InterContinental vs. Crowne Plaza: Comparing Two Popular IHG Hotel Brands

When booking a hotel stay, travelers often find themselves weighing the options between different brands within a hotel company’s portfolio. For those considering an IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) property, two popular upscale choices are InterContinental Hotels & Resorts and Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts. While both offer comfortable accommodations and loyalty program benefits, there are some key differences between these sister brands that may sway your decision. Let’s take a closer look at how InterContinental and Crowne Plaza compare across several important factors.

Brand Positioning and Target Guests

InterContinental positions itself as IHG’s luxury brand, catering to discerning global travelers seeking refined accommodations and personalized service. With a heritage dating back to 1946, InterContinental aims to provide an upscale, internationally-influenced experience that reflects each property’s local culture and setting. The brand targets both leisure and business guests looking for high-end amenities and distinctive surroundings.

Crowne Plaza, on the other hand, is positioned as an upscale brand geared more towards business travelers and meeting/event attendees. While still offering comfortable rooms and quality service, Crowne Plaza has a stronger focus on productivity amenities and spaces that facilitate work and collaboration. The brand caters to professionals seeking a reliable, business-friendly environment with modern conveniences.

Locations and Property Types

InterContinental has a more exclusive portfolio of around 200 hotels and resorts worldwide, often located in major cities, business hubs, and resort destinations. Many InterContinental properties are housed in architecturally significant or historic buildings that have been elegantly restored. You’ll find InterContinental hotels in prime locations like Times Square in New York, the Champs-Élysées in Paris, and along the Bund in Shanghai.

Crowne Plaza has a larger global footprint with over 400 properties, offering more options in secondary cities and suburban areas in addition to major metros. The brand includes a mix of high-rise urban hotels, airport properties, and resort-style locations. Crowne Plaza aims for convenient placements near business districts, conference centers, and transportation hubs.

Room Amenities and Decor

InterContinental guest rooms typically feature more luxurious furnishings, high-end bath products, plush bedding, and sophisticated decor that incorporates local artistic influences. Many rooms offer expansive views, especially in urban locations. Bathrooms often include upscale touches like marble surfaces, soaking tubs, and rainfall showerheads.

Crowne Plaza rooms are comfortably appointed but may have a more standardized, business-focused design aesthetic. Amenities cater to work needs with spacious desks, ergonomic chairs, and plenty of charging ports. The “WorkLife” room concept in many Crowne Plazas features distinct zones for working, relaxing, and sleeping.

Both brands provide expected amenities like flat-screen TVs, coffee makers, and in-room safes. However, InterContinental is more likely to offer extras like Nespresso machines, designer toiletries, and complimentary fruit or water.

Dining Options

InterContinental hotels often house multiple upscale dining venues, including signature restaurants helmed by celebrity chefs or showcasing innovative culinary concepts. Many feature stylish bars and lounges ideal for after-work drinks or nightcaps. Room service menus tend to be more extensive.

Crowne Plaza properties typically have at least one full-service restaurant, often with a focus on crowd-pleasing international cuisine. Many locations offer grab-and-go markets or casual cafes for quicker dining options. Bars and lounges are common but may have a more laid-back atmosphere compared to InterContinental.

Both brands emphasize locally-inspired menu items and cocktails to give guests a taste of regional flavors. However, InterContinental aims for a more elevated, chef-driven approach overall.

Facilities and Amenities

When it comes to on-site facilities, both InterContinental and Crowne Plaza offer a range of amenities to enhance guest stays. However, there are some differences in terms of luxury and business focus:

InterContinental properties often feature:
– Expansive spa and wellness facilities
– High-end fitness centers with personal training options
– Outdoor pools and sun decks (where climate allows)
– Club lounges with complimentary food and beverage presentations
– Concierge services and VIP guest relations
– Designer boutiques or luxury brand shops

Crowne Plaza amenities typically include:
– Well-equipped 24-hour fitness centers
– Indoor or outdoor pools at many locations
– Dedicated business centers with printing/copying services
– “Plaza Workspace” areas for individual or collaborative work
– On-site convenience stores or sundries shops

Both brands offer meeting and event spaces, but Crowne Plaza puts a stronger emphasis on this aspect with features like the “Plaza Meetings Director” service to assist with planning and execution.

Service Style

InterContinental aims for a more personalized, anticipatory style of service befitting its luxury positioning. Staff are trained to recognize returning guests, remember preferences, and go above and beyond to fulfill special requests. Many properties offer butler service, dedicated concierges, and other high-touch amenities.

Crowne Plaza delivers professional, efficient service with a focus on meeting the needs of business travelers. While still aiming to be warm and welcoming, the service style may be more streamlined compared to InterContinental. The emphasis is on facilitating productivity and ensuring a smooth, hassle-free stay.

