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  5. Reviews of The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection

Reviews of The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection This rating is a reflection of how the property compares to the industry standard when it comes to price, facilities and services available. It's based on a self-evaluation by the property. Use this rating to help choose your stay!

2525 Highlander Place, Iowa City, IA 52245, United States

#8 of 10 hotels in Iowa City

Guests' Choice

Review Score

Based on 138 hotel reviews

7.9

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    8.4

  • Comfort

    8.4

  • Location

    8.7

  • Facilities

    8.0

  • Staff

    9.1

  • Value for money

    7.6

  • Free Wifi

    9.4

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Showing 1 - 25

  • Reviewed: August 5, 2025

    9.0
    Excellent. A nice building doesn’t give you an experience that comes from excellent staff which The Highlander absolutel
    • Business trip
    • Solo traveler
    • King Room with Balcony - Non Smoking/Upper floor
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The front of the building could use some updating and landscaping. I liked everything about the Decor besides the art. The canvas’ didn’t really fit the rest of the style. The windows to the balcony look great. But could use full coverage for night time. The pull down shades leave light in and I prefer pitch black. I woke up at 4 am thinking it was closer to 6 until I realized it was light not the sun.

    Style. It had a great vibe to it. The bar was clean and classy even being in the same area as the arcade, nice to see the pool tables in a dry area. So often hotels will put a pool table in the same area as the pool. Love love love the pool, disappointed the hot tub was closed for repairs.

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: June 24, 2025

    9.0
    A cool place to go relax
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • One King Bed Nonsmoking
    • Stayed 1 night

    Inform guests about the free city bus to Iowa downtown. The string that holds the key for the room, hard to remove hahah

    I enjoy everything, friendly staff, especially Mich, breakfast was good, with multiple options. Nice view from my room, I wish I had time to jump into the swimming pool, and more likely, the quietness of the whole area, I have been in different hotels in the USA, I know what I experienced at Highlander. Bref, I will go again and I will recommend anyone else. KEEP THE GOOD JOB

    Stayed in June 2025

  • Reviewed: November 13, 2024

    9.0
    Fantastic Vibes
    • Family with young children
    • Double Room with Pool View
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    only complaint I had was the shower head was a disappointment it didn't spray out properly and the $28 breakfast available only on weekends no breakfast of any kind offered during the week

    the decor of the entire place was amazing. this place just has an amazing vibe

    Stayed in November 2024

  • Reviewed: November 5, 2024

    7.0
    It was a nice get away for the weekend but a bit overpriced
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • King Room with Balcony
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Was woken up in the morning by kids playing ping pong at 7:30am in the pool area. I know that isn’t the hotels fault but maybe the whole pool area should stay closed until the pool itself is open. The restaurant also didn’t have the sirloin or the pork chop that were offered on the menu. Our waiter was very nice but also made us feel very bad as we tried to leave because they didn’t have any of the options I wanted so we were persuaded to stay and spent almost $100 on an awful meal we didn’t even eat. Overall I was pretty upset after paying almost $500 for a hotel room that we couldn’t even eat well.

    Enjoyed all the amenities offered and the nice staff

    Stayed in November 2024

  • Reviewed: November 2, 2024

    8.0
    Very Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Bathroom fan didn’t work Turned in towels to be replaced and had to get them from the night clerk. He was exceptional the whole time we were there.

    Quiet. Location was great.

    Stayed in October 2024

  • Reviewed: October 23, 2024

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • King Room with Balcony
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    no elevator, bar closed too early.

    nice bar.

    Stayed in September 2024

  • Reviewed: September 1, 2024

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Couple
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Parking lot

    Nearness to medical facilities

    Stayed in August 2024

  • Reviewed: August 19, 2024

    8.0
    Will definitely stay here again!
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Parking lot

    Rooms were clean & comfortable

    Stayed in August 2024

  • Reviewed: July 20, 2024

    8.0
    Very Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Queen Room with Balcony
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Needed some updates in the room.

    Kids loved the heated pool. The brunch was amazing!

    Stayed in June 2024

  • Reviewed: July 7, 2024

    9.0
    Lovely hotel right off the highway.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Slightly pricey for what it was and a bit noisy (from families having fun mostly).

    Very nice hotel right off the highway. Mostly updated room and lots to do at the hotel. Perfect for my family traveling with a toddler and dog.

    Stayed in July 2024

  • Reviewed: April 28, 2024

    8.0
    Good place to stay in Iowa City
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Queen Room with Balcony
    • Stayed 3 nights

    The large noisy crowd at the pool.

    The breakfast was just the standard and the breakfast room was somewhat cramped. The pool was wonderful, but too noisy and full of local kids. The room was great. The restaurant was good, but not as good as expected, considering the new chef,

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: November 19, 2023

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Travelers with friends
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The hot tub was down and the vevt in our bathroom didn't work. However, the staff did have someone coming to work on the hot tub.

