It does not look like a real 5-star hotel, but has many features of such a hotel: good and large rooms, clean bath rooms, balconies, good chef at the restaurant. We had a half pension stay and enjoyed very rich, various and tasty meals (breakfast and dinner).
The service is good and the cleanliness acceptable. The lobby is not very impressive, as for a 5 stars, but a pleasant place to enjoy some time in the evening hours (especially when it rains, as was in Jan 30, a seldom event at the Dead Sea).
If the hotel administration would use some better cleaning materials, especially in the lobby, the actual odor will be changed for good.
In all, with a company of some friends you can have a pleasant stay at the hotel.

The first time I arrived in Ein Bokek I had a day pass at a spa. I was disappointed when I saw that my day pass was for a hotel that was not directly on the Dead Sea. The walk towards the Dead Sea was significant and I learned my lesson.

The second time I went to Ein Bokek I reserved several nights at the Crown Plaza which has the best location on the Dead Sea. This is important since the main attraction of this area is the healing and nutritive waters of the Dead Sea. The hotel has a beautiful lobby with extensive windows that afford views to the water and pool area. You can easily pass a couple hours (many people do) sitting in the lobby. The pool area is huge, but it is not heated in the winter which is too bad because it is warm enough most days to sit outside. The beach area is very large and it supervised by lifeguards. The hotel also provides the famous Dead Sea mud in large barrels for the ultimate soak. We were able to go in the water in January, but we are Canadian and very used to the cold water. For many people, this is not a possibility. Fro people who find the sea too cold in January, the hotel also has a spa that has a heated pool where they pump in Dead Sea water. This pool is a blessing as the heated waters are very soothing and it is tempting to lie in the pool more than the 30 minute recommended time. Don't do this - you might get a skin irritation. The spa also has massage, hydrotherapy, two steam baths. The waters of the Dead Sea are very oily and it is difficult to keep the floors from being slippery but there are always staff cleaning up. Be sure to wear non-slip soles when you visit the pool. Also go in the morning/evening to avoid the large crowds that congregate in this area.

As far as the rooms at the hotel go, they are spacious, clean, and quiet. Most have private balconies that have beautiful views over the desert and the water. The rooms further away from the elevator have the best views. The one problem I encountered was the lack of non-smoking rooms. There are only 7 in the entire hotel! The hotel would greatly benefit from having a non-smoking floor to cater to guests who do not smoke and who do not want to be exposed to second hand smoke.

The meals are good for a large resort. We opted for the half board plan which includes breakfast/dinner. The breakfast is HUGE. this is especially great if you plan on hiking in the area during the day. you will not need a lunch. The dinner offers many different options, including salads, meat, fish and vegetarian. Everything is buffet.

The staff at the hotel are very helpful. They assisted when we had to make bus travel arrangements and also stored our bags for us when we decided to do an overnight tour to Eilat.

As an aside, I would add that winter is the best time to visit the Dead Sea. The temperature is about 21- 25 C every day. It is usually sunny. Hiking is great as it is not too hot. Be sure to visit Ein Gedi and Masada, both great hikes. Plus there is an added advantage that this is considered low season so you can receive a room at a discounted price. Go online to book, and you will find great deals.

The location is very good considering it is in the Dead Sea. McDonald's, "Aroma" Coffe Shop and mini shopping center are 100 meters from the hotel. The breakfast and dinner: very good.
Delux room is good size for 2 adults plus 2 children, great view from the room to the Dead Sea.Big Lobby, Free WiFi,nice children club. We had late check-in and we did not find parking in the hotel's parking area so we parked 100 m' from the hotel.
After all we enjoyed the hotel. our 2 girls (6 & 10) loved it so much.

Okay, I have to admit the location is fantastic, the Dead Sea is right at your doorstep. In contrast to other hotels in Ein Bokek, you don't even have to cross the street to get to the beach. However, the staff is not very friendly, to say the least (there were some exceptions, in particular the waitresses at the lobby restaurant). We received complimentary chocolate that was completely mouldy. Most staff hardly speak any English which is perhaps not necessary given that most of the customers are Russian but, hey, somehow you expect to be able to communicate in English in an international chain like this. Moreover, the pool closes at 17h which is a bit silly if you would like to relax there after a day of sight seeing. Bathrobes are provided at the pool, never changed during your stay, and you have to give them back there at the end of your stay. For what you get, the place is completely overpriced...Certainly does not deserve to be a five star hotel!