Crowne Plaza Wuxi City Center, an IHG Hotel

5.0 star property
Luxury Wuxi hotel in Liangxi District with 5 restaurants
your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for Crowne Plaza Wuxi City Center, an IHG Hotel

Exterior
2 bars/lounges
Fitness facility
Property amenity
Down duvets, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Reviews

8.2 out of 10

Very good

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Bar
  • Spa
  • Air conditioning
  • Room service
  • Breakfast available
The price is AU$120
includes taxes & fees
27 Dec - 28 Dec

Explore the area

Map
18 Yonghe Road Nanchang District, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214023
  • Wuxi Museum
    15 min walk
  • Nanchan Temple
    2 min drive
  • Nanchan Temple Antique Market
    3 min drive
  • Wuxi (WUX-Shuofang)
    23 min drive

Room options

Standard Room, 1 King Bed (High Floor)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
LCD TV
Down duvet
Blackout curtains
Rainfall showerhead
Deep-soaking bath
Hairdryer
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
LCD TV
Down duvet
Blackout curtains
Rainfall showerhead
Deep-soaking bath
Hairdryer
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Business Lounge Access (High Floor)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Club Lounge
LCD TV
Down duvet
Blackout curtains
Rainfall showerhead
Deep-soaking bath
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Business Lounge Access (Canal View, High Floor)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Club Lounge
LCD TV
Down duvet
Blackout curtains
Rainfall showerhead
Deep-soaking bath
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Suite, 1 Bedroom

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
LCD TV
Down duvet
Blackout curtains
Rainfall showerhead
Deep-soaking bath
Hairdryer
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Suite, 1 Bedroom, Business Lounge Access (Canal View)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Club Lounge
LCD TV
Down duvet
Separate bedroom
Blackout curtains
Rainfall showerhead
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Suite, 1 Bedroom, Business Lounge Access

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Club Lounge
LCD TV
Down duvet
Blackout curtains
Rainfall showerhead
Deep-soaking bath
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Suite, 1 Bedroom, Business Lounge Access (High Floor)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Club Lounge
LCD TV
Down duvet
Blackout curtains
Rainfall showerhead
Deep-soaking bath
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Room (Upgraded)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
LCD TV
Down duvet
Blackout curtains
Rainfall showerhead
Deep-soaking bath
Hairdryer
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Single Bed

Standard Room

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
LCD TV
Down duvet
Blackout curtains
Rainfall showerhead
Deep-soaking bath
Hairdryer
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Single Bed

Suite

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Kitchen
LCD TV
Down duvet
Blackout curtains
Rainfall showerhead
Deep-soaking bath
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

Suite, 1 Bedroom (Canal View)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
LCD TV
Down duvet
Separate bedroom
Blackout curtains
Rainfall showerhead
Deep-soaking bath
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 2 Single Beds

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
LCD TV
Down duvet
Blackout curtains
Rainfall showerhead
Deep-soaking bath
Hairdryer
  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Single Beds

Standard Room, 2 Single Beds (High Floor)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
LCD TV
Down duvet
Blackout curtains
Rainfall showerhead
Deep-soaking bath
Hairdryer
  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Single Beds

Similar properties

About the area

Wuxi

A luxury stay in the heart of Wuxi awaits you at Crowne Plaza Wuxi City Center, an IHG Hotel. You'll be 1.2 km (0.8 mi) from Wuxi Museum and 2.6 km (1.6 mi) from Nanchan Temple Antique Market. Highlights at this family-friendly hotel include 5 restaurants, 2 bars/lounges and a full-service spa. .A day of pampering can include massages and body scrubs along with aromatherapy and hydrotherapy. The restaurant, Paulaner Brauhaus, is open for dinner. Enjoy the indoor swimming pool, free kids' club, gym and sauna. 1141 square feet (106 square metres) of event facilities include meeting rooms and conference space, and other business amenities include a business centre. Additionally, you'll find free Wi-Fi in public areas, a coffee shop/cafe and a snack bar/deli. Each morning buffet breakfast is served between 6 AM and 10:30 AM. There's also free self parking, along with the convenience of car rentals on site. .With a stay at this 5-property class Liangxi District hotel, you'll be 3.2 km (2 mi) from Sanyang Parkson and 3.2 km (2 mi) from Center 66.

