DECENT: Crowne Plaza Geneva

This is my review of the Crowne Plaza Geneva, where I stayed three nights on a recent business trip.





Located just across from the airport, it took me just about 20 minutes from touch-down to the room! Once you exit the baggage reclaim area inside the airport, just follow the signs for hotel shuttle pick-up. It's basically just straight. The hotel shuttle runs every 15 minutes or so and is free of charge. It will take you to the hotel in three minutes! (This is not a city-centre property. There's a bus stop right outside the door; the bus ride into the city centre takes no more than 15 minutes.)

Check-in was friendly and efficient. A Spire Elite member of the IHG Rewards Club, I received a complimentary upgrade to an executive room on the seventh floor. Those are newly renovated. The room itself was spacious and clean with lovely views over the Swiss Alps in the background. The room was surprisingly quiet despite facing the main road. There's plenty of desk space, a Nespresso machine and complimentary bottled water (replenished every day of the stay) in the room. The bathroom, too, is modern and spacious. It features a shower and bath unit. The amenities, which I liked a lot, are by Rituals.

I had access to the executive lounge. Don't expect too much here. If you just want a snack and something to drink, you'll enjoy the lounge. Soft drinks, biscuits and nuts are on offer all day. But I found breakfast and the evening spread during happy hour disappointing, so I paid extra for the main breakfast buffet downstairs. This was disappointing, too. Breakfast is served in an unrenovated meeting room in the basement as the hotel is currently undergoing major renovations. The breakfast spread was just about OK, consisting of a good balance of Western and Asian options. Instant noodles anyway? Stale bread buns? Inattentive service.

As I was staying for a number of nights, I dined at the hotel twice. I ordered room service the first evening, which was a bit of a mishap. Instead of delivering the club sandwich I ordered, they brought up someone else's pasta; and when I called to let them know, they simply swapped the dishes. The pasta that was in my room was sent straight to the person who actually ordered it; my club sandwich arrived after it had been collected from the other person's room! The last evening, I ate in the main restaurant downstairs. It was surprisingly busy for an airport hotel--the restaurant is popular with locals apparently. The food and service were excellent, though.

This is a decent property if you are looking for a chain hotel in Geneva. The location worked for me, but it may not be the best option if you are in town for sightseeing. The newly renovated rooms are nice, though I wouldn't pay extra for the disappointing breakfast again--at least not until the renovation works are completed.




























No comments:

Post a Comment