If you’re going to stay anywhere in Melbourne, I couldn’t recommend Crowne Plaza® Hotels & Resorts more highly. The Crowne Plaza® Melbourne was a great sponsor of ours for our Melbourne Cup trip and hosted us for two nights. We hadn’t had the privilege of staying there before, so went in not really knowing what to expect.
The first thing that stood out was the location, right next to the Crown Casino and on the water – it is within walking distance to everywhere in the city.
Upon arriving at the Crowne Plaza® Melbourne, the staff could not have been more accommodating. For such a busy time of year (I would imagine the busiest time of year!) nothing was too much trouble for the lovely team.
I was advised that my room was on the 7th floor, I couldn’t wait to check it out. (I’m one of those people that get ridiculously excited about hotel rooms!)
I was not disappointed, the view over the water was spectacular and the bed was like a cloud! I was pleased to see that it also have a desk area where I could file my stories for the day with an absolutely amazing view.
Another guilty pleasure of mine is the hotel pool – I simply cannot allow myself to stay in a hotel and not check out the pool! So after working for 2 hours, I decided to treat myself.
I found my way to the outdoor, (heated!) pool and honestly felt like I was on vacation – the roof top pool is nestled in a suntrap complete with comfortable recliners and towels provided by the hotel. If you’re looking for an escape within this city – The Crowne Plaza® Melbourne will simply not let you down.
After a relaxing sunbathe and swim I headed back to my room to freshen up for dinner, I was so touched to see that the GM had written me a lovely card and provided me with chocolate covered strawberries and sparkling wine – a delight! I really was made to feel so special by our sponsors – for that we are so thankful; it made the stay really stand out.
After an amazing evening checking out the local sites, it felt great to head back to my room knowing that I had an amazing night’s sleep ahead of my in the comfiest bed ever!
Now, I don’t know about you, but for me in addition to the room, the bed and the pool, a true testament to the greatness of a hotel is the breakfast that they provide – well let me just tell you – it did not disappoint!
I felt like I’d been transported to heaven – I was surrounded by all the guests in their finery and the most amazing breakfast selection you’ve ever seen – pancakes, fruit, omelets (made to your preference) full English style breakfast, a choice of American style and English style bacon and the icing on the cake – a JUICE BAR! Seriously, you could choose your own ingredients and make the juice to your preference right next to the breakfast bar. I simply couldn’t just have one plate – I had to sample everything of course (it didn’t cross my mind that I had to wear a tight outfit to the races) you know what thought, it was totally worth it!
The Crowne Plaza® Melbourne really looked after us whilst we were there, but it wasn’t just us – there was a general consensus that the Crowne Plaza® Melbourne staff had gone over and above for all guests. A nice touch was a bus service to and from the Melbourne Cup races. All you had to do was reserve your spot the night before for $30 and they dropped you right at the door. Fantastic! It really took the stress away from having to fight the traffic and growing taxi fares.
Over all the two nights at the Crown Plaza were fantastic, the service was impeccable and the food was outstanding. The facilities were also great and really did make you feel like you’d taken some ‘time out’ from the buzz of the CBD – despite being in the heart of everything.
Room – 4/5
Facilities – 4/5
Service – 5/5
Location – 5/5
You can book at stay at the Crown Plaza Melbourne here
There are currently nine Crowne Plaza hotels across Australia and 68 across the Asia, Middle East and Africa region (excluding Greater China), with 16 more hotels due to open over the next three to five years.
Leave a Reply