It’s rather sad to see a brand you used to like and appreciate so much in the past struggle like this in these times. Here we have a huge hotel operating at probably less than 25% capacity having to cut costs so much that it does affect the customer experience which is no longer in line with its name and rating status.
It’s clean, bed is comfy, reception staff pleasant, no aircraft noises and that’s it. No restaurants facilities (Murray’s is NOT chargeable to the room), no breakfast worthy of the name (and unpleasant staff), restrictions on toiletries, noisy old fashioned heater and AirCon, only a hourly shuttle on a first come first served basis (if you miss it then tough oh and wait no shuttle at 1pm either!!!), the list goes on.
There are 5 lifts to access your floor, all working but with general access rather than key card access. I think this present a huge security risk in what probably is a target zone for potential thief’s with tired unwary tourists abound.
Use it as a quick overnight and that’s it, no more. Personally, the lack of adequate evening and morning restaurant facilities is a step too far so I’d go to the hotel right at the airport where the shuttles are and save myself the hassle of a random shuttle driven by a could not care less driver. Right now this is not a Crowne Plaza hotel but a fancy overnight bed. This is especially true if you’re arriving from a long overnight foreign flight and you’re trying to find your feet.