Wow!! I had just finished a 3 week sojourn into Scandinavia, having found a great property or two, a good one or two, a mediocre one or two and a really disappointing one.....and right here snuggled up against the US border with Mexico is a really pleasant surprise. I hadn't been in Mexicali for 50 years so I didn't know what to expect. I arrived for an overnight business meeting, and selected the Crowne Plaza based on a recommendation from a local potential Mexican client. I parked my rental car in Calexico and cabbed it over the border ($90 cab ride - a little much - but the cabs have to price in their horrendous waits crossing back into the USA). The cabbie delivered me to the front door......my first impression was "Uh Oh".....there was a lot of construction going on in the lobby....but from the moment I encountered the reception it was uphill from there. A very proficient and friendly (in English and Spanish (obviously)) checkin process......I asked for a late checkout the next day and the checkin in clerk asked me in 2:30PM was OK.....I I quickly assented. I was efficiently processed into an executive level room (very nicely laid out and appointed) room in a quiet area......bottled water in the room......ethernet internet included.....works well......it was 112 degrees F outside and the room was a cool 70....and has remained so throughout the stay.........a very good first and enduring impression. Good price. No street noise discernible from the room........on the main level there is a Sports Bar, which doesn't suit me, but for those who like sports' Bars, I'm guessing they'll like it. I went to the Colorado Room, a really nice restaurant on the premises.....had a couple of Margaritas......a platter of Guacamole (like it's supposed to be), a Caesar with Beef Fajitas, a cup of hot Black Tea, and we were done. The service was very very kind and correct. This hotel would do well anywhere in the world, just the way it is; If it were placed in many places in Scandinavia, or many other places, it would just murder the competition. Isn't it interesting what a difference people make? In Mexicali, of all places, where business is probably off due to Mexico's current problems and the general economic retraction, and it's not on anyone's tourist destination list......that's where people with jobs in the leisure or business tourist trade actually DO TRY HARDER.....here it doesn't just seem to be a slogan. It's good to hit a stop like this once in a while to remind oneself about what constitutes a really successful hospitality business. I've been to a few hotel properties in the past six months or so that should send some of their staff to this hotel in Mexicali just to observe what success can look like. I'm guessing that not many tripadvisor members have Mexicali on their list......but in case they would find themselves here for some reason......i'd suggest that they give this one a try.