Crowne Plaza Hotel Alice Springs

Well there is a feeling of spaciousness especially as you find the way to your room , past the large swimming pool complex to the lift, and then, as usual, find the Garden view rooms are at the very end of the corridor. But the trees outside our balcony brought the birds and in the morning we woke to their beautiful songs.

The roomy foyer and grounds makes the hotel ideal for tour groups.

We chose Crowne Plaza because it was adjacent to where the majority of VTers were 'holed up' for the Alice Springs Meet.

It was a good walk to town across the River Todd and there was no shuttle bus. Private cars and taxis were reasonable...and you could walk to the casino quite easily.

Crowne Plaza has Priority Club so we were entitled to a free newspaper, late check out, and points towards something or other!

Unique Quality: Define 'unique'....well these are not unique but it is the best place for these comments.

Oh I loved the breakfast area and the food was especially nice so I sent congratulations to the chef. They even had hints for healthy eating.

They did have a 'eurogobbler' internet connection which made it difficult for V.T. but that is not unique...it is becoming the hotel blight!

What Crowne Plaza does have is a sustainability corner showing how the hotel helps the environment....for example the whole roof area is covered with solar panels. Good show.

Directions: When you arrive grab a hire car.

The hotel was okay, but the rooms are a bit out dated and the carpet should be replaced soon. The Thai restaurant was great after a late arrival.

There is a shuttle bus that can take you into town or you can sign up for a guided tour of Alice Springs.

Standard check in and out times
Check in: 1400
Check out: 1100

Unique Quality: Gym and Pool facilities available at no extra cost.

If you've read my previous entries for the Desert Palms Resort, you already know that we were very happy at THAT hotel. But, I did have occasion to stroll into the next-door Crowne Plaza a few times during my time in Alice. The folks at the desk were very very nice, kindly giving me change for phones and washing machines. (The folks at the Desert Palms would do so as well, but on this particular morning, they'd not "been to the bank" yet.) I also used the public phone over at the Crowne Plaza as it took coins.....my preferred way to make cheap and desperate calls to loved ones back in America. : )

Anyway, the Crowne Plaza seems like a very nice place. So if the Desert Palms is full, or if you want to get frequent flyer miles of some kind, or you're just itching to spend a few extra A$, then the Plaza would be a fine choice.

Directions: Coming in from the airport, turn right at South Terrace and then turn right across the river bed at Stephens. Then, a quick left turn onto Barrett Drive. The Crowne Plaza is about 0.8 km up Barrett, on the right.