Crowne Plaza Newark Airport by IHG

I booked here because I had an early flight to San Francisco the next morning, and the experience was bad. The receptionist wouldn't accept cash. I paid for the room, taxes, and one day of parking, but then saw an extra US$100 deposit on my bank account, supposedly to be refunded five days after checkout. At checkout, they said US$22 for parking would be deducted from that deposit, even though the parking fee, deposit, room price, and taxes had already been charged. That looked like charging me twice for parking, and they overcharged my credit card. The room itself wasn't good either. The carpet smelled like a dog, the shower head was very poor quality, and the outlets in the table lamps didn't work. The beds were clean and OK, and the room was a good size. I had to carry the coffee machine into the bathroom to use the working outlet there, but the machine had dirt and debris inside.

The team made our stay memorable, and we look forward to returning soon. In the dining area, Carlos, the Restaurant Manager, was fantastic, and Alba took care of us with genuine warmth and excellent service. Jeff, the Front Desk Manager, was especially kind and professional. He was attentive throughout and went above and beyond to meet our needs with a smile. The property was exceptionally clean and well organized, making it comfortable and welcoming. Thank you to the whole team for a wonderful stay.

Jeff made check-in at the Crowne Plaza near Newark Airport smooth and welcoming from the moment I arrived. Travel around a busy airport can be stressful, but his warm, professional manner put me at ease. As an IHG Rewards member, I appreciated that he recognized my membership and offered drink vouchers for me and my guests. It was a thoughtful touch that made the stay feel special. He was attentive, friendly, and clearly takes pride in making guests feel valued. That kind of hospitality is rare, and staff like Jeff are why people return. Crowne Plaza is lucky to have him representing the brand. He deserves recognition, and honestly a raise. Thanks, Jeff, for getting our stay off to such a good start.

This was my fifth visit, and my last one had been in 2024. The service was exceptional as usual, and the lobby and front desk area have been beautifully renovated. I appreciate that they accommodate room preferences and the furnishings, even though the rooms are on the small side. The parking lot needs resurfacing, and I'm still disappointed by the limited lighting and charging stations. It seems the renovation also replaced standard toilets with squatty potties. I understand the hotel's reasons, such as cost, maintenance, space, and aesthetics, and the possible benefits for ergonomics and posture. But as an older guest, I find the position uncomfortable and difficult. If this is now the norm, sadly this was my last stay.