Crowne Plaza Hickory By Ihg

This large facility, featuring a notable indoor pool, offers a convenient stay for various travelers, though its age is a recurring theme. Guests frequently commend the friendly staff and the hotel's convenient location near amenities. While many appreciate the overall cleanliness, the dated decor and significant noise issues from the surrounding area are often mentioned. The hotel is well-suited for families seeking recreational options, pet owners due to its accommodating policy, and business travelers attending conventions. To enhance your experience, consider requesting a room not facing the main road to minimize noise, and it is advisable to verify your reservation directly with the hotel, especially if booked through a third-party site.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel features a popular indoor pool which is often highlighted as a favorite amenity, described as clean and heated, though some guests noted a lack of towels in the pool area and that the sauna was frequently out of order. A fitness center is available, though some found it small and equipped with older machines. While Wi-Fi is provided, a few guests reported it being spotty. Issues with key card access were mentioned, with some exterior doors occasionally propped open or malfunctioning, requiring guests to reactivate their cards at the front desk. The overall impression of the facilities is that they are functional but could benefit from significant updates.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Most guests found their rooms to be clean, despite the prevalent dated decor and old amenities that give the hotel an aged appearance. Feedback on bed comfort was mixed, with some finding them comfortable while others described them as saggy or too firm. A significant concern for many guests was the high noise levels, particularly from street traffic and racing, which could disrupt sleep, especially in rooms facing the main road. Some rooms were also reported to have a musty smell, and issues like peeling wallpaper, stained walls, and dirty carpets were noted. In-room amenities include a coffee maker, refrigerator, and microwave, though some experienced issues with the fridge freezing items. The TV functionality was a common complaint, with slow remotes and channel guide inaccuracies, and a lack of USB outlets was also mentioned.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers breakfast on-site, which received mixed reviews regarding its quality and selection; some guests found it delicious and a good value, while others felt the variety was poor and the cost was high, especially as it is not included with the stay and requires vouchers. The restaurant and bar on location are generally seen as a convenience, with the chicken quesadillas specifically praised for their quality. However, some guests noted that the bar closed earlier than expected, and there were occasional reports of unresponsive room service. Overall, the dining options provide convenience, but the breakfast experience can vary.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a central location that is highly convenient for guests, offering easy highway access and proximity to various restaurants, shopping, and other local amenities. This makes it a practical choice for those needing to be near the city's offerings. However, a major drawback highlighted by numerous reviews is the significant road noise from the adjacent main road, which includes loud vehicles and street racing, often disturbing sleep. Parking is generally available and plentiful, with options to park near room entrances, and some guests appreciated the presence of a security car patrolling the property. The design includes exterior entrance rooms, which some found less secure and more susceptible to noise.

Staff & Service
The staff at this hotel consistently receives high praise for being friendly, helpful, and accommodating. Many guests highlighted their positive interactions with the front desk and other team members, noting their willingness to assist with requests. However, the check-in process was a point of frustration for some, with reports of significant delays and issues related to overbooking, leading to reservation cancellations or room downgrades. Housekeeping services received mixed feedback; while some found rooms clean and well-maintained, others reported inconsistent service, requiring them to request towels or dispose of their own trash. Despite these operational challenges, the overall staff responsiveness and positive attitude were frequently commended.

Additional Information
The hotel maintains a pet-friendly policy, which is a significant advantage for guests traveling with animals, offering suitable walking areas around the property. Its unique hotel structure is often noted, with a blend of indoor and outdoor room access, and some guests found the overall layout to be somewhat unusual. A recurring issue mentioned by several guests involves billing issues and deposit issues, including instances of double charges or delays in receiving refunds for incidentals. Furthermore, some guests expressed a desire for guest laundry facilities, which are not available on-site, requiring them to seek options elsewhere.