Name: The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection
Address: 2525 Highlander Place, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America, Iowa City, Iowa, US
Price range: US$129–US$459 per night
Rating: 8.4

What guests think

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.

Guests praise the unique 60s vibe, arcade and lounge spaces, plus the courtyard and fire pit. Rooms are often comfortable and spacious, but some feel dated, lack in-room basics such as coffee makers or fridges, have small TVs or minimal storage, and poolside areas can be noisy. Dining ranges from excellent hot breakfasts and tasty bar fare to limited hours, slow service, or pricier options. Expect a lively, resort-style stay that suits families, with great common areas but variable polish.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

The indoor pool, hot tub, arcade, bar/lounge, and the courtyard with a fire pit are frequent highlights, and the property is pet friendly. Recurring issues include hot tub or pool closures, some broken arcade machines, a weak gym, limited hours or snack bar closures, no elevator, and occasional understaffing.

Related guest reviews

8

Janet

3 Nov 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Very nice hotel super cute clean However, picked this hotel for the hot tub which was broke and from conversation with employee is broke frequently, too bad otherwise would stay again

6

iain

26 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Restaurant was closed for dining in. Pool side bar/snack bar closed. No coffee machine or utensils in a +$600 per night suite (which is just two adjoining rooms) The kids arcade room is a rip-off. Half the machines simply take your tokens then don’t work. The pool is great but this place could be a whole lot better.

10

James

21 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

For those traveling with electric vehicles, there are two complimentary level 2 chargers on the property for guests!

8

Jill

14 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The hot tub was closed. Disappointed

10

Gina

9 May 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

We love the Highlander, great pool and hot tub! Bar and restaurant onsite and outdoor games and activities along with a fire pit!

6

Andrew

3 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The pictures on Expedia make this look like a spruced up hotel; the lobby actually looks nice. The pool was the reason that we chose the hotel in the first place; my daughter was hoping to get some pool time in the morning. But when we went down to use the pool, I was told by the woman at the desk that the chlorine was "zero" and it was closed.

6

Melissa

11 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Understaffed. The hot tub had a sign that it was closed but it did not look like it was broken. The pool area is fantastic with a convenient attached beverage/bar area. Shower had water pressure and soap/conditioner/lotion etc.

8

Doug

29 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Location is good, just off the highway. As with the rest of the property, the parking lot is ok, but needs a bit of TLC to bring it up to great. No microwave or coffee maker available in the room. That was odd. The pool is nice and there is a fun arcade and bar area. Lots of fun for families. It is clean and comfortable.

10

Katelyn

2 May 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We loved this place. It’s very unique very chill and very family friendly. Great service, food, and facilities. It’s a historic hotel keeping up with the current times. There is no elevator but everything was very clean and very fun. Arcade was great. Pool was great. And breakfast was delicious! Staff was wonderful. We will go back for sure and highly recommend to others.

6

Kimberly

8 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Pool staff couldn’t wait to shut down on a Friday night. Went in for adult swim 9-10 pm, but she was already cleaning floors, pushing all the dirty floor water back into the pool! Grossed me out and we got out even thought there was supposed to be an hour left. Hot tub was not open during our stay. We then went down to the supper club bar to check out the live music, but it seemed a local crowd and the bartender literally would not acknowledge us or take a drink order. Also, the arcade games were half broken and ate the tokens. So we retreated back to the room, ordered Mr. Beast burgers on door dash and left at 9 am. This was our 2nd stay, but will not be returning.

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Cleanliness

Many guests find rooms and public areas clean, but there are recurring reports of dirty bathrooms or stained linens and visible wear. Pool and hot tub cleanliness can also vary, with grime or debris noted at times.

Related guest reviews

6

Sherry

6 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Pictures must be feom when they first remodeled...mold around bath drain, bathroom tile floor was beat-up, pool has seen better days, pool ceiling falling apart, snack shop was never open. It was nice that it was dog friendly but other than that stay closer to campus so you have dining/walking options.

