelchair-accessible lounge
Visual alarms in hallways
Handrails in stairways
Closed captioned TV
Upper floors accessible by stairs only
Well-lit path to entrance
Stair-free path to entrance
Room amenities
Be entertained
Flat-screen television
Premium cable channels
Pay movies
Home comfort
Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
Bathrobes and slippers
Iron/ironing board (on request)
Sleep well
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Pillowtop mattress
Free crib/infant bed
Bed sheets provided
What to enjoy
Individually decorated
Freshen up
Private bathroom
Bathtub or shower
Rainfall showerhead
Eco-friendly toiletries
Hair dryer
Towels
Toilet paper
Stay connected
Desk
Free WiFi
Food and drink
Champagne service
More
Housekeeping (on request)
Eco-friendly toiletries
Eco-friendly cleaning products provided
Energy-saving switches
LED light bulbs
Recycling
Water-efficient showers only
Guidebooks/recommendations
Restaurant dining guide
Special features
Dining
Supper Club - This restaurant serves brunch, lunch, and dinner. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar. Happy hour is offered.
Patio Bar - This bar serves light fare only. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar. Open daily.
Snack Shack - This coffee shop specializes in American cuisine. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar. Open daily.
Fees & policies
Optional extras
Early check-in can be arranged for an extra charge of USD 50 (subject to availability)
Late check-out can be arranged for an extra charge of USD 50 (subject to availability)
Pets
Service animals exempt from fees
Pets are allowed for an extra charge of USD 30 per pet, per night
Policies
This property does not have elevators.
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products.
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, Ascend Hotel Collection offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection 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 to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Is there a pool at The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection?
Yes, there's an indoor pool.
Are pets allowed at The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection?
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, Ascend Hotel Collection?
Yes, there's free self parking. Free RV/bus/truck parking and electric vehicle charging are available.
What are the check-in and check-out times at The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection?
You can check in starting at 3:00 PM. There's a charge of USD 50 for early check-in (subject to availability). Check-out time is noon. Late check-out is available for a charge of USD 50 (subject to availability). Express check-in and check-out and contactless check-in and check-out are available.
What is there to do at The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection and nearby?
The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection has 2 bars, an indoor pool, and a 24-hour fitness center, as well as a hot tub and an arcade.
Are there restaurants at or near The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection?
Yes, Supper Club offers American cuisine.
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The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection Reviews
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.More informationOpens in a new window
9.0/10
Cleanliness
9.2/10
Staff & service
8.8/10
Amenities
8.6/10
Property conditions & facilities
9.2/10
Eco-friendliness
Popular mentions
Service staff
Room
Breakfast
Children
Hot Tub
Food
Bed
Family friendly
Ambience
Amenities
What guests liked
The property's breakfast was consistently praised as delicious, with many reviewers highlighting the quality and variety of the food. (20 reviews)
Plenty of parking was available and easily accessible. (3 reviews)
From real guest reviews summarized by AI.
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Aug 8, 2025
Great place to stay!
Jay
Jay, 1-night trip
8/10 Good
Jul 20, 2025
Clean rooms and friendly staff!
Sara
Sara, 1-night trip
8/10 Good
Aug 14, 2025
Great workers
Tony
Tony, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Jun 28, 2025
Very friendly staff!
Argenis
Argenis, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Jul 23, 2025
Fabulous staff. The pool area was amazing. Lots of fun
David
David, 1-night trip
8/10 Good
Jun 19, 2025
The pool and outside courtyard are both extremely spacious and very family friendly areas. This hotel was a great bargain.
Becky
Becky, 3-night trip
6/10 Okay
Aug 3, 2025
The pictures on Expedia make this look like a spruced up hotel; the lobby actually looks nice. The pool was the reason that we chose the hotel in the first place; my daughter was hoping to get some pool time in the morning. But when we went down to use the pool, I was told by the woman at the desk that the chlorine was "zero" and it was closed.
Andrew
Andrew, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
May 11, 2025
Would recommend and go back!
Meggie
Meggie, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Apr 3, 2025
Fun pool, unique property, friendly staff. We enjoyed our stay very much.
Hilary
Hilary, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Jun 12, 2025
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.
Elizabeth
Elizabeth, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Apr 21, 2025
Great place. Not a typical motel. Great pool, great place for kids.
Steven
Steven, 2-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Apr 17, 2025
Rooms are clean and comfortable. Staff were super helpful and friendly.
Thomas
Thomas, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
May 14, 2025
It was a amazing stay. Everything was great especially hot tub and pool. Staff are friendly and helpful. Thank you! Highly recommended.
Ayhan
Ayhan, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
May 3, 2025
Excellent experience every time
ROXANNE
ROXANNE, 2-night trip
8/10 Good
May 30, 2025
Overall nice and a little dated
Deborah
Deborah, 1-night trip
8/10 Good
May 25, 2025
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.
Kandice
Kandice, 1-night trip
4/10 Poor
Jun 19, 2025
Physical ant and design
Britt
Britt, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Mar 22, 2025
The staff was very attentive.
Sheila
Sheila, 1-night trip
8/10 Good
Mar 17, 2025
The pool was a lot of fun.
Mellette
Mellette, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Mar 21, 2025
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!
Jordyn
Jordyn, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Jul 3, 2025
Room overlooking the pool was very nice. For 5 stars on the property condition, they would have to repair some ceiling areas over the pool, but this is a minor point overall. We checked in late, but the waiter in the bar offered to take our food order and deliver it to us in the pool area so we could enjoy the pool before it closed. Super nice guy, and I wish I would have gotten his name so I could acknowledge him here. Wristband room key was a first for me, but a great idea.
Denis
Denis, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Jun 17, 2025
I was worried when I first pulled up but in this situation you can not judge a book by its cover! The hotel its self looks like a basic banquet hall but as soon as you walk in you can feel the time they took to make it like a 1960/1970 hang out. It was well decorated, had multiple areas to play games or listen to records(yes I said records!), fire pit outside, and finally the best part of the hotel, the pool. It was extremely clean and the perfect temperature. We booked a room pool side so it even came with our own reserved table. I can’t say enough good things about this hotel!!!
Joanna
Joanna, 1-night trip
4/10 Poor
Jun 23, 2025
Nothing
rajmond
rajmond, 2-night trip
8/10 Good
Mar 15, 2025
Unique, fun vibe
Pool area was nice. Hot tub was clean and comfortable temperature. Beds were comfortable. Unique artwork and designs throughout the hotel.
Molly
Molly, 1-night trip
8/10 Good
Apr 25, 2025
Fun, funky vibe. Facilities generally in good condition, but looking a little bit tired