ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Grand Court Nagoya in Japan [In-Depth Review]

Many consider Nagoya to be Japan’s most boring city. Although it doesn’t have as much to offer as favorites like Tokyo or Kyoto, I enjoyed it a lot on my first and only visit back in 2022. Since I had a great time in Nagoya the first time around, I thought it would be worth revisiting with my wife on our 5-week tour of the amazing country of Japan.

I wanted to stay in an upscale hotel for our first night in the city. Fortunately, several options were available. Ultimately, I chose the ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Grand Court Nagoya, a 4-star property very close to the heart of the city.

Read on for my full review of the property and decide whether this hotel is worth considering if you visit Nagoya for yourself.

Booking the ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Grand Court Nagoya

In late 2024, I scored IHG Diamond Elite status thanks to a targeted promotion. This was the first time I reached this high-tier status with IHG One Rewards, one of the largest hotel loyalty programs in the world.

Armed with my new status, I made it a goal to stay at as many IHG hotels as I could this year. I began searching for IHG properties in Nagoya and was surprised to see only 1 property close to Nagoya’s city center. Still, I was ready to book a hotel, so I opted for the ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Grand Court Nagoya.

I began by looking at the prices of award redemptions and was excited that I could book a standard room at a 4-star property for just 20,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.

Still, as I do with nearly every chain hotel booking, I wanted to compare the award rate to the cash price. A standard room at the property could be booked for as little as $114 per night, including all taxes and fees.

Although I had a free night certificate available, thanks to the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card, I opted not to use it for this stay. The IHG Premier card’s free night certificate is good for hotels charging up to 40,000 points — and this property could be booked for just 20,000 points.

I booked a 1 Double Standard City View room, the cheapest room available. I was hopeful that my IHG Diamond Elite status would get me upgraded to a nicer room.

The 1-night stay was $114, including all taxes and fees. I used my IHG Premier card to pay for this stay, which earns 10x points spent at hotels in the IHG portfolio (plus much more with IHG One Rewards elite status).

If I had redeemed IHG points for this stay, I would have done so at a value of about 0.57 cents per point. Although this is slightly higher than our valuation of 0.5 cents, I was sure I could find better properties to use my points, especially when taking advantage of IHG’s fourth night free on award stays perk.

I earned a total of 2,114 IHG One Rewards points for this stay, including the 100% bonus for being an IHG Diamond Elite member.

Hot Tip:

Check out our in-depth guide on the best credit cards for IHG One Rewards loyalists who pay cash rates at IHG hotels.

ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Grand Court Nagoya Location

The ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Grand Court Nagoya is right next to Kanayama Station, southeast of Nagoya’s city center.

The property is within walking distance of several Nagoya tourist attractions, including the Century Hall, Play Land Castle Atsuta, AEON Mall Atsuta, Shirotori Garden, and Atsuta-Jingu Shrine.

Getting There

The closest subway station to the ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Grand Court Nagoya is Kanayama Station, less than a 5-minute walk from the hotel.

Kanayama Station is one of the busiest stations in Nagoya and is a stop on numerous metro and subway lines, including the Meiko Line, Meijo Line, JR Chuo Line, Meitetsu Nagoya Line, and the JR Tokaido Line.

From Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO), you can take the Meitetsu–Limited Express to Kanayama Station. The journey takes about 25 minutes and costs ¥1,360 (around $9).

Those arriving at Nagoya Station via the Shinkansen can take the Chuo Line, Tokaido Line, or the Meitetsu-Limited Express directly to Kanayama Station, which is 1 stop away.

Checking In

After arriving at Nagoya station on the Shinkansen from Mishima Station, we took the Chuo Line to Kanayama. The hotel is located less than a 5-minute walk from the station.

We arrived at the hotel right around 3 p.m., the hotel’s official check-in time. We took a second to admire the design elements of the massive pillars in the hotel lobby and then proceeded straight to the check-in counters, which were located to the left behind the massive left pillar.

We were greeted by a front desk representative, who welcomed us to the hotel and requested our identification so she could look up our reservation.

Unfortunately, there was an issue with the reservation. Apparently, I only made a reservation for 1 adult instead of 2. The front desk representative notified me of the situation and explained that there would be an additional charge for my wife.

Calculating the additional cost took a minute or 2. Unfortunately, the front desk member was unsure how to proceed and went to the back office to request assistance from a more senior staff member, who then assisted her with the situation.

In the end, I took advantage of the hotel’s generous cancellation policy, which allowed me to cancel my existing reservation up to 6 p.m. on the day of check-in. Since the staff was very confused about the situation, it was quicker and easier for me to simply cancel and rebook a room specified for 2 people.

The front desk staff member then went to the back office again to make a copy of our passports. She appeared nearly 3 minutes later and returned them to us.