Both brands participate in IHG’s “True Hospitality” service philosophy, which encourages employees to create meaningful connections with guests. However, InterContinental is more likely to provide those extra special touches that elevate a stay from satisfactory to memorable.

Loyalty Program Benefits

Both InterContinental and Crowne Plaza participate in the IHG One Rewards loyalty program, allowing members to earn and redeem points across the portfolio. However, there are some brand-specific perks to consider:

InterContinental:
– Access to exclusive InterContinental Ambassador membership tier
– Guaranteed room upgrades for Ambassador members
– Extended check-out times
– Complimentary mineral water and welcome fruit
– Higher earn rates on qualifying spend for top-tier members

Crowne Plaza:
– Guaranteed reward night availability
– Exclusive member rates on dining and spa services
– “Flex” reward night options with no blackout dates
– Faster earn rates on meeting/event bookings

Elite status recognition tends to be stronger at InterContinental properties, with more consistent suite upgrades and executive lounge access for top-tier members. However, Crowne Plaza can offer better value for earning and redeeming points due to generally lower nightly rates.

Pricing and Value

As the luxury offering, InterContinental hotels typically command higher nightly rates compared to Crowne Plaza properties in the same market. The premium pricing reflects the more upscale amenities, personalized service, and often prime locations of InterContinental hotels.

Crowne Plaza aims to deliver upper upscale accommodations at a more accessible price point. While still positioned above midscale brands, Crowne Plaza rates are usually more budget-friendly than InterContinental. This can make Crowne Plaza an attractive option for longer stays or travelers seeking quality accommodations without splurging on luxury.

When comparing value, consider your priorities and travel style. InterContinental may be worth the splurge for special occasions, high-end business travel, or when location is paramount. Crowne Plaza can offer solid value for regular business trips or leisure stays where you want comfort and convenience without paying a premium.

Consistency and Brand Standards

Both InterContinental and Crowne Plaza maintain brand standards to ensure a consistent guest experience across properties. However, there are some differences in how this plays out:

InterContinental embraces more individuality between properties, with each hotel encouraged to reflect its local setting through design, artwork, and cultural touches. While core brand elements remain constant, there’s more variation in the overall look and feel between InterContinental locations.

Crowne Plaza adheres to a more standardized approach, especially in its newer and renovated properties. The brand has been rolling out its modern “WorkLife Room” designs and “Plaza Workspace” public areas to create a more unified aesthetic across the portfolio. This can provide more predictability for frequent travelers but may result in less distinct personality between locations.

Both brands undergo regular quality audits and guest satisfaction monitoring to maintain standards. However, InterContinental’s smaller portfolio and luxury positioning mean it faces higher expectations for impeccable upkeep and service delivery.

Sustainability Initiatives

As part of IHG’s broader commitment to responsible business practices, both InterContinental and Crowne Plaza participate in various sustainability initiatives. Some shared efforts include:

– Eliminating single-use plastic toiletry bottles in favor of bulk dispensers
– Implementing energy and water conservation measures
– Offering sustainable seafood options in restaurants
– Partnering with local organizations for community outreach programs

InterContinental properties often take additional steps like:
– Sourcing ingredients from local, organic farms for restaurant menus
– Incorporating green building design elements in new constructions
– Offering eco-friendly spa treatments and products

Crowne Plaza focuses on:
– Reducing food waste through portion control and composting programs
– Providing electric vehicle charging stations at many properties
– Using energy-efficient lighting and climate control systems

Both brands allow IHG One Rewards members to donate points to environmental and social causes, demonstrating a commitment to corporate social responsibility.

Choosing Between InterContinental and Crowne Plaza

When deciding between these two IHG brands, consider the following factors:

1. Purpose of stay: Is this a special occasion warranting luxury treatment, or a routine business trip where practicality is key?

2. Location preferences: Are you seeking a prime city center address, or is proximity to business districts or transportation hubs more important?

3. Amenities priorities: Do you value high-end spa facilities and fine dining, or are business-friendly workspaces and reliable Wi-Fi more crucial?

4. Budget: Are you willing to pay a premium for luxury touches, or do you prefer maximizing value in the upper upscale category?

5. Loyalty status: Will your IHG One Rewards tier be better recognized at one brand over the other?

6. Atmosphere: Do you prefer the refined elegance of InterContinental or the modern efficiency of Crowne Plaza?

Ultimately, both InterContinental and Crowne Plaza offer quality accommodations backed by IHG’s reputation for hospitality. InterContinental excels in providing luxurious, culturally-rich experiences for discerning travelers. Crowne Plaza delivers reliable comfort with a productivity-enhancing edge for business guests and practical-minded leisure travelers.

By weighing the differences outlined in this comparison, you can choose the brand that best aligns with your travel needs and preferences. Whether you opt for InterContinental’s upscale sophistication or Crowne Plaza’s business-savvy approach, you’ll be well-positioned to enjoy a comfortable and rewarding stay within the IHG family.