4

Rebecca

17 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The online presentation of this property is very misleading. This is the ultimate ‘Catfish’ of hotel properties. The water stains on window coverings, filthy carpets, stains on bedding, and deodorizers stashed on top of cheap artwork to mask the smell is very off putting. I have pretty low standards but this was not a good stay.

10

Samantha

21 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

A very clean and unique hotel. The staff was friendly and accommodating and the rooms were neat and extremely comfortable!

8

Joann

13 Dec 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

The hotel was beautiful but the rooms, particularly the bathrooms, need to be cleaned better. The toilet had not been cleaned as there was excrement left in it, the floors needed scrubbing and the bathtub had mildew around the drain. Breakfast was ok but was hoping for more of a variety. The beds were very comfortable and the pool looked amazing but we didn’t have time to use it. They seem understaffed as it was sometimes difficult to get someone to the front desk. The aesthetic was really cool though and it’s historic which is always a plus.

8

Tina

1 Apr 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

The staff was accommodating and friendly! Always answered questions without making my 12 year old son or I feel like an inconvenience. The hotel is beautiful and spacious. But there was one thing that I seen in the reviews which was the cleanliness of the pool. That is true. The walls definitely need a good scrub down. People have made smiley faces and wrote “Hi” in the scum. The water was clean and warm. There are two things that The Highlander heavily advertises which is the arcade and the courtyard. There were several arcade games that don’t work so if you are looking to play nostalgic games such as Frogger or PacMan there were out of order. The courtyard is advertised as having a fire pit and there wasn’t one. They do offer a brunch buffet on Sundays. Children over the age of 10 are charged as an adult which is around $33. The hot complimentary breakfast that is offered the other days is the best I have ever had! Delicious!

6

JORGE

4 Sept 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Unfortunately, the room smelled moldy, and the floor was unclean. There was no drinking water or a coffee maker, as is usual in all the hotels I have visited. The breakfast was also disappointing: crumbled eggs, macaroni pizza, biscuits and gravy. The coffee dispensers were empty. I don't plan to return.

4

Trevor

11 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Sheets were stained. Bed was kinda low to the ground. Otherwise enjoyed our stay.

2

micaela

1 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Dirty rooms. Hair in bathroom, toilet was not clean it was disgusting

6

Pathana

11 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

There’s so much potential with this property! Someone obviously put a lot of effort into renovating this old hotel. The good: tasteful decor, beautiful pool area, many places to gather around the property- indoors and out. The Bad and OK - the staff - nothing great, nothing bad, just average. Mostly young, apathetic seeming employees, probably not noticeable except I’m a frequent traveler and it sort of stands out when staff is mediocre. Cleanliness - bathroom was likely cleaned but some hair was left on the sink and there was a scum ring around the sink drain, not great. Pool area - had a poolside room and we immediately could smell cigarette smoke coming from the pool area. While smoking isn’t allowed, it didn’t stop a guest from sitting just outside the garage doors and blow city smoke inside the pool area. Seemed acceptable to staff as no one intervened. Sorta like the old non-smoking areas of restaurants back in the day. From afar the pool area is gorgeous- decor, flooring, all great. Up close - clumps of hair in the pool, very dirty tile grout, tables not bussed, crumbs on the floor, no towels, hot tub closed, and cigarette smell lingered. Beds- not comfortable. Linens - ratty and worn. Exterior landscaping could use some work. Seems like they ran out of money making the inside pretty and the outside was an afterthought. I get the feeling it started great but it could definitely use some fine tuning.

6

Ramey

15 Mar 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The hot tub needs to be cleaned. The walls were black and very dirty.

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Rooms

Beds are comfortable and some suites feel spacious with a fun retro look. Others report dated finishes, minimal storage and small TVs, lack of in-room coffee makers or fridges, and notable noise near poolside rooms.

Related guest reviews

8

Shawna

18 Aug 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Would have been 5 stara but the shower was horrible. Zero water pressure. Took 20 minutes to shower vs 10 at home. Very clean and modern hotel over all

10

Helen

19 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great pool and hot tub. Nice on-site bar and arcade room. Friendly service. Historic hotel with a fun vibe. Rooms are larger with comfortable beds. Comfortable lobby with fun velvet chairs. Not your average hotel.

