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Summary of reviewsThe Crowne Plaza Kitchener-Waterloo by IHG, receives commendations for its prime location in downtown Kitchener, making it a convenient base for both leisure and business travelers. Guests appreciate its proximity to numerous attractions, restaurants and shops, as well as its accessibility to public transportation and key venues like the University of Waterloo. The hotel’s location offers ample parking, clean facilities and a sense of safety, contributing to a valued experience.
Breakfast guests enjoy a varied and tasty buffet with commendable service. Nonetheless, issues arise with inclusivity and food quality inconsistencies. Dinner experiences are mixed with good food quality and pleasant service, but critiques focus on high pricing, limited variety and inconvenient operating hours.
Rooms are generally comfortable and clean with some highlighting spaciousness and natural light, particularly in king suites. However, inconsistencies such as outdated decor, small bathrooms and occasional noise disturbances are noted. Cleanliness overall is praised, though minor attention to detail is needed in some areas.
Staff interactions are predominantly positive with many reviews highlighting friendly, helpful and professional behavior, particularly from the dining and front desk staff. However, occasional reports of inconsistent service and rude interactions indicate areas for potential improvement in customer service.
The pool area is an attractive feature with a clean, spacious setup, though some guests find the temperature too cold and amenities lacking. Maintenance and accessibility issues detract slightly from the experience.
Parking receives mixed reviews; while some guests find it convenient, others cite frustrations with extra charges, layout confusion and access challenges. Families enjoy the various entertainment options like the mini-golf course, bowling alley and arcade, which keep children engaged and contribute to a lively stay.
Beds receive high marks for comfort, ensuring a restful night's sleep for most guests. Although the hotel is generally seen as appropriate for its three-star rating, some guests feel the pricing does not always match the expected value. For business travelers, the excellent location and convenient business center are significant advantages, though some find the hotel pricey for short stays.
Overall, the Crowne Plaza Kitchener-Waterloo offers a pleasant stay with notable strengths in location, staff friendliness and amenities, though there are areas that could benefit from enhancement, particularly in terms of value for money and minor service improvements. Show more
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Hotel near Ski Resorts
Situated in Kitchener, this hotel is within a reasonable driving distance to Chicopee, making it suitable for guests planning winter sports activities.
Family Friendly Hotel
The hotel offers spacious rooms and suites suitable for families. It features recreational activities on-site and is centrally located, providing convenient access to family-friendly attractions.
Business Hotel
This full-service hotel in downtown Kitchener provides easy access to restaurants and highways. It features an indoor pool, fitness center, free Wi-Fi, and a business center, along with meeting facilities and parking.
Hotel with Parking
This hotel offers on-site parking facilities. Guests have the option to book a rate that includes parking for one vehicle, ensuring a reserved spot at the property.
3-Star Hotel
This non-smoking property features an indoor pool, fitness center, and on-site restaurant. The accommodations are modernly furnished with free wireless internet, microwave, and mini fridge. Guests have appreciated the comfortable beds, pillows, and great breakfast.
Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
Hotel for Honeymoon
Hotel with Swimming Pool
Indoor Pool
Hotel with Indoor Pool
Room Types
Standard RoomThis room has free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, coffee-tea-facilities, microwave and mini fridge.
Bed type preference cannot be guaranteed as it will be allocated upon arrival based on availability.
Standard Queen Room with Two Queen BedsThis room has coffee-tea-facilities, microwave and mini fridge.
Please note that the room rate is based on 2 guests. Maximum occupancy is 4 guests (see Hotel Policies for extra person charges).
Premium Queen Room with Two Queen BedsRoom features a seating area with sofa. It offers free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, coffee-tea-facilities, microwave, mini fridge and turndown service. Bathrobes stock the bathroom.
King Room - Mobility Access Tub/Non-SmokingOffering disability access, this room has free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, coffee-tea-facilities, microwave and mini fridge.
