Crowne Plaza Silicon Valley N - Union City by IHG

This hotel offers a tranquil and comfortable retreat, often highlighted by its charming outdoor courtyard area and comfortable beds that ensure a restful night's sleep. It caters well to business travelers seeking convenient freeway access and a quiet environment, as well as families looking for a welcoming stay with good dining options. Many guests appreciate the hotel's overall cleanliness and the attentive service from staff. However, some aspects of the property show signs of age, prompting suggestions for updates. To enhance your stay, it is advisable to confirm the availability of specific in-room amenities like microwaves and refrigerators, and to inquire about the current operational status of all facilities upon arrival, as these can vary.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel features a pleasant outdoor pool area, often described as clean and inviting, providing a relaxing space for guests. While some guests found the fitness center well-equipped and clean, there were instances where it was reported as closed for maintenance. Connectivity is generally good with Wi-Fi available, though some guests experienced issues with signal strength or security protocols. A recurring concern among guests is the frequent malfunction of ice machines and elevators, which can cause inconvenience. Many rooms lack a microwave and refrigerator, with only a single shared microwave available in the lobby, which can be problematic for longer stays or those with specific dietary needs. Parking is generally ample and convenient, offering easy access to the hotel. The lobby itself is often praised for its warm ambiance and appealing decor.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is mixed but generally leans positive regarding the sleeping experience. Most guests praise the comfortable beds and plush linens, ensuring a good night's sleep. The air conditioning is typically quiet and effective, maintaining a pleasant room temperature. However, some guests reported issues with overall room condition, noting dingy carpets, dirty drapes, stains, dust, cobwebs, and old furniture, suggesting a need for renovation in certain areas. Bathroom conditions also vary, with some guests finding them clean and well-stocked, while others encountered issues such as small bathrooms, broken tiles, dingy shower curtains, mold, leaking showers, clogged drains, slow flushing toilets, and a lack of hot water. Noise levels are generally low, contributing to a quiet stay, though some guests experienced disturbances due to thin walls or loud housekeeping activities.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining options receive varied feedback, with breakfast being the most frequently reviewed meal. Many guests find the breakfast variety to be extensive and appealing, with options suitable for families, while others note a limited selection or repetitive menu. The food quality for breakfast is often described as good and tasty, though some guests reported items being cold or greasy. The restaurant and bar facilities are present, but their operational hours and food offerings are inconsistent; many guests found them closed, especially on weekends, or offering a very limited menu of simple dishes. Some guests enjoyed the food quality for dinner, praising specific items like pasta or sandwiches. It is important to note that room service is generally not available, despite being advertised in some instances.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a significant advantage, offering easy freeway access and placing guests conveniently close to various amenities. It is situated near numerous shopping centers, including a large one, and a wide array of restaurants, providing ample dining and entertainment options within a short drive. The hotel's proximity to a ballpark is a plus for sports enthusiasts, and it serves as a suitable option for layovers due to its semi-close distance to the airport. For those relying on public transport, the hotel offers good public transportation links, including bus stops and access to the BART system for travel to nearby cities. Parking is generally abundant and easily accessible, contributing to a hassle-free arrival and departure experience.

Staff & Service
The staff at this hotel receives mixed but often positive feedback, with many guests praising their friendly, welcoming, attentive, and professional demeanor. Guests frequently highlight the quick check-in process and the staff's willingness to assist with requests in a speedy and timely manner. However, some guests reported instances of unresponsiveness, unhelpfulness, or a perceived lack of care from certain staff members. Housekeeping service also garners varied comments; while some appreciate the cleanliness, others experienced issues such as housekeepers attempting to enter rooms prematurely or being loud in the mornings. Despite these inconsistencies, many guests found the staff to be accommodating, particularly for family-friendly service, contributing positively to their overall stay.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of certain operational aspects and policies that may impact their stay. Some guests reported issues with a food credit program where the promised credit was not applied. There were also instances where guests felt their IHG One Rewards Points status was not recognized or that they did not receive assistance with their points. A practical suggestion from guests is the need for clearer building labeling to help navigate the property, especially at night. It is worth noting that no complimentary water is provided in rooms, and some rooms may lack a room safe. An early check-in fee of $50 for just one hour was also reported by some guests. A serious concern for a few guests involved the presence of bed bugs, which reportedly led to disputes regarding refunds.