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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.

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

Room, 2 Queen Beds, Roll-in Shower, Non Smoking | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, individually decorated, desk - The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel (Iowa City)
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Suite, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, individually decorated, desk - The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel (Iowa City)
3 bars/lounges, poolside bar - The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel (Iowa City)
A hotel room with a bed, desk, and large windows. - The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel (Iowa City)
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.

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 17 of 17 rooms

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

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, individually decorated, desk

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

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

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

Room, 2 Queen Beds, Roll-in Shower, Non Smoking | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, individually decorated, desk

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

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

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

Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, individually decorated, desk

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

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

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 WiFi

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

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Poolside | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, individually decorated, desk

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Poolside

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

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

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, individually decorated, desk

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(4 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

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

Room, 2 Queen Beds, Roll-in Shower, Non Smoking | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, individually decorated, desk

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

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

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

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, individually decorated, desk

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

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

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Poolside | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, individually decorated, desk

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Poolside

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

View all photos for Suite, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking

Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, individually decorated, desk

Suite, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking

  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Suite, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking

Suite, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, individually decorated, desk

Suite, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking

  • Sleeps 8
  • 1 King Bed, 2 Queen Beds and 2 Double Sofa Beds
  • Free WiFi

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

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Patio (Courtyard View) | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, individually decorated, desk

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

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

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) | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, individually decorated, desk

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

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

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 WiFi

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

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Balcony (Pool View) | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, individually decorated, desk

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 WiFi

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

Suite, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking, Balcony (Pool View) | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, individually decorated, desk

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

  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

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

Suite, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, individually decorated, desk

Suite, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

About the neighborhood

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
Map
2525 Highlander Place, Iowa City, IA, 52245

What's nearby

  • The Old Iowa Capitol
    University of Iowa
    5 min drive - 3.1 miles
  • The Englert Theater
    6 min drive - 3.7 miles
  • Iowa City Public Library
    6 min drive - 3.7 miles
  • Xtream Arena & GreenState Family Fieldhouse
    7 min drive - 5.7 miles
  • Coral Ridge Mall
    7 min drive - 7.4 miles

Getting around

  • Eastern Iowa Airport (CID)
    30 min drive

Restaurants

  • Scooter’s Coffee
    2 min drive
  • The Black Angel Restaurant And Bar
    6 min drive
  • Cracken’s
    6 min drive
  • A & A Pagliai's Pizza
    7 min drive
  • Press Coffee
    3 min drive

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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

  • 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 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
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)

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.

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

9.0

Cleanliness

8.8

Amenities

9.2

Staff & service

8.6

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 641 out of 1007 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 187 out of 1007 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 101 out of 1007 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 49 out of 1007 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 29 out of 1007 reviews

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrea

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent stay and service.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Linda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is the nicest cleanest most convenient and relaxing hotel I've ever stayed in
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great place to stay with kids!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Shane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very pleasant surprise how nice the pool area was. Staff even delivered drinks to us in the hot tub. Overall excellent hotel!!!!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Deepak

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Unique property that is very thoughtfully appointed. Loved the huge indoor pool. Would be a nice getaway in winter from Chicago. Interestingly Iowa City has some great restaurants and is a fun college town. The hotel gym needs some TLC. Most equipment need repairs.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mark

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel was nice with amazing staff. Some of the arcade machines had jammed coin slots, so we couldn’t use some of them. But, it was cool to have it next to the bar.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sheryl

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeannie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Always a good time at the Highlander. We love the place and all the amenities. Beautiful rooms, great lounge areas. Yummy food.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Matt

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Pool was great. Hot tub also great. Staff friendly,
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Darron

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Yes the room was clean and staff was helpful.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tarah

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Keith

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
clean and most
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cynthia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Christopher

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
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
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

4/10 Poor

Rosemary

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Service was good but the room was musty and not clean. The public spaces also felt like they needed a good scrubbing. The remodel that was done was recently needs some touch up and maintenance. No additional lock on the inside of the room. Communication was good and the pool area looked very clean for a hotel.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The suites were large nice having connected rooms staff was friendly it’s a bit dated but clean pool area is awesome
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Vonnie

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
Verified

8/10 Good

Jacob

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

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
Verified

8/10 Good

Sara

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean rooms and friendly staff!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Very helpful staff. Very large facility quite the interesting retro decor
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Argenis

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very friendly staff!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Julie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

4/10 Poor

Jamee

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.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Hilary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fun pool, unique property, friendly staff. We enjoyed our stay very much.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025