Junior King SuiteSuite offers a seating area with sofa. It includes bathrobes and turndown service. Coffee-tea-facilities, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, microwave and mini fridge are standard.
Premium King RoomRoom features a seating area with sofa. It offers free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, coffee-tea-facilities, microwave, mini fridge and turndown service. Bathrobes stock the bathroom.
Standard King RoomThis room has free Wi-Fi, air conditioning,coffee-tea-facilities, microwave and mini fridge.
Guest Reviews
7.6
Good
Location
The Crowne Plaza Kitchener-Waterloo by IHG, consistently receives praise for its outstanding location, making it an ideal choice for visitors with various needs. Situated right in the heart of downtown Kitchener, the hotel offers easy access to numerous attractions, restaurants and shops, enabling guests to explore everything on foot. Its proximity to event venues, including the Christmas market and local festivals, proves highly convenient for attendees. Many guests appreciate the hotel's closeness to the University of Waterloo and find it a suitable base for visiting the university area.
The central location is particularly beneficial for those without a car, providing uncomplicated access to public transportation and essential amenities. Moreover, the hotel is described as safe, socially interactive and familiar, offering a sense of security and belonging.
For business travelers, the hotel's nearness to medical facilities and other important areas is invaluable. Amenities such as ample parking, clean and spacious rooms and good facilities further enhance the experience. Considering the strategic location coupled with reasonable accommodation fees, guests frequently highlight the sense of value for money.
Overall, the Crowne Plaza Kitchener-Waterloo stands out not just for its prime position but also for delivering comfort and convenience, ensuring a pleasant stay for all types of travelers.
Breakfast
The breakfast experience at Crowne Plaza Kitchener-Waterloo garners a mix of opinions from guests. Many rave about the extensive and delicious breakfast buffet, citing a large selection of flavorful options and high nutritional value. Words like "fantastic," "awesome," and "one of the best I've had" frequently appear in positive reviews with guests appreciating the diverse food choices and friendly service. The breakfast staff are also notably praised for their welcoming demeanor.
However, a number of guests mention issues regarding the inclusivity of the breakfast; several reviews point out that breakfast is only provided for two adults even if the booking is for more people. Some guests expect breakfast to be included, only to discover that it is not covered in their package, which has led to disappointment and additional costs.
There are also sporadic critiques of the food quality with comments about underbaked waffles, cold croissants and unappetizing eggs. The timing of breakfast service appears to be inconvenient for business travelers and some find the buffet price for children to be excessively high.
Despite these negatives, the consensus leans toward a positive breakfast experience with the highlights being the assortment of choices, great taste and excellent service.
Dinner
The Crowne Plaza Kitchener-Waterloo's dining experiences offer mixed feedback from guests. Positively noted, both dinner and breakfast at the hotel's restaurant are generally described as good with decent food quality being a highlight. The staff in the dining room receive commendations for their excellent service, contributing to a pleasant dining atmosphere. The bar/restaurant on the ground floor is particularly appreciated for its dinner offerings.
However, there are several drawbacks highlighted by guests. The pricing at the restaurant is repeatedly mentioned as being excessively high with numerous reviews pointing to an overpriced menu that does not match the food quality. Some guests feel that the food selection is limited and lacking in variety. Operational hours are also a point of contention with the restaurant and bar closing earlier than some would prefer. Additionally, it is noted that occasional noise and rowdiness in the bar/restaurant area can detract from the dining experience.
Overall, while the dining staff and some meal experiences earn praise, improvements could be made in menu pricing, variety and operational hours to better meet guest expectations.
Rooms
Crowne Plaza Kitchener-Waterloo boasts a variety of room options that generally meet the needs of its guests. Many reviews highlight the cleanliness and comfort of the rooms with several mentioning the comfortable beds and spacious layouts, especially in the king suites. Guests also appreciate the natural light provided by large windows in some rooms, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere.
