**St. John's BEST Harbour View? Crowne Plaza's Secret Revealed!**
Okay, buckle up, because we're diving headfirst into the (hopefully) glorious world of the Crowne Plaza in St. John's. St. John's BEST Harbour View? Crowne Plaza's Secret Revealed! – that's the promise, and frankly, I'm always up for a good view. And, let's be clear, expectations were HIGH.
First Impressions & The Harbour View
Right, so the harbour view… is it all it's cracked up to be? In short? YES. Honestly, from the moment you step out of the (thankfully) convenient car park [free of charge], you’re hit with it. It's the kind of view that makes you want to Instagram and then just… stare. That deep blue, the boats bobbing, and if you're lucky (and I was, mostly), the weather behaves, and the sky is just… well, Newfoundland sky. Magical. The hotel's location is a definite win.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (But Mostly Good)
Okay, let's get the slightly less shiny stuff out of the way first. Accessibility is… a work in progress. While they do have Facilities for disabled guests, it's not immediately clear how extensive they are. I didn't have a need to use them, but I'd definitely recommend calling ahead and asking specific questions about room features and accessibility options for restaurants and around the property. The Elevator is there, which is a MUST, and I saw no obvious barriers. But again, clarification up front is key.
Room Review: The Details That Matter (and the Ones That Don't)
My room? Solid. It had ALL the things you expect:
- Air conditioning (phew!)
- Air conditioning in public area (double phew!)
- Alarm clock (still used it for some reason)
- Bathrobes (fancy!)
- Blackout curtains (essential for Newfoundland summers… which are basically just long days of sunlight)
- Closet (thank goodness)
- Coffee/tea maker (vital for my survival)
- Desk (if you must work)
- Hair dryer (standard, but appreciated)
- In-room safe box (always a good idea)
- Internet access – wireless (Wi-Fi [free] in all rooms! – thank the heavens! Reliable internet is a MUST now)
- Ironing facilities (wrinkle-free is the goal)
- Refrigerator (for those essential beverages, and leftovers from Breakfast takeaway service)
- Seating area (for contemplating that view)
- Shower (good water pressure!)
- Satellite/cable channels (if you have time for that, which, let's be real, you won't)
- Smoke detector (Safety/security feature is important)
I especially appreciated the Free bottled water. Little things like that make a difference. Also, the Additional toilet was a nice touch.
The Internet!
The Internet access – wireless was generally good. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! is a major plus, but I did find the signal occasionally wobbly in the main lounge. They do offer Internet [LAN] if you need that wired connection.
Food, Glorious Food (and Drink!)
Okay, let's talk sustenance, because that's where things get really interesting.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Decent. The usual suspects. Don't expect Michelin-star quality, but the omelet station was solid. And they had Asian breakfast options, which surprised me (though I didn't partake).
- Restaurants: I’ll be honest, I mostly stuck to the main Restaurant. The A la carte in restaurant menu was varied. They had International cuisine in restaurant, which was nice, although a stronger focus on local Newfoundland fare would have been even better. There's a Poolside bar and a Bar (essential! For a pre-dinner drink or after-work drinks, it’s really nice).
- Room service [24-hour]: Bless their hearts. Perfect for those moments of midnight snacking or when you just can't face going out (which, let's be real, happens!).
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Always appreciated!
The Spa and Relaxation:
This is where things get interesting. While they do have a Spa, it felt a bit… not quite fully realized. I was expecting a blissful sanctuary, but it was more of a functional space. The Massage I had was good, but not transcendent. They also have a Sauna and a Steamroom, which I didn't try, but a Pool with view – let me emphasize, a POOL WITH A VIEW! - is pretty awesome. There is a Swimming pool [outdoor], but I wasn't able to see it.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Pandemic Edition
Let’s be real, we all think about this now. And honestly, the Crowne Plaza shines here. They clearly took the pandemic seriously:
- Anti-viral cleaning products
- Cashless payment service
- Daily disinfection in common areas
- Hand sanitizer everywhere
- Hygiene certification
- Individually-wrapped food options
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter
- Room sanitization between stays
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items
- Staff trained in safety protocol
You felt genuinely safe. The staff were wearing masks, and you could tell they were making an effort. Staff trained in safety protocol made me feel very secure throughout my time at the hotel.
Things to Do (Beyond Staring at the Harbour!)
St. John's is amazing and from the hotel you are able to access the following:
- Things to do: Lots of walking trails and museums nearby!
- Getting around: Lots of options for getting around. I saw the option for Taxi service
- For the kids: There are Family/child friendly facilities, so that is a plus!
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things
- Concierge: Helpful.
- Convenience store: Handy for snacks.
- Daily housekeeping: Always welcome.
