Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc Review: Best Budget 5-Star in the North? (2026)
I opened the balcony door on check-in day and the ocean was just there, past the pool, no squinting required. In a market where half the “ocean view” rooms make you lean over a railing to spot a sliver of blue, that’s rarer than it sounds.
Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc is a 5-star IHG property on Ong Lang Beach in the north. It’s new enough that the rooms still feel crisp, and rates starting around $90 make it noticeably cheaper than the Sheraton up the road. I’ve stayed here more than once — here’s what the location, rooms, pool, and breakfast are actually like, plus how it stacks up against Sheraton.
Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc at a Glance
| Full name | Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc Starbay, an IHG Hotel |
| Location | Ong Lang Beach (Bai Dai), north zone — 5 min to Grand World |
| Brand | IHG |
| Rate | From $90/night (cheaper than Sheraton) |
| Google rating | 4.8 stars (2,577 reviews) |
| Positioning | Budget-friendly 5-star in the north, private and quiet |
Location & Getting Around
Grand World is 5 minutes away, and Vinpearl Safari and Vinwonders aren’t far either — a solid base for exploring the north. The airport is a different story, about 50 minutes by car, so the free shuttle actually matters here.
Seats on the airport shuttle are limited, so book at least 12 hours ahead. Once you’ve got a seat, get to the resort lobby or airport 10 minutes before departure — it runs on schedule and won’t wait. The Grand World shuttle used to run from 5:10pm to a 10:45pm last ride; worth double-checking the current times at the front desk when you check in, since schedules shift.
Rooms
The base room runs 49 sqm — spacious enough to feel almost too empty. The wood-and-grey interior is modern, and being a newer property, everything still feels fresh. Small details like a stool by the bed and a side table under the TV mean there’s actually somewhere to put your stuff, which sounds minor until you’re travelling with two bags of everything.
⚠️ Every single room has a balcony, and that’s the real selling point here. Landscaping, pool, and ocean all show up in one frame, and because it faces west, you get the sunset without leaving your room.
Book an ocean view room and the pool and ocean sit front and center through the window — a nice touch if you’re travelling as a couple.
For families, the base room comfortably fits two adults and a kid. If you need to squeeze in a third adult or an older child, an extra bed is available on request.
Pool & Private Beach
The pool runs long along the building, stretching toward the ocean. It’s narrow but long, which actually works better for swimming laps than for lounging around.
⚠️ Honest note: they call it an infinity pool, but it doesn’t quite give you that “merging with the ocean” feeling some infinity pools do. If that’s specifically what you’re chasing, temper your expectations a little. That said, the winding shape has a bit of a W Seminyak feel to it, and for a $90-a-night rate, it’s hard to find a pool this good.
The private beach is resort-managed, clean, and quiet since it’s guests-only. It’s not purple every night, but when the sky actually turns from pink to violet, it’s worth dropping whatever you’re doing to go watch.
Breakfast & Dining
Horizon Restaurant on the ground floor runs 6:30am–10:30am. Stations cover Vietnamese, Western, Korean, and Indian, plus a solid range of coffee — try the Bac Xiu, the local Vietnamese coffee, at least once.
On weekends, the private beach turns into a night-market-style setup. You buy coupons and pick from skewers, pizza, banh mi, desserts, and drinks — right on the sand, which does a lot for the atmosphere.
There’s also a live performance timed to sunset. Dinner with a horizon full of pink light in front of you is a strong pitch for couples specifically — don’t skip it if you’re here on a date.
Facilities — Game Room & Kids Club
The game room has a PlayStation and darts, set against circuit-board wallpaper and bean bag chairs. It works equally well for kids or a young couple killing an hour.
The Kids Club turned out to be more than I expected — a climbing wall, a ball pit, a playhouse with a mini kitchen, a teepee tent, and a rope climbing structure.
There’s also an outdoor pirate-ship-themed playground, so families could easily spend a full day without leaving the property and nobody would get bored.
How It Compares to Sheraton
Crowne Plaza and Sheraton get compared constantly since they’re both 5-stars in the north. Having stayed at both, they’re built for genuinely different trips.
| Sheraton | Crowne Plaza | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Long Beach, 10 min to Vinwonders/Safari | Ong Lang Beach, 5 min to Grand World |
| Price range | Higher | Lower |
| Google rating | 4.5 | 4.8 |
| Pool | Large pool + 2 kids’ pools | Long infinity-style pool + kids’ pool |
| Breakfast | Sparkling wine included, wide variety | Great value, strong bread and coffee |
| Vibe | Lively, family-focused | Private, upscale relaxation |
If you want a full day of splashing around with the kids, go Sheraton. If you’d rather ease into an evening at Grand World’s lights and fountain show, Crowne Plaza fits better.
Price & Booking
Base rooms start around $90 a night — noticeably less than Sheraton, the other 5-star up the road.
Don’t just default to Agoda out of habit — check Klook, Trip.com, and Booking.com too. The cheapest option shifts around depending on your dates.
Still deciding where the best value is? See my first-hand comparison of affordable Phu Quoc resorts for three more stays and a quick breakdown by location.
IHG members get 20% off food and drink regardless of which platform you booked through. Membership is free, so it’s worth signing up before you arrive.
Who Should Stay Here
- Couples and families looking for a good-value 5-star in the north
- Travelers who want an easy evening at Grand World’s lights and fountain show
- Families happy to mix pool time with the occasional game room or Kids Club session
If you want a full day of active water play for the kids, Sheraton might suit you better.
FAQ
Crowne Plaza or Sheraton — which is better?
Depends on your travel style. Crowne Plaza for quiet relaxation and Grand World in the evenings; Sheraton if you need a full day of active water play with the kids.
How far is it from the airport?
About 50 minutes by car. The resort’s free shuttle (limited seats, book 12 hours ahead) works out cheaper than a Grab.
Where’s the cheapest place to book?
Don’t just default to Agoda out of habit — check Klook, Trip.com, and Booking.com too. The cheapest option shifts around depending on your dates.
Related Guides
Want a full day of active water play with the kids? → Sheraton Phu Quoc Review
More North Zone resorts → Best North Phu Quoc Resorts
