Crowne Plaza Kitchener-waterloo By Ihg

This hotel is highly regarded for its central location in downtown Kitchener, offering convenient access to the ION transit system and various local attractions, making it an excellent choice for sightseers and event attendees. Its family-friendly amenities, including a pool and recreational activities, also make it particularly appealing for families traveling with children. Guests consistently praise the hotel's attentive staff and the exceptional quality of its dining options, especially breakfast. While the hotel generally maintains a high standard of cleanliness and comfort, some guests note issues with noise levels and the condition of certain rooms. To ensure a more peaceful stay, it is advisable to request a room away from high-traffic areas or higher floors, and be prepared for potential additional costs associated with parking and some recreational facilities.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities designed to enhance the guest experience. The swimming pool is a popular feature, especially for families, often described as clean and a good size, though some guests found the water to be cold or the area crowded at times. A well-equipped gym is available for those wishing to maintain their fitness routine. For entertainment, the hotel provides bowling lanes, mini-golf, and an arcade, which are generally enjoyed by guests, particularly children, though it's important to note that these often incur additional costs and some arcade games may be out of order. While Wi-Fi is available, some guests reported issues with connectivity. The elevators are generally efficient, contributing to smooth movement throughout the property.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests frequently commend the hotel's cleanliness, describing rooms as spotless and well-maintained. The comfortable beds and high-quality mattresses consistently receive praise, ensuring a restful night's sleep for most. However, feedback on room size and overall condition is mixed; while some rooms are spacious, others are described as small or dated, particularly the bathroom areas. Many guests found bathrooms to be very compact, lacking sufficient counter space, and some noted older fixtures or issues with drainage. A significant recurring concern is noise levels, with many guests reporting disturbances from adjacent HVAC systems, street traffic, and especially loud guests in hallways or neighboring rooms, indicating poor soundproofing. Some rooms also experienced issues with temperature control, being either too warm or too cold.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining options consistently receive high praise from guests. The breakfast buffet is a standout feature, frequently described as excellent, superb, and offering a wide variety of fresh, high-quality food, including live stations for made-to-order items. Many guests consider the breakfast to be well worth the cost, if not included in their rate. The on-site restaurant is also highly regarded, with guests commending the delicious food quality, generous portion sizes, and appealing presentation. The restaurant staff are noted for their attentive and friendly service. Additionally, the hotel offers a 24-hour snack bar providing convenient access to drinks and light refreshments, and some guests enjoyed happy hour specials at the bar.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location in downtown Kitchener is a significant advantage, placing guests within easy walking distance of numerous attractions, restaurants, and shopping areas. Its accessibility to public transportation is also highly valued, with the ION transit system, buses, and train stops conveniently nearby, providing easy connections to areas like the University of Waterloo and Conestoga Mall. While the location offers great convenience, feedback on parking is mixed. On-site parking is available but often comes with an additional daily fee, and some guests found the parking garage to have low ceilings, making it challenging for larger vehicles, or noted long, inconvenient walks to the hotel reception. Some guests also expressed unease about encounters in the immediate vicinity of the parking area.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receive high praise for their friendly staff, helpful demeanor, and professional approach. Guests frequently highlight the attentive service provided by the front desk team, who are often described as going "above and beyond" to assist with requests and ensure a pleasant stay. The quick check-in process is generally appreciated, though a few guests experienced initial confusion or delays. Housekeeping services are largely positive, with rooms being tidied efficiently. However, some guests reported inconsistencies with housekeeping, such as towels not being replaced or rooms not being fully serviced daily. While staff are commended for their efforts, some guests noted that certain complex issues or complaints were not always fully resolved or followed up on to their satisfaction.

Additional Information
The hotel's overall aesthetic and layout receive mixed reviews, with some guests describing it as an older property with a somewhat dated decor and a maze-like layout that can be confusing to navigate. A recurring issue, particularly on weekends, is the significant noise levels from large groups, such as sports teams, which can disrupt the peace in hallways and adjacent rooms, despite staff efforts to manage the situation. Guests should be aware that many recreational amenities, including mini-golf, bowling, and arcade games, incur additional costs beyond the room rate. Furthermore, parking is not complimentary and is an extra charge. The hotel also has specific policies, such as a strict late checkout policy and a 19+ check-in age requirement, which have caused inconvenience for some guests. Despite these points, the hotel is a popular venue for hosting events, with positive feedback on its event facilities and staff.