8

Molly

15 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Pool area was nice. Hot tub was clean and comfortable temperature. Beds were comfortable. Unique artwork and designs throughout the hotel.

6

Melissa

10 Nov 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Do not get a mezzanine room if you want any sort of quiet. Kids will be screaming from 9am to 9pm in the pool area. There is a big gap under the door onto the deck and zero sound proofing.

4

elizabeth

4 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Well, I have stayed at this hotel a couple times if you’re not actually enjoying the pool, it’s very average. The interior does not have an elevator so you have to drag your luggage upstairs if you’re going upstairs as well as the rooms are not cozy. They’re extremely dark and eclectic while that’s fine for some it’s not cozy at all The actual blinds that cover the windows are ridiculously cheap. You can see right through them so you worry about people looking in your room not a safe feeling as well as no coffee in the room a couple of cardboard cups for drinking water out of a faucet. The actual hand towels are kitchen towels in the bathroom very low-grade lo maintained facility if you have kids and enjoy the pool area. That is the only positive thing about this hotel.

6

Lilibeth

29 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Rooms are outdated…needs remodeling

8

Doug

29 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Location is good, just off the highway. As with the rest of the property, the parking lot is ok, but needs a bit of TLC to bring it up to great. No microwave or coffee maker available in the room. That was odd. The pool is nice and there is a fun arcade and bar area. Lots of fun for families. It is clean and comfortable.

8

Jade

15 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Needs blackout curtains in north facing rooms.

8

Wendy

3 Apr 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Pros: very friendly staff, clean, quiet rooms, fun retro vibe. We did not use pool area, but looked nice and seemed to be the reason families with kids chose this hotel. Breakfast was better than most “free” hotel breakfasts. Cons: there were 3 of us in room for a professional weekend event. There is no storage in room other than hanging - cool looking furnishings, but had to live out of suitcase since there are no drawers to unpack into. I would rather have a dresser than a table. We were on 1st floor facing parking lot. We had to keep room darkening shades closed the whole time since anyone in parking lot can see directly into room. I thought the room darkening shade was cool, but it would be nice to have some light filtering shade or curtain, allowing natural light in rather than having to use all the lights in the room (and feeling a bit claustrophobic). Lastly, the painted cement floor in the hall needs to be repainted or tiled like lobby. It looks bad and gives impression of ill repair.

8

Linda

23 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The pool and hot tub, plus the arcade and billards, made this a fun and enjoyable stay. Rooms could be a bit more furnished with things like a dresser, luggage rack, hangers. Overall, the facility was great and loved their accommodations for dogs.

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Service

Staff are widely praised as friendly and accommodating. At times the property feels understaffed, with slow bar/front-desk response or occasional unprofessional interactions.

Related guest reviews

4

Ryan

21 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

There was a serious lack of staff to attend to the number of guests. The staff on hand was friendly and great but running in too many directions at once. More than a few times I had to walk around the hotel looking for someone to assist at the pool bar or answer a question at the front desk, etc.

10

Brent

4 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Very helpful staff. Very large facility quite the interesting retro decor

6

Roberta

1 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Poolside king room was comfortable and clean. Couples trip; we stayed two nights. What did put a sour taste in our stay was one particular bartender staff named Doug H. He was NOT very customer friendly and down right arrogantly rude. We had recieved a complimentary drink ticket for one person at check in, which we thought we would use on one of the nights. When we sat at the bar Doug was not busy, just standing; after several minutes had passed with the bartender ignoring us we asked if we could get some service. As one of us does not drink, we ordered a soda and a cocktail. After we questioned the charges on our recipt, he become rude. At one point stating he had been a bartender for 10 years, which had nothing to do with the question of the charges on the receipt. Additionally, we had witnessed as Doug had an interaction with another customer over their pet policy. After the interaction we overheard Doug unprofessionally complaining how he hated guests like that... They may want to think about putting and keeping friendlier customer facing persons in an area that you want to draw people into. Before this interaction, because the pool area was so nice, we were contemplating coming back for a larger family trip (renting 4 rooms), but are now unsure.

