Toledo, OH--

After yet another reader recommendation we decided to take a trip to the little seen town of Toledo Ohio and see what the Downtown Crowne Plaza had to offer travelers to heading to the area. What we found when we arrived at this waterfront property is some of best accommodations anywhere in the State of Ohio.

When you arrive at the hotel you will see why this hotel is all about service, from the minute the valet takes your care to the check in process, they want you to come back and their attentiveness certainly shows.   It was a matter of minutes (11 to be exact) from the time we pulled into the circle of the front of the hotel until we took the elevator to our room, great speedy service equaled a quick unwind after a early morning of traveling from Detroit.

The Crowne Plaza Toledo is located 30 miles from the Toledo Express Airport. Situated on the shores of the Maumee River, the hotel is an oasis of tranquility in the center of Toledo's bustling downtown. Whether you are staying for business or pleasure, you'll find attentive service and thoughtful conveniences at Crowne Plaza Toledo. The hotel is situated adjacent to the Center of Science and Industry Museum, and it is just minutes from the Seagate Convention Center.

What you will really enjoy during your stay is some of the views that the rooms of the hotel offer. Since it is located on the river between some of the tall buildings it offers a great view of the water and bridges over the river and even the landing area across the river can be viewed from the hotel. The suites in the hotel offer amazing space and for business travelers you will enjoy the living area complete with couches, wet bar and 42 inch plasma television it is the perfect space for entertaining clients or just to have all the space you need to unwind.

Their suites have a separate bedroom with pillow top mattresses and another 42 inch plasma television for those who want to just lay back and kick it for the night. With these beds, it is very easy to kick back and fall asleep quickly.

Guests can unwind and rejuvenate their spirits in the hotel's state-of-the-art fitness facility, or they might opt for a swim in the indoor pool which is just as spacious as some health club pools. Both are good for those with a daily workout regime.

If you are looking for the true gem of the hotel it has to be their Del Sol restaurant. The inside of the restaurant offers breath taking views of the river and even offers great outside seating for the months where the weather will allow a nice dinner by the water.

What guests will really like the upbeat interior of the restaurant, from the sitting area in the front to the stylish bar, the Crowne Plaza has gone all out to make you feel that you are not in some average hotel restaurant and the food certainly is not something you would expect to find in Toledo and it easily has to be some of the best food in the city.

 You will find that the chef at Del Sol is not afraid to try new upbeat ideas and place them on the menu. The two crab cakes that we sampled as appetizers could easily fetch market price at most restaurants.

Two of the best items on the menu included their duck and coconut shrimp. Most coconut shrimp tend to be a bit too crispy, but this one was cooked perfectly right so you could actually taste the shrimp.

For those looking for a little lite fare and a few evening drinks we highly suggest checking out the Aqua Bar which offers appetizers and sandwiches, and the weekday Happy Hour you just can’t beat their prices on martinis and appetizers.

If you are looking for that place that is a bit more than you expect and your travels take you to the Toledo area, then this is the place for you. It offers something for everyone and it certainly will have you leaving with a smile on your face that you found the right place to stay.