- Laundry service: Useful, but I didn’t use it.
- Meeting/banquet facilities: Saw a few groups, looked well-equipped.
- Gift/souvenir shop: A few Newfoundland trinkets.
The Quirks (And the Minor Annoyances)
- The elevators are slightly slow. Be patient. You're on island time anyway.
- There's sometimes a bit of noise from the hallway. Not terrible but if you are on the lighter side of resting, this is something to consider.
- The air conditioning in public areas could be slightly cooler.
My Emotional Reaction: A Rambling Conclusion
Overall, I'd give the Crowne Plaza a solid thumbs-up. The harbour view alone is worth the price of admission. It's a good hotel, well-maintained, with friendly staff and a genuine commitment to safety.
SEO Keywords in Play (And Why They Matter!):
- St. John's BEST Harbour View?: This is the hook!
- Crowne Plaza: (The hotel brand, crucial for search)
- Accessibility: Key for travelers with mobility needs.
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!: A MUST-HAVE in the modern world.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Major draw for many travelers.
- Restaurants: This is what people want to eat!
- Spa: Important for relaxation and luxury.
- Cleanliness and safety: Top-of-mind after the pandemic.
- Car park: Crucial for many travelers.
Final Verdict and the "Book Now!" Plea:
Look, if you're looking for a reliable, comfortable hotel with a truly stunning view, the Crowne Plaza in St. John's is a great choice. It’s not perfect. But its proximity to the harbour, its safety protocols, and, honestly, its sheer Newfoundland-ness (albeit in a slightly polished package) make it a memorable stay.
My Offer: Book Now, Because You Deserve This View!
Get ready to experience the magic of St. John's and the legendary harbour view! Book your stay at the Crowne Plaza TODAY and receive a complimentary upgrade to a room with a premium view (subject to availability!). Also, use the code "HARBOURMAGIC" at checkout and receive free drink vouchers in the bar! Don't miss out on this offer – book now and treat yourself to a truly unforgettable experience!
Escape to Heaven: Luxury Awaits at Hotel Ostfriesen Hof, Germany
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your pristine travel brochure. This is my disastrous, delightful, and probably slightly hungover account of a weekend at the Crowne Plaza Saint John Harbour View. Let's get messy.
The "Uh Oh, I Think I Booked This?" Itinerary: Crowne Plaza Saint John Harbour View, New Brunswick – October 2024 (ish)
Day 1: Arrival, Regrets (Maybe), and the Grand Harbour-Gazing Debacle
- 1:00 PM - Arrival, and the "Where Did I Put My Keys?!" Meltdown: Okay, so the drive from… well, let's just say a place far, far away…was a blur of podcasts and questionable gas station coffee. Arrive at the Crowne Plaza. It's… massive. And honestly, the lobby felt a little…corporate. Like, the kind of place where you expect a board meeting, not a bleary-eyed traveler in desperate need of a caffeine IV. First mission: find the freaking parking. Found it. Lost my keys. Again. Took me a solid ten minutes of panicked rummaging in my overstuffed tote bag (seriously, what’s in there?) before the sweet relief of their clinking against the metal. Phew. My stress levels are now on par with a cat watching a laser pointer.
- 2:00 PM - Room Inspection and Initial Judgement: Room number…714. Nice view, I’ll give it that. The harbour stretched out below, glistening under the October sun. Majestic. For about 5 minutes. Then I saw the…the… yellow-ish tinge to the bathroom grout. Ugh. But hey, clean sheets! Always a win. Unpacked (sort of. More like, un-tossed-my-things-on-the-bed-and-hoped-for-the-best).
- 3:00 PM - Harbour-Gazing Mishap: I decided to be cultured and go out for a walk on the boardwalk. Majestic views. Realized I had no idea how I managed to wear shoes that didn't fit my feet. Ouch. The wind had picked up, and the harbour views, while still impressive, were quickly being replaced by the feeling that I'd wandered into a pirate movie. My nose began to run. I forgot a tissue. Faceplant-level embarrassment and gross-ness. This is just the beginning, isn’t it?
- 4:00 PM - The "I Need Food" Crisis and A Burger to the Rescue: Starvation sets in. Desperate measures. Found a local pub (Murphy's on the Water, I think?) and basically inhaled a burger. Greasiest, most glorious burger of my life. The fries were perfect. The beer was cold. Existential despair temporarily obliterated. God, I love carbs.
- 6:00 PM - Back in the Room, contemplating Room Service, and the existential void: Watching television, which is a surprisingly comforting activity. Maybe I'll order room service. Maybe I'll just order a large pizza and eat it in bed, alone in my misery. The void calls. Hmm… pizza it is.