She then mentioned that I could select a welcome amenity as an IHG Diamond Elite member. Options included free breakfast for 2 people, a welcome drink, or 600 IHG One Rewards points. I opted for the free breakfast.

She then handed us our room key cards, 2 breakfast vouchers, and a Wi-Fi card, and directed us to the elevator.

Unfortunately, the check-in process was a bit unpleasant. The staff member didn’t provide any information about the hotel’s amenities or dining options, the location and timing of breakfast, or ask if I wanted a late checkout (which I did, and a different staff member provided it when I asked later).

The process moved slowly, and I didn’t perceive the high level of hospitality I’ve come to expect at hotels throughout Japan. I believe this staff member could benefit from further hospitality training.

After we had collected all our items, a different staff member approached us and politely asked if she could assist us with our bags, which we accepted. She guided us to the guest floor elevators that would take us up to our room.

Elite Benefits

I was entitled to several benefits as an IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite member. These included:

• 2 p.m. late checkout
• 2 complimentary bottles of water
• Space-available room upgrade
• Welcome gift at check-in (breakfast for 2, welcome drinks, or 600 IHG One Rewards points)

Due to the already unpleasant check-in, I didn’t bother asking about an upgrade as I was ready to get into the room.

Lobby

After settling into our room, we returned to the lobby to see what it offered. It was a large, open-concept area with specific sections.

The hotel’s concierge desk was to the left of the check-in desk. The guest floor elevators were to the left of the concierge desk, through a hallway.

Far across the hall, opposite the check-in desk, was the Lobby Lounge, which I’ll discuss more below.

To the far right of the check-in desks was a small seating area with 2 sofas. A small Moët & Chandon display was to the left of the seating section.

The Room

After exiting the elevator on the 25th floor, we followed the signs to room 2510 through a well-lit hallway.

After a short walk, we reached our room. I loved how premium the door looked with the wood and black metal design.

As I entered the room, I saw a narrow foyer and hallway that led into the living area.

Immediately to the right was a large closet with sliding doors, one of which featured a massive mirror. The room’s bathroom was directly across from the closet.

The closet contained several hangers, a pair of disposable slippers, and a luggage rack.

The room’s safe was in the closet inside a storage cabinet with pull-out drawers.

Walking further down to the main living area of the room, I noticed a Sharp-branded dehumidifier, which I thought was a nice addition.

The room’s queen bed was placed in the center against the left wall. It had 4 thick and comfortable pillows. Pairs of pajamas on the front corners of the bed were for guests to use.

A padded headboard ran the length of the wall, and nightstands were placed on either side of the bed. Wall-mounted lamps, light switches, AC power outlets, and a USB-A port were also on each side of the bed.

The room’s television was directly across from the bed and rested on a sizeable multipurpose storage unit. The unit contained some pull-out drawers and a small area for working.

Most of the drawers in the unit were empty. However, one of them contained some glassware, coffee supplies, and an electric kettle.

The room’s minifridge was inside one of the cabinets. There was a limited selection of beverages for sale.

There was a nice sitting area next to the bed, which featured 2 maroon armchairs and a relatively large dining table between them.

Our room’s window provided fantastic city views of Nagoya. Since the hotel occupies one of the tallest buildings in the city, we towered above most of the skyline.

Bottom Line:

Overall, the room was quite basic, but I enjoyed its simplicity. I’m glad there was a small table where my wife and I could eat and relax, and I loved the views of Nagoya.

Bathroom

The bathroom was immediately to the left as you walked into the room’s foyer. A large vanity with a deep sink was directly opposite the door.

The hotel provided numerous toiletries, including dental kits, combs, hairbrushes, razors, shaving cream, and shower caps.

There was a deep soaking tub to the left of the bathroom. Although I didn’t use it myself, my wife found it relaxing.

The toilet and shower were to the right of the bathroom and were separated by a wall. Each section had a privacy door.

The toilet was equipped with a bidet, which is commonplace in Japan. Unfortunately, though, the water closet itself was quite small, making the space cramped.

The shower was to the right and featured a handheld showerhead. The water pressure and temperature from the shower were fantastic.

The shower included Antipodes-branded toiletries, including shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. Although I had never heard of this brand, I was surprised by how luxurious they felt.

Amenities

As expected, the hotel offered several on-site amenities for guests. Here’s a look at what was available.

Fitness Center

The property boasts a fully equipped fitness center that’s open 24/7. As I walked in, I immediately saw 3 treadmills in front of large windows overlooking the city.

There were also 2 ellipticals and a stationary bike available.

Free weights and benches were also present.

Finally, there was a selection of exercise balls and some yoga equipment, along with towels and a water dispenser.

