Crowne Plaza Englewood

Low on hospitality

Pros: Room was a good size.

Cons: 1) My stay at this room was a gift, but that gift was undermined by the fact that the hotel was unwilling to charge the gifter's credit card. So I payed for my gift; great start. 2) I arrived a little after 11pm, from a transcontinental flight. The kitchen was closed, which is fine, but I really wanted a hot meal. Instead, I ordered terrible pizza, based on staff recommendation. Like California bad. When I asked what other travelers did, the woman at the front desk said, "maybe arrive a little earlier next time." Thanks I'll just tell the pilot to fly faster. 3) I tried to order a beer at 11:58, but was informed that the bar was closing. Ok, is there some place I could buy a six pack? Maybe a corner store? "You must be from the south! That's the only place they have beers in convenience stores." Is it? Has this guy been across the river? Was this comment necessary? Note that no solutions were presented here. All I want is a hot meal and a drink. Meanwhile the whole lobby is filled with drunk people yelling. So I had the experience of being hungry, tired, treated poorly, and stone cold sober. 4) At one point I asked if there was a restaurant nearby and I was referred to an area out of walking distance. I explained that I was on foot, but was referred to the same area without additional explanation. Are you not listening? Or is there a secret shuttle service? Please just help me find food. There was nothing at Newark airport. Why is this happening. In the end, I waited an hour for terrible pizza and bribed the delivery woman to bring cold beers. It was the best service I experienced all day. Side note: room needed carpentry work done - nails were sticking out of a portion of carpet that refused to lie flat.

Pros: pool

Cons: no complimentary coffee, breakfast