What's nearby

  • Wuxi Museum - 15 min walk
  • Nanchan Temple Antique Market - 3 min drive
  • Wuxi Grand Orient Department Store - 4 min drive
  • Wuxi Yaohan - 4 min drive
  • Huishan Old town - 9 min drive

Getting around

  • Suzhou New District Railway Tram Stop - 30 min drive
  • Pudong International Airport (PVG) - 147 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪艺海国际酒店 - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪凯宾斯基美食廊 - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪叁如匯 - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪凯宾斯基自助餐柏林咖啡厅 - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪阳光城市网吧 - ‬7 min walk

About this property

Crowne Plaza Wuxi City Center, an IHG Hotel

Luxury Wuxi hotel in Liangxi District with 5 restaurants
Crowne Plaza Wuxi City Center, an IHG Hotel offers its guests a full-service spa, an indoor pool, and a health club. There are 5 restaurants on site, as well as a coffee shop/cafΘ and a nearby snack bar/deli. You can unwind with a drink at one of the 2 bars/lounges. Public spaces have free WiFi and wired Internet.

Business amenities include a business centre and meeting rooms. Event space at this hotel measures 1141 square feet (106 square metres) and includes conference space. A sauna, spa services, and a terrace are also featured at the luxury Crowne Plaza Wuxi City Center, an IHG Hotel. Self parking is free.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this 5-star Wuxi hotel.

  • 1 building
  • 400 guestrooms or units
  • 22 levels
  • 5 dining venues
  • 2 bars or lounges
  • Conference rooms
  • 1141 sq ft of conference space
  • 106 sq. m of conference space
  • Built in 2007
  • Deli
  • Kid's club (free)
  • Business facilities
  • Conference space
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Coffee in lobby
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Express check-in
  • Express check-out
  • Staff members are multilingual
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Wedding services available
  • Games room or arcade
  • Terrace
  • Gift shop
  • Beauty salon
  • Newspapers in lobby (free)
  • ATM
  • On-site shopping
  • Bellhop
  • Lift
  • Smoking in designated areas
Crowne Plaza Wuxi City Center, an IHG Hotel offers 400 accommodations with DVD players and minibars. Beds feature down duvets. LCD televisions come with satellite channels and pay-per-view films. Bathrooms include baths or showers with a deep soaking bath and a rainfall showerhead. Bathrooms are also outfitted with slippers, complimentary toiletries and hairdryers.

This Wuxi hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks, complimentary newspapers and telephones. Additionally, rooms include laptop-compatible safes and complimentary bottles of water. In-room massages and an iron/ironing board can be requested. A nightly turndown service is provided and housekeeping is offered on a daily basis.

Guests can indulge in a pampering treatment at the hotel's full-service spa. Services include facials, body scrubs and body treatments. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy and hydrotherapy.

Languages

Chinese (Mandarin), English

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi and wired internet

Parking and transport

  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Daily buffet breakfast available 6 AM to 10:30 AM for a fee
  • 2 bars/lounges
  • 5 restaurants
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • Coffee and tea in common areas
  • Snack bar/deli

Restaurants on site

  • Cafe Berlin
  • Fang Yuan Cantonese
  • Feng Huang Lobby Lounge
  • Paulaner Brauhaus

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Free children's club
  • Full-service spa
  • Health club
  • Indoor pool
  • Playground
  • Sauna
  • Shopping

Family friendly

  • Arcade/game room
  • DVD player
  • Free children's club
  • Indoor pool
  • Laundry facilities
  • Playground
  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)
  • Snack bar/deli
  • Soundproofed rooms

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • ATM
  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Hair salon
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Turndown service
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • 1,141 square feet of conference space
  • Business centre
  • Meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • Terrace

Full-service spa

  • Aromatherapy
  • Body scrubs
  • Facials
  • Hydrotherapy
  • In-room massages

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Braille/raised signage
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes
  • Down comforter
  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)

Bathroom

  • Bathtub or shower
  • Deep soaking bathtub or rainfall showerhead
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Slippers
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • DVD player
  • LCD TV with cable/satellite channels
  • Pay films

Food and drink

  • 24-hour room service
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Free bottled water
  • Minibar

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Desk
  • Free daily newspapers
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Laptop-compatible safe
  • Phone
  • Soundproofed rooms

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2 PM; check-in end time: 12:30 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Express check-in available

Check-out

Check-out before 11:30 AM
Contactless check-out
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival
Guests booked in breakfast included rate plans receive breakfast for up to 2 adults who are sharing a guestroom. Breakfast fees apply for additional guests.
Guests booked in dinner included rate plans receive dinner for up to 2 adults who are sharing a guestroom. Dinner fees apply for additional guests.

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for CNY 250.0 per stay.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Rollaway bed fee: CNY 250.0 per stay

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a security system and a first aid kit
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club, JCB International and Eurocard. Cash is not accepted. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system and a first aid kit in all accommodation.

We should mention

  • Reservations are needed for massage services and spa treatments. For reservations, contact the hotel before arrival using the contact information on the booking confirmation.
  • This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).

National rating

For the benefit of our customers, we have provided a rating based on our ratings system.

