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The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection

$208
/ night

Avg. for October

The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection - Image 1
The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection - Room
The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection - Room
The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection - Reception
The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection - Lobby

Prices for The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection

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$208
/ night

Avg. for October

Monthly average prices

Nightly prices at The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection average $139 in February, the cheapest month, and $208 in October, the most expensive, based on the last 12 months.

Average nightly price at The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection by month, last 12 months (USD)
MonthAverage price
January$142
February$139
March$166
April$146
May$166
June$152
July$180
August$159
September$184
October$208
November$173
December$167

Most expensive: October (~$208)

Cheapest: February (~$139)

About this property

Be sure to enjoy recreational amenities, including an indoor pool, a hot tub, and a 24-hour fitness center. Additional amenities at this Art Deco hotel include complimentary wireless internet access, concierge services, and an arcade/game r...
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  • Parking

  • Restaurant

  • Swimming pool

  • Non-Smoking Rooms

  • Room Service

  • Banquet Facilities

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Location

2525 Highlander Place, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America

University of Iowa (2.5 miles)

Mercy Hospital (2.9 miles)

Iowa Avenue Literary Walk (3.1 miles)

University of Iowa Museum of Natural History (3.3 miles)

Iowa City Public Library (3.4 miles)

Iowa Old Capitol Building (3.4 miles)


Guest reviews of The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection

What guests think

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Travellers describe The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection as a fun, family-friendly retro property with a standout indoor pool and helpful staff, though maintenance issues, inconsistent cleanliness, noise around poolside rooms, and occasional staffing or amenity gaps temper some stays.

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Facilities

Mixed

Cleanliness

Inconsistent

Rooms

Mixed

Service

Friendly

Location

Convenient

Was this helpful?

2

Ana

IAN-logo

3 weeks ago

·

Stayed 2 nights

Reserved a single room with double beds however when I checked in Friday night received keys to a two-bedroom suite. Immediately I went back to the front desk to let the staff know there was a mistake and requested another room. The staff just said oh no that is your room you have been upgraded. At 10:00 AM the next morning I received a call from the hotel that a mistake was made and I needed to check out of my room by noon that day and move into another room. I had already left the hotel that morning to prepare for football tailgate and was not planning on coming back to the hotel but now had two hours to adjust my schedule and come back and check out. Extremely frustrating and inconvenient. This mistake should have been addressed Friday night when I came back to the front desk instead of someone saying you have been upgraded. The manger was supposed to call me to discuss my experience, but no one ever bothered to call except for the one person telling me have two hours to get out of my room. We will not be back.
Reserved a single room with double beds however when I checked in Friday night received keys to a two-bedroom suite. Immediately I went back to the front desk to let the staff know there was a mistake and requested another room. The staff just said oh no that is your room you have been upgraded. At 10:00 AM the next morning I received a call from the hotel that a mistake was made and I needed to check out of my room by noon that day and move into another room. I had already left the hotel that morning to prepare for football tailgate and was not planning on coming back to the hotel but now had two hours to adjust my schedule and come back and check out. Extremely frustrating and inconvenient. This mistake should have been addressed Friday night when I came back to the front desk instead of someone saying you have been upgraded. The manger was supposed to call me to discuss my experience, but no one ever bothered to call except for the one person telling me have two hours to get out of my room. We will not be back.

6

Scott

IAN-logo

Aug 15, 2026

·

Stayed 1 night

Common spaces have had a nice renovation, but bathrooms could use a little more work. There appears to be a shortage of staff to run the hotel; one person was both running the bar and checking in guests; there are signs everywhere for guests to bus their own dishes at breakfast. Pool is a good size that you don't find in hotels in this price range.
Common spaces have had a nice renovation, but bathrooms could use a little more work. There appears to be a shortage of staff to run the hotel; one person was both running the bar and checking in guests; there are signs everywhere for guests to bus their own dishes at breakfast. Pool is a good size that you don't find in hotels in this price range.

10

Kristie

IAN-logo

Aug 11, 2026

·

Stayed 1 night

For an old hotel, it is well maintained. A restaurant and pool in the area of the hotel make it seem you are on a vacation out of Iowa. We had a wheelchair accessible room that smelled like mold but was very large and comfortable. If staff didn't have the answer, they kept asking until they did. Happened twice. Definitely recommend. Don't forget the vinyl corner!
For an old hotel, it is well maintained. A restaurant and pool in the area of the hotel make it seem you are on a vacation out of Iowa. We had a wheelchair accessible room that smelled like mold but was very large and comfortable. If staff didn't have the answer, they kept asking until they did. Happened twice. Definitely recommend. Don't forget the vinyl corner!

10

Cynthia

IAN-logo

Aug 9, 2026

·

Stayed 2 nights

It was a great stay, our family felt comfortable. They let us change our original room because our older dog can't climb stairs and we were really thankful.
It was a great stay, our family felt comfortable. They let us change our original room because our older dog can't climb stairs and we were really thankful.

8

Marci

IAN-logo

Aug 4, 2026

·

Stayed 1 night

Great staff
Great staff

Property Policies

Check-in instructions

Everything you need to know for a smooth check-in.

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Check-in

Check-out

From 15:00 to 23:59

Before 11:00


Good to know

Additional policies and info about this property.

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Optional extras

Additional paid services you can request.

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FAQs about The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection

Is parking available at the property?

Yes, free self-parking is available on-site.


Is breakfast offered at the hotel?

Yes, breakfast is available, and guests can enjoy a variety of options at the hotel's restaurant, Lucy's.


Does the hotel allow pets?

Yes, pets are allowed with a fee of USD 30 per pet, per night. Service animals are exempt from fees.


What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is from 3:00 PM to 11:59 PM, and check-out is at 11:00 AM. Early check-in and late check-out are available for a fee, subject to availability.

What accessibility features does the hotel offer?

The property features step-free entrances and wheelchair-accessible facilities, including public areas and rooms. Specific details about pool access features are not provided.


Where is the hotel located in relation to key landmarks?

The hotel is located in Iowa City, within a 10-minute drive of Mercy Hospital and Xtream Arena & GreenState Family Fieldhouse. It is approximately 3.4 miles from Iowa City Public Library and The Englert Theater.


Does the hotel have a swimming pool?

Yes, the hotel features an indoor pool and an outdoor heated pool, with access available from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM.


What are the policies for guests staying with children?

Children 17 years old and younger can stay for free when occupying the parent or guardian's room using existing bedding, up to four children per room.


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Prices for upcoming dates

October 2026
November 2026

Cheaper

Pricier

Average nightly price across deals, with taxes & fees.

Prices in USD for 2 guests, updated daily.



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