The Highlander Hotel Iowa City, an Ascend Collection Hotel

We checked into a handicap room for a 4 night stay. It was very musty and there was black mold on the wall. The night staff (9 pm) left a note for the manager The morning staff upgraded us to a handicap suite at no charge.

We’ve stayed here a dozen times and will stay here again but this was not our favorite stay. We are usually here on busier weekends with lots of staff and everything well kept. Hopefully just an off night for the place and staff.

-someone elses trash still in room on arrival. -dirt in shower. -floors were disgusting, my sons feet were black within 15 minutes of walking on it. -no smart tv and no tv guide for channels. -interior of room was poorly maintained; peeling paint, over spray, missing paint, ect. -inside door does not remain locked, making it very easy for a toddler or child to escape. -pool was not clean: clumps of hair and bugs everywhere. -saw a roach by the hot tub. -amenities that were advertised were not available (the hotel bar, the snack shack, multiple broken arcade games) -extremely over priced for what was offered. Praise: -staff was friendly. -the lobby and lucy’s was very clean and well maintained. -being able to text order from the restaurant to the room is amazing. -service at lucy’s was great. -wide variety of drinks at the bar.

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.

I little too deep into the hippy vibe for me. The wall art had that feel of rejected traditional middle-class morality, institutional church authority, and conventional sexual and social rules. Nice place, just had an oppressive vibe feel.

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!

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.

Great staff

Beautiful 70’s inspired hotel. Beautifully decorated. Breakfast was great. Loved the fresh yogurt bar.

Old outdated hotel, grounds in poor condition, it had a high rating which is false! I would not go there again, Also, they had check in at the bar area, what a joke. I do not recommend this place!

Free breakfast and the pool and hot tub were nice. Bathroom was a little rundown

The room was clean, but dated. The pictures on the website look much better than the actual room. Very run down, old out of style. Waiting for a refund from the price the hotel charged which was more than the Expedia reservation. When asked to speak to a manager, was off on Sunday.

A+++++ definitely love this property it is my go to when in iowa city

Everything was fantastic I would be definitely coming back.

Nicole at the front desk was absolutely amazing! She was so helpful and accommodating and all the other staff was fantastic too. We loved the ability to use a record player in our room and were very happy with all the amenities they offered. We would definitely stay there again. We would have liked a coffee maker in our room.

It was conveniently located near the highway. The rooms were dirty. Room service was not as advertised. Room was warm upon arrival and AC did not work well.

Exceptional

Good

Clean room, loved that they had the air turned on in room. Breakfast was good.

This property is past its prime and needs a good refresh. On the edge of town, this place attracts little league teams and construction workers. Not a good choice for solo female biz travelers. Won’t do it again.