Entry to the hotel.
The Hotel sits on a large empty plot with almost nothing around it. The beautiful view of the nearby metro bridge can be seen from here. Since Delhi has extended Yellow Line metro to Rohini, It is very easy connect from Delhi Airport Metro to Yellow line. At Rohini, there is a facility to order your taxi. Getting a taxi from the Airport is an expensive affair as it requires paying an extra Rs 150 for airport charges which does not make sense at all. I would rather use the Delhi Airport line metro till Shivaji Stadium and get a taxi from there. Moreover, Taxis at Airport feel more like an organized Taxi Mafia Gang.
In this picture, I pulled in a small driveway with trees full of bright lightings. Though I think they were dummy trees and not real ones. However, even that doesn’t make sense, I might be mistaken.
Why did I end up at Rohini?
Hotel is extremely far from the city and I didn’t calculate the distance properly. I realized my error later after reaching there. It took me an hour and a half from Airport to reach Hotel Rohini. I had signed up for an “Accelerate” offer and I was supposed to get bonus of 2000 points ( I value 1 IHG point at Rs 0.34 ). I signed up for Bonus 1000 points for Rs 300. I thought it to be a pretty good deal.
Hotel Points = 810
Bonus Point = 1000
Accelerate offer = 2000
Total = 3810
Value in Rupees = Rs 1295
Room Charge = Rs 5800 inclusive of taxes.
So I got a 5-star hotel for just Rs 3000. And It looks like a good deal on paper if you don’t account the Taxi costs. However, I might not return if I have no further work in this area as the distance is quite far from the central area. Luckily for you guys, I have another review.
This offer also puts me on path to getting 12000 bonus points, which I would get the next time I stay at any IHG property.
IHG is my fallback property when SPG or Hyatt look too expensive or too far. I don’t get the best bang for my money by staying with them. I am yet to build up my Marriott points. However, looking at the way the operations are going over there now , It makes sense to stay with Marriott as eventually they will figure out a way to combine my nights at Marriott and SPG, which will be awesome !
Check in
As I entered the driveway, the staff swiftly fetched my bags. I was on my way to reception which is a little bit inside and is not visible from the entrance. As usual, Crowne Plaza has a high ceiling lobby which looks very blingy at night. There was a slight queue at check-in desk so I was asked to wait for a moment. After a while, they started processing my check-in and manager Mr. Ashish came over quickly.
They also did traditional Indian welcome with a plate full of flowers, candles and tika on the forehead.
He provided me with IHG souvenir badge and white chocolates. He did his standard IHG greeting for being IHG reward member.
There was some confusion regarding the check-in process. I then realized that I was required to pay in advance instead of during check out. As, I was in hurry and I told them I would so in the evening. Also,their AMEX machine was having some technical issues and was not working. I requested for some water and soon I was on my way out.
I came back later in the evening to finish my check in and also brought some cash from ATM. I was provided with room number 808.
Journey to the room
The rooms are located on the left side of the reception. You have turn left from the reception to reach the elevators. My room was on the 8th floor. I gave my baggage tags to the team to deliver my bags to my room. My room was down the corridor. It felt like my room was right in the middle of the floor.
Room
As I entered the room’s hallway – I was greeted with cupboards with a full-size mirror on the right hand side and washroom on my left-hand side. After a few steps I entered the room. The bed was a beautiful king size bed and the room furniture felt very modern.
Crowne Plaza feels like cookie cutter experience where you literally see the same room in all their properties. The only difference is the room size which may vary as per property construction and the view might change. It is up to personal selection and your personal tastes. However, I don’t mind the Crowne Plaza cookie cutter experience as it means I will always get a high standard room and a great bathroom.
The room was comfortably large.
The night lamp next to the bed has an interesting design as you can see from the picture. There is ottoman at the end of the room. However, there was no good view from the room and it was just a huge empty field with a view of a metro track at a distance.
View of bathroom from the room.
Free Food!
When I entered the room, I saw 3 apples comfortably sitting on the table. They were bright red and looked fresh. There were some coffee beans and cookies in a glass jar. In the morning I was really hungry, so I requested for a complimentary fruit platter to the room.
Washroom
I have nothing but love for Crowne Plaza washrooms. They have a separate cabin for toilet and shower. Very few hotels have a separate cabin for toilet in India. I have only seen it in Grand Hyatt Mumbai and all Crowne Plazas in India so far.
They have both rain shower and a hand shower. The Hand shower comes with multiple faucets and can also be used as massage shower.
The bath tub in the room is just gorgeous. You just want to fill it up to the brim and unwind. Turn on some good music and you are settled for relaxing.
Wash basin was a long square and there was ample of storage space around the basin to keep toiletries.
Toiletries
Like all IHG properties in India, I got standard a Boutique kit which I absolutely don’t like. Every time I am traveling to IHG hotel in India, I bring my own toiletries. They just don’t make you feel fresh after you take bath.
Internet Speed
Internet speed was decent and definitely operational. If you are an elite member, they provide you high-speed internet connection. Unfortunately, I am not an elite member yet, at IHG. I seldom stay at IHG properties. Though I feel I have figured out a way to make IHG profitable but until I have proved it, I won’t mention it. Secret!
Food and Beverages
The Food experience at Crowne Plaza was just gastronomic for my appetite and a visual treat for my hungry eyes. I just loved the way they had labelled everything in a very creative way. Unlike other 5 star hotels where they put jugs of Juices in a pitcher for consumption, there was a live juice counter where you could tell the chef how you want your juice made. They allowed you to mix and match just the way you like it. This was one of the unique features of the property. At Rs 700 for the buffet, plus 25% off if you are an IHG member, it feels like a nonbrainer thing to do.
Cut fruits
I asked them if they made Vegan Pancakes, and apparently they don’t. It seems they can’t make an eggless one at this hotel.
The live juice counter that I mentioned earlier.In the below picture a barista preparing coffee and tea. They even had green tea available at breakfast.
The morning bakery and the awesome style of labeling them. They also had a few eggless options in the bakery for vegetarians like me.
Fitness Center
I didn’t get a chance to visit the Fitness center here as I was in a rush.
Service
Overall, I am satisfied with the experience I had at this hotel. All the staff members were helpful and they strived their best to provide me with an Indian hospitality for a western brand. Mr. Ashish is a wonderful manager who took his time to explain many IHG features to me.
Bottomline
I would definitely love to come back to this hotel if it was not so far from the center of the city. I still love the cookie cutter epxerience I am getting from Crowne Plaza. The food and stay comfort was just wonderful.
