Jim E.
Yelp
Stayed here for comic-con 2017, picked this hotel because it was one of the hotels in the comic-con block, and the price was reasonable for comic-con weekend.
The negatives
Hotels in San Diego are difficult to find during Comic-Con and the prices are usually significantly higher than other times of the year, the Crown Plaza was not exception, the rates were higher than other times of the year but only by about $40.00 per night, many hotels will double or triple their rates for major events.
The hotel has a Hawaiian theme, if you don't like Hawaiian themes you may not like the hotel, if you do or are indifferent then you will love this hotel.
Now the stuff you really want to know,
The Staff - During our 4 day stay I don't think there was a single time that a staff member did not great me with a cheerful "hello sir, or good morning/evening sir", everyone was friendly and personable. From the front desk, to the maintenance people and the restaurant staff.
Breakfast Buffet - Included in our room rate, Overall it was a decent buffet, hot and cold cereal, Eggs, Bacon, Sausage, Fruit Toast, Muffins, etc. The eggs were generally cooked well but did have a few watery spots, not bad for bulk eggs at a buffet, the meats and potatoes were good, selection of fruit was nice but not overdone.
Didn't have a chance to eat at the hotel restaurant for lunch or dinner, but the prices were in line with prices at other hotel restaurants.
Front Desk - Top Shelf staff, on top of everything, quick and easy check in and check out.
There is an text messaging service that they advertise in the elevator, if you need anything just text, used it twice, once to fix the TV remote that was not working, and once to order towels from housekeeping. Both times, responses back from the front desk within a minute or two of my initial text and then the requested item was replaced or delivered to the room in very short order.
Extra bonus points for the text service and how well it works.
Rooms - Average size with a small fridge and microwave, beds were very comfortable, not too hard not too soft,
Noise level - The hotel is right next to the freeway and a busy road, however the rooms and the property in general are very quite,
Pool and Hot Tub - Located in a beautiful courtyard they are both heated and relaxing, Interior Atrium has a Koi pond and waterfall, (waterfall is turned off at night) some bridges and tables to sit and enjoy the peace and quiet
Bottom line, the Crown Plaza works hard to earn your business, and on this trip they did an exceptional Job, everyone in our party was impressed with the room and service, not the cheapest hotel in town, but up there with some of more expensive properties for service and atmosphere.
Without the bonus points for the Staff and text messaging to resolve issues I would give this hotel 4 stars, however when the staff cares it shows, so I'm giving an extra star because of the staff - Management take notice and let all of your staff know they are doing an exceptional job!
Highly Recommended - Would stay here again