Day 2: Exploring (and Possibly Getting Lost, Again), Plus Unexpected Delights and the Great Lobster Roll Quest
- 9:00 AM - Wakeup Call (from my stomach): Slept like a rock. Or a log. Or whatever sleeps very soundly. Hunger is back. The pizza coma has lifted. Time for coffee. And to figure out what that weird noise is coming from the vent.
- 10:00 AM - The Saint John City Market Adventure: Okay, so the market! This was actually pretty fantastic. Quirky vendors, smells of fresh bread and fish (not always a pleasant blend, I'll be honest), and enough local crafts to convince myself I'm cultured. Bought a knitted hat that looks like a tiny, very fluffy sheep. Best purchase of the trip.
- 12:00 PM - The Lobster Roll Quest: A Deep Dive (and Potential Ruin): Okay, so the mission of this weekend? THE PERFECT LOBSTER ROLL. I'd been researching. Reading reviews. Basically, dedicating my life to this pursuit. First attempt: a place with a very enthusiastic owner. The roll…meh. The bread was dry. The lobster…lacking in the necessary succulent, buttery goodness. Disappointment. Crushing disappointment. (I shall not name names. But suffice it to say, I was devastated). I have considered seeking legal counsel over this. Am I being dramatic? Yes. But still.
- 2:00 PM - A Glimmer of Hope: The Reversing Falls Bridge: The Reversing Falls Bridge. The tide went up and up. It felt like the earth was going to open up and swallow me. It was cool though.
- 4:00 PM - The "I Need Chocolate" Crisis and the Rise of the "Hotel Snacking": This is where I truly embrace my inner slob. Found chocolate in the mini-bar. Ate every last piece. Judgment-free zone. No regrets. Not for one second.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner and the "Oh, Right, I'm Supposed to be Doing Something" Moment: Okay, I am not going to go back to the burger. Tried a nicer restaurant for dinner. It was…fine. I'm still thinking about that burger. Actually, I'm thinking about the lobster roll. And the fact that I didn't get to go to the art gallery. Okay, maybe tomorrow.
- 8:00 PM: Back to the Room, Netflix marathon and the great question: "What is my life?": Back in the room. Watching The Crown. Asking myself important questions about my life choices. Maybe I'll order room service again. Maybe I'll go to bed. Probably both.
- 9:00 PM: The ultimate ending: Just kidding. It was a long day.
Day 3: The Lobster Roll Redemption (Maybe), and the Bitter-Sweet Farewell
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast and the Hope-Filled Lobster Roll Recon: The hotel restaurant. Standard hotel breakfast fare. But the waitress was surprisingly chatty and kind. She heard my lobster roll woes. She gave me a tip. "Try this little place…". Hope springs eternal.
- 10:00 AM - The Lobster Roll Redemption Attempt 2.0: The little place the waitress recommended. It was a little bit of a drive, but hey, by now I had nothing to lose. The place? A tiny shack by the water. The roll? Okay, maybe this was it. The bread was the right kind of fluffy. The lobster… oh sweet, buttery, succulent lobster glory. Tears streamed down my face. (Okay, maybe it was just wind. But still.) Victory.
- 11:30 AM - One Last Harbour View: One last look at the harbour from the hotel window. It looked less pirate-y this time. A little more…beautiful. Kind of. Maybe I’m just emotionally unstable.
- 12:00 PM - The Goodbyes…and the Long Drive Home: Checkout. Found the keys. The car. Everything. Farewell, Saint John. Farewell, Crowne Plaza (and your questionable grout). I'll be back. Probably. Eventually. As I began the drive, which, was just as blurry as the previous drive, I began the process of planning my next adventure. Because that's what matters.
So, there you have it. My disastrous, delightful, and slightly messy weekend in Saint John. It wasn't perfect. It was definitely not glamorous. But it was mine. And, honestly, maybe that's what makes it memorable. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a lobster roll craving to satisfy.
W Lounge Hotel South Korea: Unforgettable Luxury Awaits You!
St. John's BEST Harbour View? Crowne Plaza - My Chaotic, Honest Guide!
Okay, spill the beans! Is the Crowne Plaza REALLY the best view in St. John's? Or is it just hype?
Alright, alright, settle down, buttercups. Look, the view from the Crowne Plaza… it's something. I mean, it *can be* breathtaking. One time, I saw a sunrise from my room (after a *rough* night – long story, involving Newfoundland Screech, a questionable karaoke rendition, and a very supportive group of strangers) and it legit made me cry. The ocean was all shimmering gold and pink, and it was gorgeous. Pure, unadulterated beauty. But… (and there's always a "but," isn't there?)… it's not always like that.