However, the hotel does have some inconsistencies. Several guests noted that some rooms are small, dark and outdated with particular complaints about tiny bathrooms and occasional maintenance issues like non-functional thermostats and shower heads needing replacement. Noise can also be a problem with some rooms not being sound-proof and disruptive neighbors being an occasional issue.
Overall, the hotel appears to deliver on the basics with clean and comfortable accommodations, though it may fall short on modernity and room maintenance for some visitors. The friendly and welcoming staff, along with a good location, add to the positive aspects of staying at this hotel.
Beds
When it comes to the beds at Crowne Plaza Kitchener-Waterloo by IHG, guest feedback reveals a strong consensus toward comfort and satisfaction. Most reviews highlight the beds as being comfortable with several guests describing them as very comfy or super comfortable and the pillows receiving particular praise for their softness. Phrases like "amazing beds" and "great mattresses" are commonly mentioned, suggesting that the hotel has succeeded in providing a restful night's sleep for many of its visitors.
However, there are occasional concerns. A few guests noted issues such as mattresses being too soft or saggy and some mentioned less favorable conditions like stained linens and bed cleanliness issues. Despite these isolated incidents, the overwhelming majority found the beds conducive to relaxation and comfort.
Overall, the general feedback points towards a well-received sleeping experience, aligning with the hotel's reputation for quality accommodations.
Cleanliness
The Crowne Plaza Kitchener-Waterloo by IHG, generally garners positive remarks for its cleanliness. Many guests noted that the rooms were consistently clean, spacious and well-kept. The hotel’s common areas, including reception and gym, were highlighted for their cleanliness as well. The beds and pillows were described as clean and comfortable and the overall property impressed visitors with its modern and tidy ambiance.
However, some guests did notice areas needing improvement. There were sporadic mentions of dirty showers, stained furniture and occasional dust. A few guests pointed out issues with vacuuming and detailed cleaning, specifically under beds and behind tables. Despite these minor lapses, the general consensus indicates a satisfactory cleanliness standard throughout the hotel.
In summary, while there are some isolated concerns, the Crowne Plaza Kitchener-Waterloo maintains a reputation for providing clean and comfortable accommodations with a few areas that could benefit from more attention to detail.
Staff
The reviews for the staff at Crowne Plaza Kitchener-Waterloo by IHG, reveal a generally positive experience with some significant highlights. Many guests praised the staff for their friendliness, helpfulness and professionalism. The dining room and bar staff were particularly noted for being attentive and pleasant, while front desk employees received commendations for being welcoming and courteous. Guests frequently mentioned feeling supported and appreciated the helpful advice and support offered during their stay.
However, there were mentions of inconsistent service with some guests encountering rude and unhelpful behavior from certain front desk staff. Instances of staff confusion and poor service were also reported, suggesting areas for improvement in customer service training and communication.
Overall, the majority of experiences highlight a warm and accommodating staff, creating a friendly and supportive atmosphere for guests at the hotel.
Pool
Crowne Plaza Kitchener-Waterloo’s pool area has received a mix of reviews from guests. While many guests described the pool as beautiful, fantastic and fun, there were several notes about the pool temperature being colder than desired, particularly during winter. Despite the occasional chill, some still enjoyed a nice swim and found the pool warm and clean.
The spacious indoor pool seems to be a highlight for many with a good setup that includes a divider between the deep and shallow ends, although this design choice was not ideal for those looking to swim lengths. The early opening time of 8am is convenient, but some guests felt the pool hours were too short since it closes at 9pm.
One drawback noted by multiple reviewers was the lack of accessories in the pool area—no bathrooms, no showers and no towels were mentioned. In addition, maintenance issues such as a closed hot tub and a need for overall cleanliness improvements were highlighted. Some guests also faced accessibility challenges with the pool being two flights of stairs away.
Nevertheless, the positive feedback on the clean room, nice gym and overall enjoyable swimming experiences suggest that the pool remains a valued amenity at Crowne Plaza Kitchener-Waterloo.
