Back in April I visited with a couple of friends for a long weekend. The Crowne Plaza Milwaukee West is actually in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin which is where one of my friends live. I used my annual free night certificate from the IHG Platinum MasterCard.
I arrived late on a Sunday afternoon and had a short wait to check in. Once I reached the counter my Platinum status was recognized and the friendly associate soon had my room assigned. I was given a king room on the 7th floor. Though it overlooked a busy intersection, I never had any issue with traffic noise.
Crowne Plaza Milwaukee West King Bed
Seventh Floor Hallway
Elevator Lobby
The room was large and in addition to the comfortable bed (which had plenty of pillows) there were small nightstands on each side, a chair and ottoman, a desk, and a flat-screen TV that was sitting on a large chest that was a combination entertainment center and dresser.
Chair with ottoman
This chest had a pull-out shelf where you could easily connect a laptop or DVD player to the AV jacks on the front and view whatever you were watching on the big screen. I’d never seen that before and thought it was quite handy.
Wardrobe and Chest
Pull-out shelf
Desk with mirror
While the desk had a strip of four outlets on one side, each of the nightstands had only a single available plug. I like to charge both my phone and my laptop beside the bed so one plug ain’t gonna cut it.
Outlets on the desk
Beside the chest was a wardrobe for hanging clothes and inside were an iron, an ironing board and a luggage stand.
Inside the wardrobe
The bathroom was to the right when entering from the hallway. It was on the larger size and had a nice big vanity area around the sink. Plenty of room to set down whatever toiletries were brought from home. Temple Spa toiletries were provided and I found them to be just fine.
Bathroom vanity
Under-sink storage
Toilet
This room had a walk-in shower with no tub and the details tell me no one asked a woman if the design was suitable. As with most walk-in showers there was nowhere for me to prop my leg to shave it. If only men had to do this too I’d never have this issue! Likewise there was nowhere to set my razor and shave gel except on the floor of the shower. There were two small soap dishes but one was occupied by the soap and the other by the shampoo and conditioner. I also did not see any kind of hook or rack on which to hang my wash cloth. Since I was only staying one night it didn’t really matter but if I were staying multiple nights I’d be happy to reuse a wash cloth as long as I can hang it up. These are a couple of small touches that could make a big difference in how this bathroom is perceived.
Shower interior
Temple Spa Toiletries
On the good side was the water pressure. I loved that the shower head was actually adjustable and I could change the gentle rainfall into a pounding stream. The towels were terrific as well. Big and fluffy, just the way they should be.
As a Platinum member (thanks to the IHG MasterCard) I was entitled to breakfast in the lounge. I purposely waited until about 9:15 AM, when I knew most of the business people would have left and indeed I was the only person there. I believe during the week there’s also a happy hour/reception in this same room.
Guest Lounge Entrance
It’s not large but had a decent selection including eggs and sausage, cereals, pastries, yogurt, juices, coffee, etc. There was no milk when I arrived but while I was eating some other items a staff member came in and, at my request, restocked the refrigerator. I even saw some Popsicles in the freezer but decided to forego those at breakfast. Since I’m not a coffee drinker I can’t report on the quality of the beverage that is so essential to so many.
Didn’t feel the need for Popsicles at breakfast!
Down on the main floor is a small pool and a surprisingly large hot tub. Next door is a decent-sized weight room that had some cardio equipment as well.
Pool and Hot Tub
Weights
Universal Machine and Medicine Balls
Fitness balls, recumbent bike and stair climber
Cardio machines
The lobby had nice high ceilings which gave it an airy feeling. There were a couple of computers at the business center. I did not try out the restaurant.
Lobby Seating
Business Center
Some of the lobby lounge seating
Downstairs were several large meeting rooms. I didn’t go into any of those but there was a large hallway outside this area, presumably large enough to handle registration tables as well as an increased number of people.
Hallway outside meeting rooms
There wasn’t much within walking distance here but I believe this hotel is targeted as a business hotel so I assume they believe most people will have their own transportation. For my purposes it worked just fine.
If I ever come back to visit I wouldn’t hesitate to stay here again.
2B Traveling 
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