Crowne Plaza Shaoxing — Hotel in Shaoxing

I was compelled to write this review only half way of my stay at Crowne Plaza Shaoxing (staying for nearly three weeks). Let’s face it, we’ve all been to nice hotels. Hotels with great amenities, comfy beds, nice view, spacious rooms etc. What makes this hotel the best hotel I’ve stayed at is their staff. Every morning I’m warmly greeted by managers Tom and Victor at the breakfast buffet (which btw is awesome!). The first morning I go to eat at the buffet, I ask for cup of ice and apples. Every morning after that, I’m provided with ice and apples without even asking by the managers. Bravo! The managers and their staff are very friendly and on top of their duties. The managers are hands on, helping clearing tables, setting up tables, and making sure every table is touched. By touched I mean, greeting all customers. On busy mornings, managers from different departments are there to ensure the service quality is up to par. This is how I met Alfy, the HR manager. This, my fellow travelers, is hospitality at its best. One last shout out to the housekeeper! I don’t know her name but she does a...

Was only in the Crowne Plaza Shaoxing for one night but don’t have anything negative to say about it, if anything it exceeded my expectations and elevated how I perceive Crowne Plaza’s.||The room was a decent size, well appointed, with a fit and finish that was good (not always the case when you are in china). The breakfast buffet was large with a wide variety and felt slightly different from some of the standard fare that you get for a morning buffet which was a welcome change. ||Only frustration is related to being a tired westerner in China during my check in. Our party had formed a traditional que waiting for our turn to be served while many local guests just walked right up to the counter with questions or to be checked in and the counter staff would serve them instead of us which made for a very long check - it would be nice when checking into an international brand hotel that the check-in desk staff are trained on cultural differences , like queuing, so that they can manage the environment to all customers...

most front desk receptionists (except the one helped me with check-in) I encountered in this hotel appear that they don't know they are working at an internationally reputable IHG Crowne Plaza hotel. They don't even smile to a customer at the first eye contact. They acted as trainees without a veteran manager guides them how to treat customers in a professional way. It seems the only skill they knew was check-in and Check-out for customers. Also, hotel concierges speaks to customers in local style which is very loud voice. They may feel fine with their loud voice and local customers may find no offence with it. But customers from other regions of China or other country may find it strange or annoying. It could be corrected with proper training. A Customer smoked in the hotel lift and get away with no warning. It seems the hotel is too tolerated to this kind of...