Honestly, it's a bit of a gamble. Sometimes the fog rolls in, and you see… well, you see *nothing*. Just a swirling grey abyss. One time, I *swore* I saw a seagull looking right back at me, judging my life choices through that fog. And the "best" view? Depends on your room! I've had rooms with a stellar, postcard-worthy view. Then, I've had rooms… well, let's just say they looked more at the parking lot. So, "best"? Potentially. Consistently? Nope. But when it’s good, it’s *damn good*.
Which room should I beg for to maximize my view-seeking chances? Seriously, what's the deal?
Okay, this is crucial. This is where the insider knowledge comes in. Forget asking for the "best room." Ask for a room on a *high floor, facing the harbour*. Seems obvious, I know, but trust me, people are dense sometimes. Aim for rooms ending in "00" or "01" if you can. Those generally get a good angle.
And here's a pro-tip: Don’t be afraid to be *nice* to the front desk staff. Genuinely nice. A little charm, a friendly smile... works wonders. I actually brought a box of local cod tongues once (don’t judge, they’re delicious!) and the guy at the desk was so tickled, he practically gave me the presidential suite! (Okay, maybe not the *presidential*, but it was a damn good view!). Remember, kindness pays off. Also, tip. Always tip.
What's the "secret" you mentioned in the title? Is there actually a secret? Spill it!
Okay, the "secret"... Well, it's less a *secret* and more of a strategic *observation*. Hear me out: the Crowne Plaza has a *killer* rooftop patio. And it's not just a "patio." It's a damn *experience*. You can sit there with a cocktail (or three), watch the boats come and go, and just soak it all in. And that view? Unbeatable. Seriously.
The "secret" is… *utilize the damn rooftop patio*. Don’t just hide in your room! Go *experience* the view. Plus, the bar makes a mean Dark 'n Stormy, and sometimes there's live music. One time, I was up there and a pod of dolphins swam right past. I nearly choked on my rum. It was magical. Pure, unadulterated, slightly tipsy magic. Just… go. Seriously. Go.
Are there other places I should consider for Harbour views? Don't just lock me into one hotel!
Listen, I'm not a hotel-shill. I'm just a person who loves a good view! Yes, there are other options. Signal Hill is a must-do. The views from Cabot Tower are EPIC. You can see the whole damn harbour. Minus the fog, which can be a problem up there, too. And it's windy. ALWAYS windy. Dress appropriately.
There are also restaurants and bars that have harbor views, like The Merchant Tavern (delicious food!). Plus, you can just walk around the harbour. St. John's is incredibly walkable. You’ll find amazing views around every corner. It's all about getting out there and exploring. The Crowne Plaza is a good starting point, sure… but don't limit yourself! Newfoundland is all about the journey, not just the destination, right? (Even if the destination is a perfectly Instagrammable view.)
The Crowne Plaza: good, bad, or somewhere in between? Give me the straight truth!
Okay, the straight truth? The Crowne Plaza is… fine. It's a solid, reliable hotel. The rooms are generally clean (ish). The location is *fantastic* for exploring the city (especially if you like a good pub crawl). The staff are usually friendly. It’s definitely not the Ritz, okay? (though, wouldn't *that* be nice?).
But here’s the thing: You’re paying for the *view*. The view is the star of the show. If you get a bad room with a bad view, you’re going to be disappointed. If you get a good room with a stellar view… you'll probably be as happy as I was, watching the sunrise. Just be realistic. Manage your expectations. And for the love of all that is holy, check the weather forecast before you book! You don’t want to spend your vacation staring at a wall of white. Because that, my friends, would be a tragedy.
Any other weird, wonderful, or just plain useful tips for enjoying that harbour view (and the city)?
Okay, buckle up, because here they come!
- **Pack layers!** Newfoundland weather is… volatile. One minute it's sunny, the next you're dodging horizontal rain.
- **Embrace the fog!** Sometimes the fog is beautiful, spooky, atmospheric. Plus, you'll feel like you're in a really good, really long movie.
- **Try the local food!** Cod tongues. Fish and brewis. Ployes. Just… *try it*! Even if you don’t like it. It's an experience. And maybe order extra cod tongues… they are delicious.
- **Talk to the locals!** Newfoundlanders are some of the friendliest people on earth. They'll give you the best recommendations, tell you the best stories, and maybe even invite you to a kitchen party. (Go to the kitchen party!)
- **Don't be afraid to get lost!** St. John's is a maze of colorful houses and winding streets. Get lost, explore. You'll find something amazing. Just… maybe remember to download a map first. Or, you know, ask a local.
- **And finally… get that damn harbour view!** Whether from the Crowne Plaza, Signal Hill, or just walking around. It's worth it. Even in the fog. Especially in the fog, sometimes. Just… go. Seriously. Go. And have a blast! (and send me cod tongues. Seriously.)
