Room Category: King Standard (Room 1101)
Hotel Status: IHG Rewards Platinum Member
Overview
Crowne Plaza Krasnodar is one of Krasnodar’s few truly international hotels (along with Marriott and Hotel Garden Inn). It is also Krasnodar’s first luxury hotel. Having first opened in 1980 as the Intourist Hotel, the hotel rebranded as the Crown Plaza Hotel in 2019.
At 14 floors, the hotel was one of Krasnodar’s first high-rise buildings. Along with the Clock Tower which is situated across it, the hotel used to have a brutalist concrete façade. However, major renovation and recladding works between 2007 and 2012 paved way for its now glassy façade. The Clock Tower however still sports the same concrete facade (so as many of the buildings dotted near the hotel).
I have stayed at many Crowne Plaza hotels around the world and the Crowne Plaza Krasnodar is no different. It has everything you need from a hotel – good customer service, a good night’s sleep and adequate facilities. This hotel did not disappoint.
Location
The hotel is located across the city’s main square – Theatre Square. This is handy for out of city tours commencing at Krasnodar as most of the touristic buses (including our tour bus to the Republic of Adygea) depart early morning from Theatre Square. It is also along Krasnaya Street which is Krasnodar’s main street. The hotel is walking distance from restaurants, shopping malls and entertainment venues. This hotel has one of the best locations in the city – the Marriott and Hilton Garden Inn is also on the same street but further down south.
Room
I booked a King Standard Room. However, as an IHG Rewards Platinum Member, I was not offered any upgrade. This is understandable as the hotel was busy and our stay was during a public holiday. Nonetheless, the reception staff offered me a room on a high floor and a room which I was told was the biggest of its class (Room 1101). The hotel has 238 guestrooms across its 14 floors.
The hotel room itself was simple but airy and elegant. It is good sized and the color scheme was inviting and cozy. I loved the carpets especially, which like the carpets in the floor hallway, were fresh and newly renovated. There is also a nice big window which offers panoramic views of the city. I had an excellent view of the Krasnodar Circus which looks like a brutalist spaceship.
The bed itself was spacious and comfortable. In my experience, Crowne Plaza hotels have really good beds, perfect for having a good rest before a business meeting the next day. The bathroom is quite minimalist but bright and modern. The toiletries provided were from Relax, Refresh and Revive which felt luxurious and smelled great.
Facilities
The opening foyer of the hotel leads to the grand lobby and lobby lounge. It has wood panelled and mosaic ceilings. It evokes old world charm and classic elegance.
There are also business facilities for you to get some work done.
The hotel also has a well-equipped gym and a beautiful pool. The pool was adequate; although, it could do with some refresh. The hotel can do more to make the area feel more inviting and modern. The changing areas can also be improved. The colour scheme is just a bit bland.
Dining Options
This hotel houses one of Krasnodar’s best and highly rated restaurants – Restaurant Barin. Occupying the entire 14th floor of the hotel, the restaurant offers panoramic views of the entire city. The restaurant offers a classic European menu with a focus on seafood and Russian cuisine. I would recommend booking a corner window with views toward Theatre Square.
Breakfast is served at Khrustalnyi Restaurant. The restaurant serves an excellent breakfast with good range of options, including all the usual hot and cold meats.
Service
The service has been good. On arrival, I was greeted by Richard, a trainee who hails from Nigeria. He was personable and friendly and he offered to take me up to the room. He set the tone for my entire stay. Such level of personal service is commendable and makes a big difference to one’s stay.
The staff at reception were also professional. The check-in and check-out process was smooth and efficient.
I would totally recommend this hotel.
Crowne Plaza Krasnodar | Staying at Krasnodar's First Luxury Hotel | Former Intourist Hotel