The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection, Iowa City ➤ Reviews, Rooms & Prices 2025

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Key details

About the Hotel

2525 North Dodge Street, Iowa City, Iowa, United States, 52245

Close to the University of Iowa

Perfect

7.8

8.5

/10

4.5

Loved by guests

Poolside pizzas
Family-friendly atmosphere
Clean rooms
Complimentary drinks
Hot breakfast
Helpful staff

"The pool area is unlike any other place we've stayed- massive entertainment area.."

Morgan o from United States

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"We enjoyed the music playing when we arrived in the entryway and lobby."

Aileen from United States

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"There's a large indoor plaza with a big pool, hot tub, and poolside rooms."

Nathan

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Rooms

The Highlander Hotel offers rooms with air conditioning, heating, a desk, and an alarm clock. Some rooms include a sitting area. Bathrooms feature bathtubs or showers with rainfall showerheads and hair dryers. Room types include King + Sitting Area with a king bed, lounge chairs, and a brass coffee table; Poolside Double Queen + Deck Table with two queen beds and a multi-purpose workstation plus a reserved table on the pool deck; Double Queen + Balcony overlooking the indoor pool; King + Balcony with a sitting area. The hotel offers Two Room Suites with a king room adjoining a double queen room, and the Penthouse Suite, including a full chef's kitchen, living area with a plasma television, a separate king bedroom and bathroom. Some rooms feature a private balcony or patio. Accessible King + Patio Walkout rooms are also available.

Dining Options

Guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant or snacks in the coffee shop/café. The Highlander Lounge features happy hour. The hotel provides a complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast daily from 7:00 AM. There's also the Snack Shack, offering milkshakes, cocktails, and a poolside menu. The poolside bar and bar/lounge serve a refreshing drink. Lucy's is also available.

Leisure & Entertainment

The Highlander Hotel includes an indoor pool, a spa tub, and a 24-hour fitness center. The hotel has a game room. There is a large atrium swimming pool and a hot tub open to people 16 and up. The Supper Club offers a retro cocktail arcade. The courtyard features green space for games. The pool area has a Thomas Agran mural.

Location and Transportation

The Highlander Hotel is 5.5 miles from the University of Iowa and within a 10-minute drive of Mercy Hospital and Xtream Arena & GreenState Family Fieldhouse. Points of interest include Carver-Hawkeye Arena, North Dodge Athletic Club, and Amana Colonies National Historic Landmark. The Eastern Iowa is 40 km away. The Quad City Airport is the nearest airport. The hotel is located near businesses, attractions, shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Services

The Highlander Hotel has a 24-hour front desk. Wi-Fi is available in public areas. The hotel features 5832 square feet of space for conference and meeting rooms, including a conference center and 7 meeting rooms. Complimentary newspapers are available in the lobby. The hotel offers a range of services and amenities for comfort and convenience. Free bike rentals are available.

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Highlights from guests

Sports & FitnessPoolside Fun

The indoor pool and hot tub impressed. They are large enough for social distancing, perfect for family fun.

Kevin Moore from Canada

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DiningDelicious Drinks

The bar area stands out with incredible drinks and poolside snack shack with a mango salsa.

Mei Lin from China

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Children's AmenitiesArcade Excitement

Kids enjoyed the arcade and pool; also, access to poolside snack shack independent of parents was great.

Rajesh Patel from India

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Room FeaturesRetro Vibe

Rooms are decorated in a retro style, with big windows and funky furniture, which amplifies the vibe.

Ingrid Svensson from Sweden

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Select your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

King Suite Non-Smoking

2 persons

Heating

Air conditioning

room details

King Room Courtyard View Disability Access or Non Smoking

2 persons

1 King-size bed

Courtyard view

Shower

Heating

room details

Suite Two Queen Beds One King Bed Nonsmoking

2 persons

Heating

Air conditioning

room details

Quadruple Room Two Queen Beds Roll Shower Disability Access or Non Smoking

2 persons

2 King Size Beds

Shower

Heating

room details

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Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

General

No smoking on site
Free Wi-Fi
Free parking
24-hour reception
Express check-in/ -out
Pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
24-hour security
ATM/Cash machine
Coffee shop
Fireplace
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access

Sports & Fitness

Fitness centre
Table tennis

Services

Room service
Welcome drink

Dining

Restaurant
Poolside snack bar
Snack bar

Business

Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Children

Board games
Toys

Spa & Leisure

Indoor swimming pool
Sun loungers
Sun terrace
Leisure/ TV room
Jacuzzi
Shallow end

Room features

Air conditioning
Heating
Sitting area
Garden furniture

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Dining Onsite

The Highlander Hotel offers a delightful array of onsite dining choices, from savory American classics to enticing Mediterranean flavors. Guests can savor meals in the warm ambiance of The Highlander Lounge or unwind with cocktails by the poolside, ensuring a perfect blend of relaxation and indulgence.

The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection Iowa City Restaurant photo

The Highlander Lounge

American with Italian, Japanese, Mediterranean, and Mexican influences

Ambiance

Family-friendly with a modern vibe, perfect for gatherings and casual dining

Key Offerings

A diverse menu featuring everything from pizza to seafood, along with vegetarian and gluten-free options. Enjoy happy hour specials and an inviting atmosphere for lunch and dinner.

Reservation

Reservations not needed.

Open daily for lunch and dinner; breakfast served from 7:00 AM.