    Room was clean and comfortable. Very pretty hotel. Decorated very cool!! Loved all the Christmas trees! Nice game room and pool area. They have a nice outdoor area also, with outdoor chess and bags. Breakfast was amazing.

    Stayed in November 2023

  • Reviewed: November 18, 2023

    9.0
    Will definitely stay here again. Absolutely loved it!
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • King Room with Pool View
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Rooms need another mirror in them (outside of the bathroom).

    The variety of activities for all ages, beautiful pool and snack shack.

    Stayed in November 2023

  • Reviewed: November 13, 2023

    8.0
    Will definitely stay again. Staff is all wonderful!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The band was extremely loud. You can certainly avoid it by not going in the dinner club but in order to order food one had to go in there. The pizza needs help, but I am from the Chicago area.

    The staff are phenomenal. The hotel is clean. Some areas seem a little older and very minimalist. Not a horrible thing. The pizza needs a little help. Tacos were great but the shell was more pita than tortilla. The complimentary breakfast is fantastic. I will definitely stay again. Super nice to have the complimentary beverages available 24/7.

    Stayed in November 2023

  • Reviewed: November 1, 2023

    8.0
    Pleasant surprise. Close to the music venue we were going to (Wildwood) and they should list that.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • King Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    Didn't matter to us, but the parking lot needs some help and may deter some guests as they arrive at the property.

    Breakfast was better than expected and not your typical "breakfast included" hotel breakfast. Rooms were comfortable but nothing to write home about as far as decor.

    Stayed in October 2023

  • Reviewed: October 15, 2023

    8.0
    Good value. Good location. Clean.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • King Room with Pool View
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Was a bit dated. Tub was stained. The shower head was a bit wonky.

    The location was great for Iowa City proper. Was only a few minute drive from anything we wanted to do. Staff was good. Friendly. The pool looked clean.

    Stayed in October 2023

  • Reviewed: September 27, 2023

    7.0
    Staff is the strong suit and the diversity vibe, expensive for so few room amenities.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • King Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Overpromise the gluten-free options, there was very little at dinner menu except scraping the breading off the cod, and taking filling from wheat breakfast wraps, or oatmeal . Weird setting for dinner in game room. No drawers for clothes! Had to ask for a clock. No iron.

    Good fresh and homemade. Really appreciate the quality and being open until 10 for breakfast. Good dinner , again fresh homemade food. Staff always helpful.

    Stayed in September 2023

  • Reviewed: August 30, 2023

    7.0
    The Highlander is the place to go if you want a friendly, quiet place to stay the night
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • King Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    I didn't like that our room didn't have a deadbolt/ extra lock. Our shower didn't have hot water on the first night. There also was no TV guide.

    I liked that it was quiet and that the staff was friendly. We requested a mini fridge and it was waiting in the room for us.

    Stayed in August 2023

  • Reviewed: August 6, 2023

    7.0
    Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Queen Room with Balcony
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Breakfast fine…. Brown sugar makes oatmeal awesome…😊 We LOVED the vibes and creative decor all around… many things to keep a family busy… very cool… Full size hand soap.. lotion and shampoo/ body wash was fantastic… Wristband key cards complete genius… The things I noticed comfort wise… to get ready for the day.. the leaning mirror in room not next to any outlet to fix hair while others getting ready in bathroom… and very little counter space in bathroom but that is prob a fix with adding shelves? Staff was on top of it at all times with service and friendly and easy to talk to… seemed like everyone liked their jobs and finally a place that appeared not short of staff… Thanks and we will be back! Williams family

    Stayed in August 2023

  • Reviewed: June 13, 2023

    8.0
    Very Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    We booked the hotel specifically for the hot tub, which was closed during our stay for repairs

    The beds were very comfortable and we were impressed with the service we received from staff.

    Stayed in June 2023

  • Reviewed: May 9, 2023

    8.0
    We would of liked to of used the spa but it was closed.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • King Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The swimming pool and spa area looked very nice.

    Stayed in May 2023

  • Reviewed: April 26, 2023

    7.0
    fun place
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • King Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    the gal in the snack shack did it seem happy that she had to make a milk shake. we encountered bad weather during our stay. owner kept letting herself into our room

    Spacious room, fun design. most of the staff was wonderful.

    Stayed in April 2023

  • Reviewed: March 19, 2023

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Weather haha! it was freezing

    The one stop shop features was nice. Live jazz music in the bar/restaurant and arcade area, pool and hot tub with corn hole and snack bar. Beautiful environment and decor. Ilike that they bought out an old hotel and made it new from the inside out. Lovely!

    Stayed in March 2023

  • Reviewed: January 9, 2023

    7.0
    Check in great, staff friendly, clean.
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • King Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    I didn't like elements of eastern religion, budda and yoga.

    Breakfast and coffee bar was good.

    Stayed in January 2023

Showing 1 - 25

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