Due to a last-minute change of plans I had to make a quick reservation in LA. I was able to use my Priority Club points and was relieved to find a Crowne Plaza available on such short notice.
The front desk service was uniformly superb. I was immediately recognized for my Priority Club membership and the room was ready for me hours before the standard check-in time.
The room (on the "Priority Club" floor) itself was rather disappointing in that it was "weary" - creaky desk chair, stained bathroom door, stubborn toilet handle, and bathtub tile that was cracking and mildewing. It looked more like a Holiday Inn than the Crowne Plaza rooms I've come to enjoy. (I realize, however, that when you stay "for free" you often don't get the best rooms, especially when you check in early...) The bed was clean and comfortable, which was all I really cared about in the long run.
There were several problems with my room key, but the desk sorted them out and eventually discovered that the card reader on my door was faulty. It was fixed within MINUTES, which was really impressive.
The restaurant's service was inexplicably slow considering that it was only half-full. The food was excellent.
The front-of-house staff was marvelous in every respect. I never had to wait more than a matter of seconds to get help, or to have someone offer to call a taxi for me. The parking attendant was very kind to a friend who came by to pick me up but had to wait for about ten minutes; he allowed her to pull into a valet space until I managed to get downstairs.
When I called on my last morning to request a late check-out (and my room number/floor identified me as a Priority Club member), I got the peculiar answer of "Check out is at noon - isn't that late enough for you?" I was so taken aback that I just packed quicker. :\
The fruit-infused water cooler in the lobby was a lifesaver on those 104-degree days! It's a lovely touch that was greatly appreciated. I was pleasantly surprised by the breakfast buffet available to PC members on the Club level!
PROS: Priority Club recognition, SUPERB front-of-house staff, location, lobby amenities, free wi-fi, breakfast included
CONS: Room was dated and not up to "Crowne Plaza" standard, not very helpful with request for late check-out
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