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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.

Choose dates to view prices

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
The current price is ￥23,994
￥26,874 total
includes taxes & fees
May 24 - May 25

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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 water dispenser
    • A music library, a reception hall, and ATM/banking services
    • 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
    • Flat-screen TVs with premium channels
    • Housekeeping, desks, and phones

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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.

How much does it cost to stay at The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel?

As of May 21, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel on May 24, 2026 start from ￥23,994, 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

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

9.0

Cleanliness

8.8

Amenities

9.2

Staff & service

8.6

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 636 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 186 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 101 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 48 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 29 out of 1000 reviews

Reviews

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Teresa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kelly

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
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
Verified

8/10 Good

Becky

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The pool and outside courtyard are both extremely spacious and very family friendly areas. This hotel was a great bargain.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mark

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
wonderful pool area.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Samantha

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

I’m totally coming back

A very clean and unique hotel. The staff was friendly and accommodating and the rooms were neat and extremely comfortable!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Eva

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff, nice room location
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

kenneth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fabulous staff. The pool area was amazing. Lots of fun
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025