As the Train Rumbles: Crowne Plaza at Union Station
Written: Feb 02 '03
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Product Rating:
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Pros: excellent, friendly service, clean, great ambiance & decor
Cons: dial-up internet connection, if you sleep lightly, the trains may wake you.
The Bottom Line: read the review. it says it better
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| robinmichele's Full Review: Crowne Plaza Hotel INDIANAPOLIS-DWTN-UNION STN |
Ah-- the joys of business travel! Long hours on the road, Long hours of grueling trade show activities... and a very nice hotel stay.
For the past week I have been bopping around Indianapolis, working like a dog and incidentally, sleeping like a log. I had a wonderful experience staying at the Crowne Plaza at Union Station-- so I thought that you may be interested in the particulars of this hotel. If that is the case, dear reader, read on!
The Service
For me, this is one of the most important aspects of an enjoyable stay away from home. I must report that the service at this hotel is wonderful! The staff is extremely attentive and helpful, often going the extra mile to make things easy for you-- oh weary traveller. The front desk was extra friendly. In the week of my stay I never encountered a disgruntled employee-- on the contrary, they were all very pleasant, and (gasp) smiling at me!
When we inquired about local restaurants, they offered to pick up the phone and make reservations. They even called a taxi for us when necessary. As my working days were long and grueling, this was a refreshing and appreciated gesture.
Ammenities
The goodies here are above standard. This isn't the ritziest of the hotels-- but everything is very nice and well maintained.
The rooms have:
laptop access (dial-up. Sigh. I am so spoiled)
comfy beds and pillows
ironing board with iron
hair dryer
coffee pot
sun lamp in bathroom
a table that serves nicely as a desk
a roomy closet
a decent amount of floor space. (We were able to have a nice little belly dancing fest with very little restriction)
many outlets
large nightstand
shower and bath
and a partridge in a pear tree. (not really, but I felt compelled...)
The hotel has:
excellent room service
pool and whirlpool
business room with fax and computer
a lounge with very comfy seats (and creepy white statues of two nuns with luggage)
speedy elevators
tons of meeting rooms
The train cars
Yes, you can actually sleep in a train. We didn't stay here, but they let us poke around in a vacant train room. These rooms are really cool in a novelty sense. The decor is upped a notch from the regular rooms, but they are rather narrow, due to the fact that you are indeed sleeping on a train. It was neat to see it, but I am glad that we had the greater floor space of the regular rooms.
Each train car has a theme. We peeked in on the Amelia Earhart room-- appropriately accented with aviation themed decor. There is also a circus car, Rudolph Valentino car, and all kinds of other themes.
Even if you don't stay in the train car, ask them if you can check it out at the front desk. It is really cool to see. And yes, the train is stationed on real tracks.
The train cars are visible from the second and third floors. Very cool.
And somewhere in the hotel is an actual working train station. My sleep was never disturbed, but a few people in our group were wakened by the rumble from the trains. This may even be a plus for you, depending on whether you like trains or not. They refrain from blowing their whistles-- dear hearts.
The Restaurant
Pullman's is a rather nice place for some great casual dining. They offer a standard American menu with breakfast, lunch and dinner. They are open from 7am until 10 or 11pm. The food is tasty, the prices are reasonable, and the service is sufficient.
There are many great restaurants in the surrounding area-- but for those days when you just can't go further than you absolutely have to, Pullmans is a solid choice.
In closing
Crowne Plaza at Union Station is a great choice for business travellers and vacationers alike. Great service, unique decor, and comfy accomodations make this a pleasant experience. I would definitely enjoy staying here in the future.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
robinmichele
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Location: Medina, OH
Reviews written: 116
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Beauty is as beauty does. Didn't you know?
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