The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel

Property class: 4

Choose dates to view prices

Located close to Mercy Hospital and The Englert Theater, The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel provides a poolside bar, a terrace, and a firepit. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. The on-site restaurant, Lucy's, offers brunch, lunch, dinner, and kids' meals. In addition to an arcade/game room and an outdoor entertainment area, guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
The current price is AED 555
AED 621 total
includes taxes & fees
26 Oct - 27 Oct

Room options

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Showing 17 of 17 rooms

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

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, a chair, and a painting on the wall.

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

7.8 out of 10
Good
(9 reviews)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

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

Room

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

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

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

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

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

A hotel room with a bed, a desk, a chair, a TV, and a view of the outside.

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Poolside

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

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

A modern hotel room with a large bed, a desk, a chair, a TV, and a window with a view.

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(7 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

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

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, a chair, a TV, and a refrigerator.

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

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

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, a TV, and a balcony with a pool.

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Poolside

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

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

View all photos for Suite, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking

A modern hotel room with a bed, sofa, armchair, and a TV on the wall.

Suite, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking

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

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

Room

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

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

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

A hotel room with a bed, a desk, a chair, a round coffee table, and a view of the outdoors.

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

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

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

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, a refrigerator, and a view of a cityscape through large windows.

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

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

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

A hotel room with a large bed, a blue sofa, a wooden side table, and a view of the outside through a large window.

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

  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds

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

A hotel room with a bed, blue sofa, red armchair, and a small round table with a colorful vase.

Suite, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

  • A large, historic building with a prominent dome and columns, surrounded by well-maintained lawns and trees.
    University of Iowa
    5 min drive - 4.9 km
  • A large, historic building with a central dome and columns, surrounded by well-maintained lawns and street lamps.
    Iowa Old Capitol Building
    7 min drive - 5.9 km
  • The Englert Theater
    7 min drive - 5.9 km
  • Iowa City Public Library
    7 min drive - 5.9 km
  • Xtream Arena & GreenState Family Fieldhouse
    7 min drive - 9.1 km

Getting around

  • Eastern Iowa Airport (CID)
    30 min drive

Restaurants

  • Scooter’s Coffee
    2 min drive
  • A & A Pagliai's Pizza
    7 min drive
  • Cracken’s
    6 min drive
  • Press Coffee
    3 min drive
  • Bluebird Diner
    7 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 a poolside bar, a terrace, and a firepit. 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 an arcade/game room and an outdoor entertainment area.
  • 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 ballroom
    • 3 meeting rooms, wedding services, and books
    • 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
    • Hypo-allergenic bedding and pillowtop mattresses
    • Bathrooms with rainfall showers and tubs or showers
    • Flat-screen TVs with premium channels
    • Recycling, housekeeping, and desks

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The price is AED 367
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includes taxes & fees
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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 23 October 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel on 26 October 2026 start from AED 555, 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

9.0

Cleanliness

8.6

Amenities

9.2

Staff & service

8.4

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 620 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 191 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 110 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 53 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 27 out of 1001 reviews

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

4/10 Poor

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Spacious room, but no drawer space. Housekeeping terrible. We were there six days without having our room cleaned. We even requested Housekeeping from the front desk, but that didn't do us any good. Weekend breakfast was very good. Overall, hotel staff seemed indifferent. We even spoke with the GM about service, but that didn't do us any good.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great vibe here and so clean. They take very good care of this hidden gem
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

10/10 Excellent

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 review

6/10 Okay

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The morning breakfast was delightful and yummy! My dinner was also yummy … both meals were eaten with no one else to be found… a little creepy. I was glad I could have my dog and that the first floor was dedicated to pet owners. The room was clean. My impression was the majority of people staying at the hotel were there permanently. Staff were preoccupied much of the time with phone etc. The hotel while looked great in the pictures online was run down and unkept. Overall I was disappointed.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Amenities
We’ve stayed here a dozen times and will stay here again but this was not our favorite stay. We are usually here on busier weekends with lots of staff and everything well kept. Hopefully just an off night for the place and staff.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff was amazing, super friendly, helpful, got us checked in fast. Rooms were nice very clean, pool and hot tub were awesome. Lucy’s had a great atmosphere and fun time. Breakfast was so good. We’re definitely coming back. Might even bring the kids next time
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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 review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We always en the pool and hot tub area. We love the decor.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great hotel! Very unique compared to today’s standards. Not a chain type hotel. Beautiful and perfect for our staycation!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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

10/10 Excellent

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 review

8/10 Good

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

10/10 Excellent

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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

10/10 Excellent

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 review

8/10 Good

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

10/10 Excellent

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 review

8/10 Good

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

4/10 Poor

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Grievances: -someone elses trash still in room on arrival. -dirt in shower. -floors were disgusting, my sons feet were black within 15 minutes of walking on it. -no smart tv and no tv guide for channels. -interior of room was poorly maintained; peeling paint, over spray, missing paint, ect. -inside door does not remain locked, making it very easy for a toddler or child to escape. -pool was not clean: clumps of hair and bugs everywhere. -saw a roach by the hot tub. -amenities that were advertised were not available (the hotel bar, the snack shack, multiple broken arcade games) -extremely over priced for what was offered. Praise: -staff was friendly. -the lobby and lucy’s was very clean and well maintained. -being able to text order from the restaurant to the room is amazing. -service at lucy’s was great. -wide variety of drinks at the bar.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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