Location

2525 North Dodge Street, Iowa City, Iowa, United States, 52245

Map view

2525 North Dodge Street, Iowa City, Iowa, United States, 52245

City landmarks

Park

Hickory Hill Park

2.2 km

Landmark

Southeastern Iowa Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church

680 m

Landmark

Relationships

1.1 km

Landmark

Life

1.1 km

Landmark

Family

1.6 km

Landmark

Visionary Stone

1.9 km

Landmark

Man on a Bench

2.0 km

Landmark

Happy Hollow Park

3.1 km

Church

First Presbyterian Church

2.5 km

Landmark

Adugas Achim Cemetary

2.7 km

Landmark

Black's Gaslight Village

3.4 km

Museum

Old Capitol Museum

4.6 km

Landmark

Devonian Fossil Gorge

4.8 km

Landmark

City Park

3.9 km

Museum

University of Iowa Museum of Natural History

4.5 km

Landmark

Sacred Stone Circle

3.7 km

Landmark

Saint Marks United Methodist Church

3.2 km

Church

Iowa City Zen Center

3.2 km

Landmark

St. Patrick Catholic Church

3.2 km

Landmark

Brown Street Historic District

3.5 km

Landmark

Iowa Avenue Literary Walk

4.2 km

Landmark

St. Mary's Rectory

3.9 km

Landmark

Woodlawn Historic District

3.6 km

Landmark

Park Maintenance Building

3.6 km

Church

New Creations International Church

3.6 km

Landmark

Saint Wenceslaus Church

3.6 km

Church

Our Redeemer Lutheran Church

3.6 km

Landmark

Letovsky-Rohret House

3.7 km

Church

Zion Lutheran Church

3.7 km

University

University of Iowa

5.0 km

Nearby

Southeastern Iowa Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church

210 m

Restaurants

Joensy's Restaurant

250 m

2563 N Dodge St

Explore Iowa City

Local Highlights

Southeastern Iowa Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church

9 minutes' walk

A historic church known for its stunning architecture and tranquil atmosphere, perfect for a peaceful visit.

Relationships

15 minutes' walk

A local landmark featuring artistic installations that reflect community ties, engaging for those interested in cultural insights.

Family

20 minutes' walk

A welcoming park ideal for families, equipped with playgrounds and picnic areas, perfect for a relaxing day outdoors.

Visionary Stone

20 minutes' walk

An intriguing outdoor art installation that invites contemplation and dialogue, set in a serene environment.

Hiking at Hickory Hill Park

25 minutes' walk

Accessible hiking trails offering scenic views and a chance to connect with nature, suitable for all skill levels.

Yoga Classes

10 minutes' drive

Nearby yoga studios provide classes for relaxation and wellness. Booking ahead is recommended for specific classes.

Biking at Devonian Fossil Gorge

10 minutes' drive

A thrilling biking experience with unique geological formations. Bike rentals available for convenience.

Joensy's Restaurant

4 minutes' walk

A cozy eatery serving classic American comfort food. Popular for generous portions and friendly service.

Local Farm-to-Table Diner

5 minutes' drive

Focus on seasonal ingredients with a rotating menu. Reservations recommended for dinner service.

Local Live Music Venue

10 minutes' drive

Vibrant atmosphere hosting weekly music nights. Great for families and music lovers alike.

Comedy Club Downtown

10 minutes' drive

A lively venue showcasing local comedy talent. Perfect for an evening of laughter and fun.

Getting around

City Centre

Iowa City7 min · 4.2 km

Airports

The Eastern Iowa (CID)58 min · 38.1 km

Quad City International (MLI)152 min · 100.7 km

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-23:59

Check-out

until 11 am

Guest Parking

Public parking is possible on site for free.

Internet

is available in for free.

Breakfast

The hotel The Highlander, Ascend Collection provides visitors with a free full breakfast.

Children & extra beds

There are no extra beds provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are allowed on request.

Number of rooms:

Former name

Quality Inn & Suites Highlander Conference Center

Questions of the users

About The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection

Are pets allowed at The Highlander Hotel?

12 December 2024

Yes, pets are welcome at the hotel for a fee of $30 per stay. Please inform the hotel in advance if you're bringing a pet so a suitable room can be prepared.

Do the rooms come equipped with a refrigerator?

23 January 2025

All first-floor rooms and premium accommodations include refrigerators for your convenience.

Is the indoor pool operational during the pandemic?

18 March 2025

Absolutely! The indoor pool, heated to 31 degrees Celsius, is open and ready for guests to enjoy.

Is there a hot tub available in the guest rooms?

05 February 2025

Unfortunately, there are no hot tubs located in the guest rooms at this hotel.

Are wristbands necessary for pool access?

11 April 2025

Yes, wristbands are provided for guests to wear in the pool area, which helps identify those authorized to use the facility.

Are special discounts available for AAA or AARP members?

08 May 2025

Currently, there are no AAA or AARP discounts offered, but direct bookings may receive the best rates, along with a special hospital rate for certain guests.

What is the maximum occupancy for adjoining suites?

15 June 2025

The hotel offers adjoining two-room suites with a king bed and double queen beds, perfect for families and groups.

Is breakfast included during the stay?

10 September 2024

Guests can enjoy a complimentary grab-and-go breakfast during weekdays, while brunch is served on weekends from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

Can guests cook in the rooms or use kitchen facilities?

22 November 2024

Each room is equipped with specific amenities, but full kitchen facilities are limited. Often, there are nearby dining options available.

What activities are available for families staying at The Highlander?

27 October 2024

The hotel features an arcade room for all ages, an indoor pool, and games for outdoor fun in the courtyard area.