Banquet and Meeting Rooms

The hotel features 10 flexible meeting and banquet rooms scattered across several floors. The largest room, the Sky Banquet Crystal Room, on the 28th floor, can accommodate 450 guests.

The rooms are often used for wedding receptions and conferences.

Parking

Self-parking was available for ¥2,500 ($17) per day. Valet parking was not an option.

Food and Beverage

As expected at a large hotel, there were several on-site food and beverage outlets, ranging from a small cafe and lounge to several fine-dining restaurants.

Casual Dining Garden Court

The Casual Dining Garden Court is a buffet-style restaurant on the second floor that serves both Japanese and international cuisine.

It is open daily for breakfast from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m. and lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends and public holidays. Finally, it’s open for dinner from 5:30 to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends and public holidays.

Guests with IHG Diamond Elite status can have breakfast here. Otherwise, it costs ¥3,800 ($25). I chose the complimentary breakfast as my welcome gift (courtesy of my elite status), so I wanted to make the most of it.

The first section of the breakfast buffet featured warm seafood options, including broiled fish, seasoned grilled mackerel, and deep-fried shrimp.

Another hot station included ham, pork sausage, bacon, and potato wedges.

There was also a selection of onion rings, mixed vegetables, and fried and scrambled eggs.

The breakfast buffet also featured a bread section with rice flour, whole wheat, and plain white bread.

There was also a small selection of Kellogg’s cereal, including cornflakes, fruit granola, and crispy chocolate.

Interestingly, the breakfast buffet also featured an ice cream and sorbet station. There was a variety of flavors, including vanilla, chocolate, blueberry, strawberry, and matcha.

Finally, a massive beverage station included fruit juices, milk, and detox water. There was also a coffee machine and a soda fountain.

After browsing the endless food choices, my wife and I grabbed some plates and headed to our seats.

After several servings, my wife and I decided to have some ice cream. She chose chocolate, and I chose Hokkaido azuki, which features an azuki bean core surrounded by a milk coating.

Bottom Line:

Breakfast at Casual Dining Garden Court was pretty good. There was a great selection of food items available, and I loved that there was a dedicated ice cream station.

Star Gate

The property has a high-end sky restaurant and bar, Star Gate, on the 30th floor. The restaurant specializes in French-based fusion cuisine and features an open kitchen where guests can watch the chefs prepare food.

The restaurant is open from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on weekdays and from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on weekends and public holidays. It’s also open for dinner from 5 to 9 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. The restaurant is closed on Mondays.

The bar is open daily from 5 to 11 p.m. There is a ¥500 ($3) cover charge per person.

Karin

The property boasts a Chinese restaurant, Karin, on the 29th floor. It specializes in authentic Cantonese cuisine.

Karin is open from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on weekdays and from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on weekends and public holidays. It’s also open for dinner from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. The restaurant is closed on Mondays.

Kenzan

Kenzan is the hotel’s high-end sushi restaurant, located on the 29th floor right next to Karin. The restaurant is open daily for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and for dinner from 5 to 9 p.m.

As expected, the prices for high-end sushi dining were exorbitant. Although my wife and I love sushi, we opted to enjoy it at a nearby restaurant instead, which had more budget-friendly prices.

Tankuma Kitamise

Tankuma Kitamise focuses on traditional Kyoto cuisine. It’s open daily for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and for dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. It is closed on Wednesdays.

Tankuma Kitamise features a Kaiseki menu — a traditional multi-course Japanese meal.

Lobby Lounge

The Lobby Lounge features a selection of beverages and pastries and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

There was an excellent pastry selection, which included bread, croissants, and cakes.

In-Room Dining

Room service was available 24 hours a day — you can browse the entire menu here.

Service

During my numerous trips to Japan, I’ve stayed at more than 30 hotels and have gotten accustomed to fantastic Japanese hospitality. Unfortunately, I found the ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Grand Court Nagoya service adequate. There was nothing wrong with it, but it wasn’t up to the standard I’ve experienced elsewhere.

The staff was polite but never went above and beyond. The service met basic expectations but did not stand out in any particular way. And the snafu at check-in left me feeling less-than-enthused about the service experience at this property.

Final Thoughts

The ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Grand Court Nagoya is a 4-star property in the heart of Nagoya, Japan. Although I had some high expectations, I did not enjoy my experience all that much. The check-in process was a bit of a mess and could definitely be improved upon.

The room was comfortable enough for my wife and me, but nothing was particularly interesting. However, the views were incredible.

The breakfast buffet was excellent, with some great food options. The property also has several on-site dining options. Unfortunately, service at the property was adequate at best, different than most of my hotel stays across Japan.

Although the ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Grand Court Nagoya has a lot to offer, I would not stay there again.