I currently live in a big city and have always mostly travelled to big, urban cities around the world so I’d admit that my expectation of hotel standards are quite high. But coming to New Brunswick, I had no expectation. I just wanted a decent place to spend 2 nights while I was visiting Hopewell Rocks and Bay of Fundy. So Crowne Plaza Moncton Downtown did very well impress me.
If you are visiting Moncton, New Brunswick, whether for business, a road trip across Atlantic Canada, or to see the famous Bay of Fundy tides, choosing the right hotel can make your trip much easier. During my visit to the region, I stayed at the Crowne Plaza Moncton Downtown, and overall, it turned out to be a very comfortable and convenient base for exploring the area.
Introduction
Moncton is one of the main cities in New Brunswick and a convenient base for exploring several attractions in the region. One of the biggest reasons many travelers stay here is to visit the Bay of Fundy, home to the highest tides in the world. Several popular viewing spots, including the Hopewell Rocks, are within driving distance of the city. Downtown Moncton is also walkable, with restaurants, entertainment venues, and transportation hubs all close together.
Crowne Plaza Moncton Location
The Crowne Plaza Moncton Downtown has an excellent location. It is right in downtown Moncton and is only about a 7-minute walk from the VIA Rail station, which is also where the Maritime Bus terminal is located. I took the bus from Charlottetown, PEI to Moncton and then after my stay in Moncton, took the bus to Halifax, Nova Scotia. This makes it particularly convenient if you are arriving by train or bus. The hotel is also located directly across from a Government of Canada building and the Avenir Centre, a large events and entertainment arena.
Check-In Experience
Check-in was smooth and quick, and the staff were friendly and welcoming. The only minor issue I had was with the front entrance of the hotel. If you arrive through the main entrance with your luggage, you will need to carry it up a short flight of stairs. Pretty sore sight if you have had a long travel day and your luggage (like mine) weighs almost 50 pounds. Also made me think immediately what the option was for those with accessibility issues. However, the hotel later mentioned that they did have accessible entrances at the back entrance. Aside from that small inconvenience, the check-in process itself was efficient and hassle-free.
Hotel Service
One thing that really stood out during my stay was the quality of service. After staying at many hotels, especially those under the same brand chains, the rooms start to feel very similar. So what really makes a difference is the experience and how the staff treat guests. At the Crowne Plaza Moncton, the service was excellent. The staff were professional, helpful, and welcoming throughout the stay.
Room Review
I booked a Standard King Room, and the room turned out to be spacious and comfortable. One of the things I enjoyed most was the view of downtown Moncton. From my window, I could actually see the nearby train station and bus terminal. When I arrived, I also noticed a welcome note from the manager on the bed. During check-in, I had also received a coupon for a complimentary appetizer at the hotel’s restaurant, which was a nice touch.
The room had everything you would expect for a comfortable stay. A large and comfortable king-sized bed, soft but supportive pillows, multiple dressers, multiple clothing storage areas, a coffee station, a microwave (which many hotel rooms don’t usually have these days). The bed was especially comfortable, and I was always so eager to get back into it after a long day of exploring.
Bathroom
The bathroom was also spacious and well designed. It had a walk-in shower and enough space to move around comfortably. Overall, both the bedroom and bathroom felt clean, modern, and well maintained.
Hotel Amenities
The hotel also offers a good selection of amenities. Not over the top amenities like you may find in a luxury hotel, but they had the basics which were very well maintained. A self-service laundry room, a well-equipped fitness center, an indoor pool, a jet tub, and a sauna. The indoor pool is particularly nice if you are visiting during winter, when outdoor activities may be limited.
Price and Value
My stay at the hotel cost $154.34 per night. For two nights, the total came to $308.68. For a downtown hotel with a comfortable room, strong service, and good amenities, the price felt quite reasonable.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I had a very positive experience at the Crowne Plaza Moncton Downtown. The location is convenient, the rooms are comfortable, the amenities are solid, and the service really stood out. Aside from the staircase at the front entrance, which may be inconvenient for some travelers, especially those with mobility issues, the stay was smooth from start to finish. If you are visiting Moncton to explore the Bay of Fundy, attend an event at the Avenir Centre, or simply pass through the city during an Atlantic Canada trip, this hotel is a reliable and comfortable option.
