Crowne Plaza hotel Kings Cross, London
London is not just the ‘big’ smoke’ it is an amazing place to visit and stay, but when people want to stay in the city, what are the best areas and what hotels are good to stay at?
Well our Chief Caveman reviewer had the opportunity to stay at the Crowns Plaza, Kingscross, London for a few nights and was impressed with the place, he also got some great tips to make anyone’s stay better!
The Hotel
Getting to the hotel was easy, we took a black cab after parking at the Westfield shopping centre and our cabbie chatted about the recent take over of the hotel. Arriving at the hotel was fantastic, they have their own turning circle right at the front entrance so it was a little hop up the steps and into the reception.
As we went in we noticed a glass door to the right and made note to ask about it – we will come to this door later on! Check in was fast and smooth, there were plenty of staff and loads of desks. We were checked in, in no time and having our room cards sorted, up to the room we went.
Once the bags were sorted a quick tour of the Crowne Plaza hotel, we were able to find the lounge that looked really comfy and the bar really easily, with our happy bartender doing his thing with a cocktail.
Behind the bar was the main restaurant. It looked great, open, inviting and attentive staff with a great looking menu.
The room
We managed to bag an executive room and finding it on the 7th floor, we were opposite the lifts. We did worry a little bit because of the potential noise but there was no need, as we did not hear a thing during our stay.
The room was great, 2 large double beds and all the facilities we were going to need, from comfy beds to plenty of storage to help enjoy our stay. The beds were soft and there was plenty of room around them.
Searching around the room, we found complimentary drinks and even some chocolate (which was replaced daily!) Finding that the bathroom, had everything we needed, shampoos to moisturisers, soft towels and everything in between. Our room was cleaned and everything replaced daily.
On the desk was a hotel mobile, with good data connection and we were invited to take it with us on our travels around London. The Google maps was an incredible tool which made getting around easy. There were 2 tube stations a distance away but with the Oyster card sorted, we found jumping on and off buses much easier and there were plenty of bus stops just up the road from the hotel.
The TV had great channels (2 movie channels) and the desk area had its own UK and international charging points with USB charging connectors, which we thought were a great idea. With tea, coffee and hot chocolate making facilities, safe, ironing board and plenty of hangers it was all these little touches that made our stay awesome.
The club room
The best tip we found about staying at Crowne Plaza was the club room. Staying in an executive room meant we had free roam of the hotel, except one area, The club room. We could have breakfast in the main restaurant every morning and a bar to sit at, but wandering around we saw that glass door by reception again.
Asking at the desk about their club room and if a room upgrade was needed, we were told that we could pay extra to use it. The cost was based on the room and not the individual so an upgrade entitled all the guests in the room to use it.
We love a good club room (that glass door on the right that we noticed as we went into the hotel) was our golden ticket. We agreed to pay the very reasonable fee and were impressed with what we were offered in return for it. We got “Beer o’clock” between 6 and 8 pm, with beer, wine, and spirits on a help your self basis. Plus we were fed with hot snacks, desserts and even healthy options during this time as well (the fish fingers were wonderful). The space was great, TV, books and even board games (even if some of our group cheated at monopoly) we had a great time in there.
The club room also provided breakfast in the morning and although there was more choice in the main restaurant, the food in the club room was hot, fresh and there were no queues. Coffee, juices and soft drinks were on offer and there was plenty to have to set us up for the day. The club room member of staff even got fresh eggs from the kitchen when asked (check the table menu) and sorted out waffles for those that needed a sugar rush in the morning.
Staying fit
Being in London there was lots of walking but for those that want to do a little more, in the basement there is a gym and a pool. This area is ran by a separate company but they have a deal with the hotel. The gym and fitness rooms are free to use but if guests wanted to use the pool a small charge was expected.
The fitness room looked fully stocked with kit and a massive gym set over 2 levels. All the cardio on the ground floor and weight machines above.
The member of staff was polite and helpful. We decided to jump in the pool and after a small payment, we were handed towels and a token for the locker. The pool was busy and lots of families were there, but being a weekend we did expect it. The pool is short but perfectly sized for a few lengths to get the heart rate up. A steam room and sauna were also on offer but the hot tub by the side of the pool was closed for cleaning while we were there.
This area is a great addition to the hotel and well worth a visit when anyone decides stay.
Thanks
We would like to thank all the staff and Crowne Plaza for our stay, we would love to come back and stay in this or any of their other hotels, we think they deserve the Crown!