Parking
Guests have mixed feelings about the parking situation at the Crowne Plaza Kitchener-Waterloo. While some appreciate the convenient parking options available in the adjacent parking garage and commend the well-managed facilities, many express concerns. A significant issue highlighted is the extra charge for parking, which some guests feel should be free, especially given the added inconvenience.
Many visitors found the parking garage's layout and access to be confusing and awkward with a notable distance between the garage and the hotel itself. This distance poses a challenge, particularly for individuals with mobility issues, as there is no added assistance provided. Safety concerns are also noted, as the garage lacks security during the daytime, making some guests feel uneasy.
Furthermore, technical issues, such as parking passes not working, add to the frustration. Despite these inconveniences, some guests found the parking reasonable, though the general sentiment indicates that improvements in both convenience and cost transparency are needed.
Family
Families seeking a fun-filled stay with children will find Crowne Plaza Kitchener-Waterloo by IHG, an excellent choice. Highlighted by many guests, the basement features a mini-golf course, bowling alley and arcade that are sure to captivate kids of all ages, ensuring plenty of entertainment. The hotel's family-friendly environment is further enhanced by thoughtful small extras provided for families, adding an extra touch to their stay.
Although some reviews mentioned challenges such as noise from events and children playing in the hallways, the overall sentiment skews positive, emphasizing the abundance of activities that keep kids engaged. The property's beautiful surroundings also offer great areas for walking and exploring. With amenities like plenty of towels and a helpful reception staff, the hotel sets the stage for making memorable family vacations. However, potential guests should be aware of some practical issues like outdated arcade equipment and occasional noise, which might affect their stay. Overall, this hotel delivers a worthwhile experience for families looking to enjoy a lively and activity-rich environment.
3 Star
The Crowne Plaza Kitchener-Waterloo by IHG, is generally perceived as aligning with its three-star rating. While some guests find the accommodation adequate and in line with their expectations based on its classification and previous reviews, others highlight that the value for money could be improved. Concerns were raised regarding the high rates, which some feel are not justified by the service levels, suggesting the Hotel may not fully deliver on its claims of luxury.
Facility-wise, there were instances where advertised amenities like the sauna and hot tub were out of order, disappointing some visitors. Guests staying for a brief one-night visit noted that the prices could be reduced to further align with the three-star hotel experience. Despite these concerns, the overall sentiment indicates that the hotel meets basic expectations but might benefit from reassessing its pricing strategy to better match the value perceived by its guests.
Business
Crowne Plaza Kitchener-Waterloo by IHG, is praised for its excellent location for business travelers, providing easy access for those in town for professional reasons. The hotel features an easy-to-use business center, making it a convenient choice for business stays. It is noted to be particularly suitable for conferences and large business groups. Additional amenities include a bowling alley, which can offer some leisure activity for those accompanying business travelers. While some find the hotel pricey relative to room quality, it is considered decent for a one-night stay. A potential downside for early risers is the later start for breakfast, which might not align with all business schedules.
Indoor Pool
The Crowne Plaza Kitchener-Waterloo by IHG, offers a substantial indoor pool that many guests appreciated for its size and diverse options. The location of the hotel is also praised as being very good, adding to the overall convenience and appeal. While the pool itself received high marks from several patrons, citing it as fantastic, some guests noted concerns about the pool's temperature being cold and the cleanliness with mentions of it feeling dirty and unhygienic. However, the hotel boasts a range of amenities that contribute positively to the guest experience. The indoor pool has mixed feedback, but its size and variety remain standout features for many visitors.
Yes, Crowne Plaza Kitchener-Waterloo by IHG has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Indoor Pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Crowne Plaza Kitchener-Waterloo by IHG.
No, Crowne Plaza Kitchener-Waterloo by IHG doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Crowne Plaza Kitchener-Waterloo by IHG.
No, Crowne Plaza Kitchener-Waterloo by IHG doesn't have a gym.