Crowne Plaza Kochi by IHG

This hotel offers a luxurious and memorable experience, distinguished by its serene backwater views that provide a calming backdrop to guests' stays. It is highly regarded for its spacious and impeccably clean rooms, coupled with the exceptional hospitality of its staff and a diverse array of dining options. The hotel caters well to a variety of guests, including leisure travelers seeking relaxation, business travelers due to its convenient location, and families or couples looking for a comfortable and elegant retreat. To enhance your visit, guests are advised to request a room with backwater views for the most picturesque experience, be mindful that the hotel is slightly removed from immediate shopping areas, and explore the extensive and varied culinary offerings available on-site.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently praise the hotel's impressive array of facilities, which contribute significantly to a comfortable and enjoyable stay. The infinity pool is a standout feature, often described as a "hidden oasis" and well-maintained, providing a relaxing space for unwinding, though some guests noted an occasional smell from a nearby water treatment plant. A fully equipped gym is available for fitness enthusiasts. The hotel also boasts an opulent event hall that radiates sophistication, making it suitable for grand occasions. While Wi-Fi is generally available, a few guests reported slow internet speeds. The grand and well-maintained lobby creates a welcoming first impression, and the presence of shops and a salon on-site adds to the convenience for guests.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel consistently receives high marks for its cleanliness and the overall comfort of its rooms. Guests describe the rooms as spacious, spotless, hygienic, and elegant, featuring top-quality fittings and thoughtful design. The comfortable beds and high-quality linens are frequently highlighted for ensuring a restful night's sleep. Many rooms offer serene backwater views, enhancing the ambiance. In-room amenities often include a coffee maker and a weighing machine in the bathroom, which are appreciated touches. While the AC is efficient, some guests occasionally noted road noise or disturbances from loud guests at night, though staff were generally proactive in addressing these issues.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining experience is a significant highlight for many guests, particularly the breakfast spread, which is consistently described as exceptional with a vast variety catering to both Indian and Western palates. Specific mentions include delicious filter coffee and dynamic live cooking counters. Most guests found the overall food quality to be delicious, well-prepared, and bursting with flavor, with praise for freshly grilled seafood and biryani. The hotel features multiple restaurants, including Trilogi, Zoka, and Sky Grill, offering a fusion of local Kerala delicacies and international cuisine. Room service is noted as prompt and tasty. However, some guests found the food to be overpriced or of below-average quality with limited options, and a few suggested exploring dining options outside the hotel.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is generally considered advantageous, situated on the NH with easy access to Fort Kochi and Ernakulam, making it convenient for both business travelers and those exploring the city. It is also not far from the airport. While the setting is described as peaceful, some guests noted that the hotel is a little out of the way from immediate shops and amenities, and the roads leading to the hotel can be challenging to navigate. Parking is available, though one review mentioned a lack of lift access to parking. Additionally, a few guests experienced minor issues with Google Maps accuracy when trying to locate the hotel.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receives glowing reviews for their professionalism, friendliness, helpfulness, politeness, and attentiveness. Guests frequently highlight their impeccable service and genuine care, which significantly contributes to a welcoming and comfortable stay. The check-in process is often described as seamless and quick, with staff readily accommodating requests. Specific mentions include efficient room service, diligent housekeeping, and helpful concierge and valet services. While the majority of experiences are overwhelmingly positive, a few guests noted instances of slow service at breakfast or a perceived condescending attitude from some front desk staff, and occasional issues with security staff handling luggage.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel occasionally hosts events which can impact access to certain areas and lead to loud disturbances, potentially affecting the tranquility of their stay. While filtered water is provided in rooms, some guests found it had an off taste, preferring bottled water instead. The TV services in the rooms were noted by some as lacking modern streaming options like Netflix or Amazon Prime, which was surprising for a five-star property. There were also comments regarding the lounge access and its timings, with suggestions for earlier opening. Additionally, the process for luggage scanning upon entry was sometimes confusing, requiring guests to retrieve their bags from a back room.