The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection in Iowa City, IA is a renovated urban resort hotel that celebrates over 50 years as a legendary hotel, supper club and event venue. The hotel boasts the largest indoor pool in the area which is heated to 88 degrees year-round. The pool has clerestory windows and giant garage doors that open up to a courtyard complete with backyard games like giant chess and bags. The pool features a hot tub, ping pong and a snack shack that serves milkshakes and pizza poolside. The hotel has 96 spacious guest rooms, many with slider doors that lead to the pool or courtyard. Many rooms adjoin, and all include organic bath products, stylish decor and luxury bedding. Each poolside room has their own kitchen height community table. Courtyard rooms each have their own patio and seating as do balcony rooms. The lobby bar serves up appetizers and signature cocktails with an adjacent patio and fire pit. One upscale dining room is upscale, featuring a menu with steak and seafood. The other casual dining room is designed for all ages, features a historic 1967 sunken bar and arcade with vintage video games. Our full menu features steaks, seafood, salads and pasta is available at all dining areas and for in-room dining. The hotel is a convenient on-off from Interstate 80. Free parking can accommodate large vehicles including Rvs, buses, trailers and semi-trucks. The city bus picks up at the Highlander front door every half hour and delivers guests to the downtown Iowa City pedestrian mall or the University of Iowa campus in minutes. The Eastern Iowa Airport is less than 20 minutes from the hotel. Plus, with every stay, you can earn points toward free nights, gift cards and more with our Choice Privileges Rewards program.