Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley by IHG

The grounds are well kept, and everything was clean and neat. It’s only a short walk into town for an evening stroll, and there are plenty of social areas. The spa is lots of fun, with a lot of treatments to choose from. The place was being renovated during our stay, but it didn’t take away from the charm or service. The staff were wonderfully accommodating. Such an adorable place to stay.

We’d been so pleased to find a good option for the year. On our first couple of visits, and during a stay a few years earlier, everything was wonderful: professional, friendly staff and lovely rooms. We were going to need to be in Kurrajong regularly in 2026, so we planned several stays at Crown Plaza Windsor. We’d stayed one night each time, and staff had even made us members for the best rates. We paid $170-200 and were happy with that. When we tried to book our third visit this year, we were told there was a three-night minimum, which had never happened before. We were passed to a male receptionist who was very condescending. He said, “I’m not even lying, we are booked out.” We wondered why he’d be lying and found that odd. He promised to check with staff and call that night if a room was available, but never did. When I phoned back, he didn’t remember our name. He said he’d checked with another staff area that could see all bookings, and there was a room available for $459, almost triple our usual membership rate. It was a cancelled room from a group attending a big conference. We said that was almost the cost of three nights and tried to discuss it, but he got aggressive and shouted, “We are booked out.” When I said I’d write a bad Google review, he threatened to put us in the system and bar us from ever returning. I reminded him we’d planned to come regularly on Wednesday nights that year and couldn’t believe how I was being treated. He rudely asked whether I wanted to write a contract and pay him for the year now. I felt shaken, and my husband and adult child, who heard the whole call, were appalled. Crown Plaza Windsor has gone from five stars to one for us. It’s so unprofessional and unacceptable, and such a shame when we’d been looking forward to spending more time there.

Breakfast was consistently good, and it was lovely to have the choice of fine dining at the intimate Harvest Restaurant or a casual meal at the Barracks Bar. The king suite was quiet, nicely styled, and very comfortable, with a premium-quality bed and barely any noise coming through. We stayed four days and three nights over a busy long weekend, as returning guests at the Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley. Even during a heat wave, the room stayed at an even temperature for most of the day without air conditioning. As always, it was an enjoyable stay at this welcoming, quality country-style resort. Staff across Reception, Dining, Housekeeping, and the Villa Thalgo Day Spa were exceptional. They gave us a warm welcome and were attentive and obliging throughout, going out of their way to make the stay relaxing and comfortable.

We chose a standard room and had a very comfortable stay, with breakfast included. The room has been refurbished since my last visit in 2010, and hotel services have improved tremendously. Breakfast at The Gazebo had a great selection, and the barista coffee was a plus. My husband and I were very happy with the service from everyone at Crowe Plaza Hawkesbury Valley. Julie at Front Desk greeted us with such a bubbly personality that we felt welcome straight away. She was approachable, had a lovely smile, and was ready to answer questions and help. Her people skills are commendable, and she’s truly an asset to the organization. A wonderful way to recharge and start the New Year, and usher in 2026!