10

Stacy

22 May 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

We had an absolute blast at the Highlander. We stayed over night on a weekend with our kids ( age 9 and 10). Lots of fun for everyone. Arcade with live music was a highlight. The complimentary hot breakfast was an incredible value with plenty of options. Staff was friendly and helpful. Staff member Matt went the extra mile to make sure we had everything we needed.

10

Jonas

8 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Staff, particularly Kimberly and Jula, were very professional and accommodating. Pool is great and lots of fun activities for our two boys. Overall an inviting and entertaining property providing a unique experience.

10

Stacy

5 Dec 2022

·

Stayed 1 night

If I could rate the staff higher than excellent, I would. Every staff member here goes above and beyond for the guests. Service of this level is rare. This hotel is wonderful.

6

Gretchen

15 May 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

Friendly service when they were available.

10

Amanda

5 Nov 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

I positively loved this hotel! The lovely chandelier combined with the books and records upon entry created a balanced vibe of upscale and down-to-earth. Immediately after the chandelier, the next thing I noticed was that the entry area smelled really nice. The staff were all amazing. Very nice, laid-back, and incredibly helpful. They were responsive when I contacted them and they sent me a text message before bed to ask if I needed anything. 😊 Very sweet. The hotel itself was great. Good breakfast buffet, live music on Friday night, pleasing outdoor aesthetic. The arcade was fun and the pool area was clean and nice. Great place to stay!

8

Cassie

25 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Seemed to be a slower night. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Only thing bothered me was it was only a little after 10 pm and no one was at front desk. And called number like the note said. Was wanting to purchase a can of soda for my daughter and lady on phone said theg dont give out anything besides water at this time.

6

Sandy

13 May 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

No phone in room...alright...but...they leave a telephone number to contact the front if needed. The recording states leave your room number and phone number they will call you back. After 3 calls in a two hour time...still no call back. That's poor service. Overall customer service is under welming, the only bright light in customer services is the young man that runs the snack shack

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Location

Conveniently just off I-80 and a short drive to downtown Iowa City. Several note the exterior approach and parking need TLC and that nearby dining options are limited.

Related guest reviews

8

Mark

19 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

When we pulled into the parking lot, we were a little nervous. The outside looked run down & landscaping needing improvement. However, the inside was just as the pictures showed.

6

Suzan

17 Apr 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Hotel is pretty clean. Halls do smell like old hotel. Place is huge and felt like a ghost town checking in. Staff was very nice. It is an old Marriott that has has some remodeling. Beds were white/clean/ comfortable but carpet seems older. There are no conveniences nearby such as restaurants etc. Didn’t stay for breakfast.

10

Kelly

28 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

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.

10

Susan

12 Nov 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

The road to the hotel needs some work, which is most likely not a reflection on the hotel itself, but seems worth mentioning, as it might reflect poorly in appearances. Hotel was wonderful! On site restaurant, bar, pool, outdoor areas all great amenities. Highly recommend!

10

Elizabeth

12 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Lots of fun! Marvelous decor and dramatic pool room. I enjoyed the evening bonfire while watching the full moon rise. It is just off I 80 so super convenient for cross country travel.

6

Carin

4 Nov 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Property is older and wear & tear is apparent. The location is farther from campus/downtown or dinning options.

8

Bill

4 Jun 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

The area surrounding the building needs new tar.

10

Allison

22 May 2023

·

The Highlander Hotel is unique and fun. It is clean and safe and easy to access from the highway.

8

Doug

29 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Location is good, just off the highway. As with the rest of the property, the parking lot is ok, but needs a bit of TLC to bring it up to great. No microwave or coffee maker available in the room. That was odd. The pool is nice and there is a fun arcade and bar area. Lots of fun for families. It is clean and comfortable.

10

Lon

8 Oct 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

Close to the interstate and only about 10 minutes from downtown Iowa City. Beautiful pool area - quiet atmosphere. We had a late dinner and the young man taking care of us was very good.

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Dining

On-site restaurant/bar and breakfast earn praise for tasty meals and some excellent hot buffets. Others encountered limited or late breakfast, closures or slow service, and pricing that feels high.

