Pleasant if somewhat expensive hotel in the business market sector, it also serves as a tourist hotel at weekends. Service is efficient and the staff are great. This is the only hotel I've used in the Netherlands so I have nothing to compare it against but the staff really do go out of their way to be friendly.
It did begin to bug me that my bowl of breakfast fruit and a cup of coffee cost me 21 Euros daily, but my company paid the bill so I shouldn't complain. I was also rather annoyed that internet access isn't free, especially given that I've just spent 26 nights there. It's expensive for that too if you need it, at 80 Euros a week I chose not to subscribe.
But, the hotel has a wonderful setting right on the Maas, two or three minutes walk from the city centre. The hotel has a pleasant if pricey restaurant and there are two very good restaurants next door- a Japanse steakhouse and a great Italian with tables outside.
There is also an Aldi and another supermarket next door on the Ceramique complex, so there really is no need to use the minibar either! There is also a fabulous ice cream parlour almost next door which sells the most amazing ices I've ever seen, or tasted. Well worth a visit.
The hotel has its own underground car park, although I'd advise travelling by train to Maastricht because the cost is 22 Euros per day, which is cheaper than the parking meters and pay-and-display that are so prominent in the city.
Overall I'd definitely recommend this hotel, especially if staying on business, although the breakfast restaurant does get extremely hectic at weekends.
The best thing about the Crowne Plaza, apart from its excellent staff, is its location. It's right on the Maas and the best way to wind down after a long day's shopping and sightseeing is to relax at one of the tables outside the hotel on the cobbles, sipping your favourite drink as the light fades from the sky over the old city across the river.
The hotel does charge for river views but it's only 20 Euros per night which isn't bad if your stay is only for a few nights. However the hotel does have a few two storey open-plan rooms at no extra cost, and whilst the downstairs space is lightly less than a standard room, you will get a balcony. Be warned though- the bedroom can get warm at night and although the room does have air con on both levels, the bedroom unit can be noisy as it's right above your head as you sleep!
