Difference Between Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza

Holiday Inn is IHG's friendly mid-range brand for easy, good-value stays, while Crowne Plaza is IHG's upscale brand, aimed at business travellers and meetings. Both belong to the same group, so loyalty points work across them. This guide shows how they differ in service, rooms, facilities and value, so you can pick the right one.

Quick answer

Holiday Inn suits families and budget-minded trips. Crowne Plaza suits business travel and a more polished stay. Both brands belong to the same global hotel group, so you get a familiar standard of service either way.

Think of Holiday Inn as the practical, relaxed choice. It focuses on comfort, simple facilities and good value for groups. Crowne Plaza sits a step higher, with a more upscale feel and a stronger focus on work and meetings.

The short verdict

• Choose Holiday Inn if you travel with children, want a straightforward room and prefer to keep costs down.
• Choose Crowne Plaza if you travel for work, want a smarter lobby and room, or value extra space to work and relax.
• Expect a loyalty link: both brands sit within the same rewards programme, so your stays can count towards one account.
• Expect variation: each hotel is individually owned or managed, so facilities differ from one property to the next.
• Check current prices before you decide, because location and dates often matter more than the brand name.

Neither brand is better in every case. The right pick depends on your trip, your budget and what you need from the room. The sections below explain how the two compare in more detail.

Brand positioning and who each suits

Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza sit in different tiers of the same hotel family. Holiday Inn is a reliable mid-range brand built around comfort, value and easy stays. Crowne Plaza is the upscale step up, with a more polished, business-focused feel.

Both belong to IHG Hotels & Resorts and share the IHG One Rewards loyalty scheme. You can earn and redeem points at either brand, so staying loyal to the group still pays off. If you want a cheaper sibling, see Difference Between Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express.

Who each brand suits

• Families: Holiday Inn is known for being family-friendly, so it often suits parents on a budget.
• Leisure travellers: Holiday Inn works well for city breaks and road trips where the room is a base.
• Business travellers: Crowne Plaza targets this group, with a focus on work-friendly spaces and service.
• Event guests: Crowne Plaza often hosts conferences and larger meetings, so it suits delegates and wedding guests.
• Loyalty collectors: Either brand helps you build status within one scheme.

Location and hotel size change the experience, so check each property's details before you book. Both brands vary from one destination to the next.

Rooms, facilities and service compared

Holiday Inn usually offers comfortable, practical rooms built for short stays and family trips. Crowne Plaza typically aims higher, with more work-friendly layouts and a more polished feel. Room size, décor and renovation status still differ from hotel to hotel.

Meetings, food and drink

Crowne Plaza hotels often lean towards business travel. Many have larger ballrooms, several meeting rooms and event teams for conferences. Holiday Inn properties may offer smaller meeting spaces that suit training days or local gatherings.

Dining follows a similar pattern. Holiday Inn restaurants tend to be relaxed and family-friendly, with a broad menu and a buffet breakfast. Crowne Plaza often adds a more refined restaurant and a stylish lounge or bar.

Fitness, pool and service

• Fitness: Most hotels in both brands have a gym, but size and equipment vary.
• Pool: Some properties have an indoor or outdoor pool. Others have none, so check before you book.
• Kids' extras: Holiday Inn often leans towards family-friendly touches, such as children's menus.
• Business extras: Crowne Plaza may offer lounges, workspaces or upgraded rooms.
• Service: Expect friendly, efficient service at both. Crowne Plaza often feels a little more attentive.

Facilities depend on the individual hotel, not only the brand. Always read the hotel's own page and confirm the details you need before booking.

Price and value: what to expect

Crowne Plaza usually costs more than Holiday Inn for the same city and dates. It sits in the upscale tier, while Holiday Inn aims at the mid-range. The gap is rarely fixed, though, and it can shrink or even flip in some places.

Several factors move the price:

• Location: A central hotel near business districts or major sights often costs more than a similar property near a ring road or airport.
• Season: Peak holiday weeks and school breaks push rates up for both brands.
• Events: Trade fairs, concerts and sports weekends can lift a business-focused Crowne Plaza sharply.
• Room type and extras: Club access, suites and breakfast inclusions change the total.
• Booking window: Early deals and last-minute drops both appear, depending on demand.

A quiet midweek stay in a leisure destination can make a Crowne Plaza look like a bargain. A busy conference week can make a Holiday Inn cost more than you expect.

Always check current prices for your exact dates before you decide. Compare the full cost, including breakfast, parking and any resort or city fees.

Then look closely at cancellation terms. A flexible rate that lets you change plans without penalty often earns its small premium, especially when your trip depends on flights or events. If you travel with children, 5 Things Parents Should Avoid When Choosing a Holiday Hotel explains which extras are worth paying for.

Which brand fits your trip

Both brands suit many travellers, so match the choice to your trip rather than to a label. Holiday Inn is generally the practical, relaxed option. Crowne Plaza is generally the more polished, business-focused option.