Related guest reviews

6

Jade

22 Jan 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The pool was nice, despite being very crowded. The hot tub was closed much to our disappointment. The rooms and facilities didn't seem nearly as newly renovated as the pictures would have you believe. The "restaurant" consisted of a bar and a handful or tables in a corner behind it. My friends and I were very confused, thinking this can't possibly be the right place? The service was so absolutely slow I nearly couldn't believe how slowly the girls behind the bar were moving. Zero sense of urgency, even considering several people were waiting to be helped and visibly irritated. All in all it was an okay experience, but not a place I would recommend to anyone else.

10

Annette

30 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Very awesome hotel! Clean, friendly, groovy remodel, loved the comfy beds and pillows. The pool is beautiful. Great bar in the evening and breakfast in the morning! Will stay again on our return trip.

10

Jason

10 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Great stay, pool, food, arcade, and service best I’ve had.

8

Carol

19 Feb 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice pool, some arcade machines. Breakfast passable. The shake blender broke. Many arcade machines not working. Understaffed but those that were working, were working hard

6

Jennifer

29 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Arrived at 10pm, no food or drinks available to buy. One person was working, had to wait 5 minutes for anyone to arrive so I could check in. Breakfast is gross, no lunch until 2pm and no alternative food choices anywhere nearby. We were starved when we left.

8

Cameron

6 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice stay, did not care for the restaurant food - I got the prime rib and it tasted like beef jerky. I also was disappointed that we did not have a coffee maker in our room. Other than that, the bed was extremely comfortable, and the property was in good condition.

10

Bill

1 Apr 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Amazing retro styled hotel. Great bar/restaurant/arcade. Nice pool and hot tub Lots of common areas to relax.

8

Nicole

4 Nov 2024

·

The property has been refurbished but seems overpriced for what it offers. There is no free breakfast and at $28 per person for the breakfast buffet, we chose to eat elsewhere. There are a few more refurbishments that need to be done like flooring in the bathroom and more outlets for charging. The bed was a bit soft but they had plenty of pillows and an extra blanket in the room which was appreciated. The staff was pleasant, the room was quiet and it was convenient to the highway for our side trip to the Amana Colonies. Overall, it was fine for our stay for a Hawkeye game but not any fancier or better than any of the chain hotels.

8

Janet

25 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

No coffee makers in the room. Breakfast available for a charge but doesn’t start until 8 am which is late for a weekend. We needed to leave by 7 am so couldn’t eat. Staff was friendly. Bar served great drinks and had good music.

10

Kishauna

14 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

We absolutely LOVE the Highlander. This was our second stay and we enjoyed it just as much as the first time. I wasn't so impressed with The Supper Club menu but I was highly impressed by the service. The weekend breakfast buffet was phenomenal though!

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Month	Average price
January	US$142
February	US$139
March	US$166
April	US$146
May	US$166
June	US$152
July	US$180
August	US$138
September	US$192
October	US$208
November	US$173
December	US$167

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16	17 $178	18 $365	19 $459
20 $146	21 $129	22 $129	23 $129	24 $129	25 $151	26 $172
27 $129	28 $130	29 $129	30 $129

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $130	2 $445	3
4 $130	5 $129	6 $129	7 $130	8 $130	9 $220	10 $217
11 $129	12 $130	13 $129	14 $131	15 $129	16 $281	17 $281
18 $129	19 $130	20 $130	21 $146	22 $130	23 $341	24 $392
25 $130	26 $130	27 $130	28 $129	29 $130	30	31

The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection

Prices for The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection

Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Room, 2 Queen Beds, Roll-In Shower

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Balcony

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Poolside

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

Room, 1 King Bed, Roll-In Shower

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Poolside

Suite, Multiple Beds

Suite, 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Patio (Courtyard View)

Suite, Multiple Beds, Balcony (Pool View)

Room, 1 King Bed, Roll-In Shower (Patio, Courtyard View)

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

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

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

Guest reviews of The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection

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What guests think

Property policies

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Good to know

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FAQs about The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection

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