Crowne Plaza Suzhou — Hotel in Suzhou City

This review begins with CiCi. This outstanding young lady had to regretfully inform me that my preferred room would not be available for my stay. However, what she failed to tell me was that she worked feverishly, on her own time, to surprise me with an even nicer room! Thank you Cici.

Having not been at the Crowne for several months, I was still greeted 'by name' by the bell captains and all of the front desk team. While I am speaking of this wonderful crew, I must mention, that once again, Andy, Edric, Henry, Morgan, LeBron and everyone at the concierge desk were superb in assisting me with dinner and transportation bookings. It is not just the professional courtesy, but the genuine feeling of 'care' that exudes when they ask how my day has been going.

As with previous stays, I spent quite some time in the Club Lounge. While the décor is beautiful, and the views incredible, I spend my evenings catching up with my emails or meeting clients there for one reason alone...the people. Time and time again, the incredible staff exceeds my expectations and raises the bar as how the word 'service' is defined. I say this as a former service employee myself. Jane, the Club Lounge manager has about the finest staff assembled. Each night, Shanny, Carl, Nini, Theresa, Liane and Jana would immediately open a Heineken (or two) and place them on my favorite table before I even cross the room. Before I have selected an appetizer a bottle of Tabasco has been whisked to my table,,,

I often use the time (once work has been completed) to watch some videos on my phone. One evening, whilst propping the phone against the flower vase, Shanny approached and handed me a small box. I opened to find that she had gifted me a very nice phone holder to alleviate my troubles. I must admit that I use this daily at home.

On especially busy nights, my heart goes out to the staff. I have seen them faced with many unruly customers on several occasions. ALWAYS, they respond to the challenge with poise and grace. I am very impressed. The warm smiles and friendly discussions are always there. I have spent many a pleasant evening talking with Carl, Nini and Jana (they don't simply speak English, they are fluent in daily conversation). Unfortunately, I have heard that Jana's internship will soon be ending, and I must say in all candor that the lounge will not be the same without her. She will certainly be missed.

The hotel itself, as always, merits five stars. The polished marble, superb location and stunning design are unparalleled. Friendly faces everywhere keep the Crowne gleaming. The top-notch staff and trainers in the gym make the health club an over-looked gem. Commercial quality equipment, along with the nicest pools in Suzhou make this a 'must do' for all guests.

I know that I will stay at the Crowne Plaza once again simply because it feels like...

I stayed at the Crowne Plaza, Suzhou once again in June for business, but I must confess that the staff makes my visit seem much more like pleasure!

I have reviewed the Crowne several times before, and although the people may change, the experience does not. Once again, the experience begins before I arrive as Cici verifies the availability of my room of choice. Although I arrive several hours before check-in, Cici, Shanny and Sue in Guest Services work quickly to make the room available.

Some new faces in the Club Lounge (along with familiar ones) such as Carl, Teresa and Max help to make daily relaxation after a busy day of work possible. Shanny ALWAYS is prepared with my drink of choice waiting at my preferred table. One team member (who was new to me), Nini, was especially helpful. On a couple of occasions, I was in the lounge with a colleague who spoke limited English. Due to Nini’s welcoming personality, my friend felt very relaxed and comfortable. Thank you for your kindness. Jane (the Club Lounge Manager) has her staff firing on all cylinders! Their prompt service is only surpassed by their smiles and genuinely caring conversation.

As always, Henry, Andy and Edric, Holly at the Concierge desk provide daily support for taxis, restaurants, directions, or anything else that I may need. Jeff, James and Jarvis are quick to help with bags, taxis, umbrellas and communicating instructions to my driver. Not only do they see to one’s needs, but they welcome you warmly upon every arrival. With all the wonderful amenities and dining options the Crowne has to offer, I am often hard-pressed to leave the hotel. However, when I am looking to enjoy the Suzhou night-life, or just to see the sights, this team earns high marks with their support.

I realize that I have neglected to mention the employees who support the gym and pools. This staff also not only keeps the facility clean, but will jump from behind the desk to push the button to the elevator for you. An excellent variety of equipment and free weights coupled with the most beautifully landscaped pool make this de riguer for my stay. I once commented to one of the trainers that I liked his weightlifting hooked-straps (to assist with grip). I had planned to purchase a set upon my return to the United States. However, two days later, when I went to the gym, he presented me with a pair of my own! When I asked what I owed, he shook his head and refused to let me pay.

I cannot stress this enough, but this highly functional team that staffs the Crowne Plaza truly does make you feel like you...

Initially we booked the Citadines Serviced Apartment in SIP, but our family Chinese friend highly recommended this Crown Service Apartment as this is one the best area in SIP with Crown Plaza Hotel next to it and facing the JinJi Lake. ||Our friend didn't cone us. ||The area did look luxury with good apartments around but the Crown Service Apartment is a total let-down.||As part of our annual family trip, we stayed in Suzhou for 4 days as a base to visit Wuzhen, Wuzi and Suzhou gardens. ||We were so regret to have chosen this apartment. ||The lobby has 2 receptions -- one for the short term residents like us, another is for owners or long term residents. ||When our friend strongly recommend this hotel to us in the first place, i tried to search from the internet the comment and reviews but very little i can find. ||And there is no official website for this property and no email for communication at all.||The reception said i can send by Wechat to the phone number i got from website, but somehow i couldnt get the communication right.||"Crown Service Apartmemt" were written at the main entrance of the hotel, but i found different names on Ctrip and inside the property on the wall and telephone directory. ||I feel really doubtful if this property really belongs to Crown Plaza hotel or it's just a knock-off ? ||My chinese friend who is staying nearby helped to make the reservation by going to the property himself and paid the deposit on the spot. ||Already i felt doubtful at this point but i couldnt reject my Chinese friend's kindness. ||||The apartment is very dusty ,even my father-in-law was complaining about it.||We told the reception but nothing was done. ||The kitchenette is a big joke with no single spoon or plate given. ||We have asked for it but nothing was provided.||Cooking utensils can be rented with a fees , as well as the gas. ||We don't cook but at least spoons and plates and cups should be provided as we were thinking of buying some snacks or fruits back to the apartment to eat.||||Besides the apartment is a let-down, there is nothing within walking distance for restaurants or convenient shops.||We have a car and driver to bring us around, but still sometimes we want to have a quick walk to grab something which is not possible at all. ||||Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP) is a nice area to stay though -- but definitely not at this so-called "Crown...