Quick decision guide

Families: Holiday Inn is often the easier fit, with a casual feel and family-friendly rooms. Check that your chosen hotel offers connecting or larger rooms.

Couples: Crowne Plaza can feel calmer and more refined for a city break. Holiday Inn works well if you want comfort without extra frills.

Business trips and conferences: Crowne Plaza often has stronger meeting spaces and a more professional atmosphere. Many Holiday Inn hotels also host events, so confirm the capacity you need.

Short stopovers: Choose whichever sits closer to your airport or onward transport. Convenience matters more than brand here.

Longer stays: Look for laundry access, a desk and flexible dining. Either brand can work, depending on the hotel.

Checklist before you book

• Does the hotel have the room type, bed setup and space your group needs?
• Are breakfast, parking and airport transfers included, or extra? Check current prices.
• Does it have a business area, meeting rooms or a quiet workspace?
• Does the location suit your plans, and are guest reviews recent?
• What are the cancellation terms?

Standards vary by individual hotel, so always read that property's own page.

Common mistakes when choosing between them

Many travellers pick a brand name and stop there. That shortcut can lead to a stay that does not match what you wanted.

• Assuming every hotel in a brand is identical. Owners run individual properties, so age, style and standards vary. Read recent guest reviews for the exact hotel.
• Ignoring location. A well-placed Holiday Inn can suit a city break better than a distant Crowne Plaza. Check the map against your plans.
• Skipping facility checks. Pools, gyms, lounges and meeting rooms differ from hotel to hotel. Confirm that the things you need are on the property's own page.
• Missing breakfast and parking details. Both are often optional extras. Look at what your rate includes before you book.
• Comparing different dates and room types. A weekend rate and a midweek rate rarely match. Compare the same dates, room type and cancellation terms.

Check the details that matter to you

Brand reputation gives you a rough guide, not a guarantee. The hotel's own listing tells you far more about what you will get.

If you are weighing up a very different kind of stay altogether, our guide Hostel vs Hotel Difference: Which Stay Suits You Best? explains how the options compare. Whichever you choose, check current prices and read the cancellation rules before you pay.

Key takeaways

Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza belong to the same hotel group, but they aim at different travellers. Holiday Inn is the relaxed, mid-range choice. Crowne Plaza sits a step higher, with a more polished, business-focused feel.

• Positioning: Holiday Inn suits families, road trippers and budget-aware leisure guests. Crowne Plaza targets business travellers and guests who want an upscale feel.
• Facilities: Crowne Plaza usually offers more meeting space and a stronger service level. Holiday Inn keeps things simple and practical.
• Cost: Crowne Plaza typically costs more, so check current prices for your dates.
• Fit: Choose by trip purpose, not by name alone.

Alternatives to consider

If neither brand fits, compare other mid-range chains such as Hampton, Ibis or Premier Inn. For an upscale step, look at Radisson, Novotel or Hilton-style brands. Always compare guest reviews and location for your actual destination.

Loyalty and booking tips

Both brands take part in the IHG One Rewards scheme, so stays can earn points and member perks. Join before you book, because members often see better rates or flexible terms.

Compare the direct rate with online travel agencies. Read the cancellation rules before you pay, and check whether breakfast or parking is included. Because standards vary by property, always read recent reviews for the exact hotel.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza?

Holiday Inn is IHG's mid-range brand, built around comfort, value and easy family stays. Crowne Plaza is IHG's upscale brand, with a smarter feel and a stronger focus on business travel and meetings. Both belong to the same group and share one loyalty scheme.

Is Crowne Plaza better than Holiday Inn?

Crowne Plaza sits in a higher tier, so it usually offers a more polished stay and more work-friendly spaces. Neither brand is better for everyone, though. Holiday Inn often suits families and tighter budgets, so choose by your trip, not the badge.

Are Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza owned by the same company?

Yes. Both brands belong to IHG Hotels & Resorts. Many individual hotels are run by franchise owners or management companies, so the service and facilities can differ from one property to the next, even within the same brand.

Can I use the same loyalty points at Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza?

Yes. Both brands take part in the IHG One Rewards scheme, so you can earn and redeem points at either one. Your stays across the whole group can count towards a single account. Check the scheme's current terms before you book.

Which is better for families, Holiday Inn or Crowne Plaza?

Holiday Inn is usually the easier fit for families. It focuses on comfort, simple facilities and good value for groups. Crowne Plaza can still work, but its focus leans towards business guests. Check each hotel's family facilities before you book.

Is Crowne Plaza more expensive than Holiday Inn?

As an upscale brand, Crowne Plaza generally costs more than Holiday Inn. Location, dates and demand often matter more than the brand name, though. Compare current prices for your exact dates, because a well-timed Crowne Plaza deal can beat a pricey Holiday Inn.