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
Photo gallery for The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel
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.
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 and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 21
Check-out
Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out
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 are 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-lead 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 cots are available on request at the property
Payment types at the property
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 and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
We should mention
This property does not have any lifts
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 to 10:00 PM.
How much does it cost to stay at The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel?
As of 21 May, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel on 24 May, 2026 start from S$216, including 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 at The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel?
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?
Checkout 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 selected 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
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers 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
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!
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.
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.
Rosemary
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Verified
10/10 Excellent
John
1 Jan, 2026
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
John
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified
8/10 Good
Jacob
8 Mar, 2026
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.
Jacob
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Vonnie
28 Nov, 2025
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!
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.
Very helpful staff. Very large facility quite the interesting retro decor
Brent
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified
4/10 Poor
Jamee
7 Jan, 2026
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.