Property is also known as

Crowne Plaza Wuxi City Center Hotel
Kempinski Wuxi
Kempinski Wuxi Hotel
Wuxi Kempinski
Wuxi Kempinski Hotel

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at Crowne Plaza Wuxi City Center, an IHG Hotel?

Crowne Plaza Wuxi City Center, an IHG Hotel offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at Crowne Plaza Wuxi City Center, an IHG Hotel?

As of 23 Dec 2024, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Crowne Plaza Wuxi City Center, an IHG Hotel on 27 Dec 2024 start from AU$119.56, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is parking available at Crowne Plaza Wuxi City Center, an IHG Hotel?

Yep, Crowne Plaza Wuxi City Center, an IHG Hotel has a free self car park.

Is there a spa on site at Crowne Plaza Wuxi City Center, an IHG Hotel?

Yep, there is an onsite spa at Crowne Plaza Wuxi City Center, an IHG Hotel. You'll enjoy heaps of services like body scrubs, facials and body treatments.

Does Crowne Plaza Wuxi City Center, an IHG Hotel have a pool?

Crowne Plaza Wuxi City Center, an IHG Hotel has an indoor pool.

What luxury perks are available at Crowne Plaza Wuxi City Center, an IHG Hotel?

Crowne Plaza Wuxi City Center, an IHG Hotel features a full-service spa, a health club and an indoor pool. All guestrooms come with deep soaking tubs and 24-hour room service.

What makes Crowne Plaza Wuxi City Center, an IHG Hotel a romantic place to stay?

A bar and 24-hour room service, as well as deep-soaking baths and massage services available in the guestrooms, help set the scene for a romantic weekend at Crowne Plaza Wuxi City Center, an IHG Hotel.

Is Crowne Plaza Wuxi City Center, an IHG Hotel family-friendly?

You bet! With amenities such as a free children's club, a playground and an arcade, it's no surprise that Crowne Plaza Wuxi City Center, an IHG Hotel is a hit with families.

Are there hot tubs in the rooms at Crowne Plaza Wuxi City Center, an IHG Hotel?

No, but there are deep-soaking baths in the guestrooms.

Does Crowne Plaza Wuxi City Center, an IHG Hotel serve breakfast?

You bet, buffet brekkie is on offer daily between 6 AM and 10:30 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Crowne Plaza Wuxi City Center, an IHG Hotel?

No, Crowne Plaza Wuxi City Center, an IHG Hotel does not offer an airport shuttle service.

Is there a bar or restaurant at Crowne Plaza Wuxi City Center, an IHG Hotel?

Yep, Crowne Plaza Wuxi City Center, an IHG Hotel has 5 restaurants.

What time are check-in & check-out at Crowne Plaza Wuxi City Center, an IHG Hotel?

Check-in begins at 2 PM. Check-out time is 11:30 AM.

Are pets allowed at Crowne Plaza Wuxi City Center, an IHG Hotel?

No, pets are not allowed.

Crowne Plaza Wuxi City Center, an IHG Hotel Reviews

Reviews

8.2

Very good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 28 out of 71 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 27 out of 71 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 12 out of 71 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 71 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 71 reviews" "

8.8/10

Cleanliness

8.2/10

Staff & service

9.4/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Palanisamy

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2021

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Top notch room, wifi worked, nice desk, upscale bathroom with both bath and shower, included rain forest nozzle. Staff is very friendly, usually greeting you with a smile and saying "Good morning," even when just walking by. No gift shop. Nice selection of sandwiches, sodas when going out for the day. Lucas, the concierge, was awesome. He knew I like Diet Coke and made sure I had one before leaving on a tour. The bar/cafe is iffy--for me. Live music, very loud, and hardly anyone in the cafe ... I think the music drives people away. It did me! I didn't want to have a nice drink and meal with that music pounding in my ears!! So I went elsewhere. But overall, top notch place, and great staff, with a working knowledge of English.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Lerusha

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
GOOD FOR BUSINESS
Good stay, clean, neat and convenient.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2019

8/10 Good

Hejian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
It was excellent, except no power = nothing worked for more than 2 hours on Monday. Waited more than 30 min. for an elevator.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2019

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2018

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2018

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Mixed experience: not sure if I would stay again.
This is considered a "5 star" hotel in China. For a large international brand, there were issues: 1. Front desk staff was friendly and helpful, with most speaking proficient English. Sven was especially helpful. 2. Restaurant and wait staff were not as proficient with English. 3. Public areas were looking worn-out/dated. Chairs in restaurants were too low for the tables. 4. Food in restaurants was good, but service was slow. 4. Room service was fairly priced, but repeated things like forgetting silverware, condiments, or incomplete orders made the process not enjoyable. 5. One night, my child had a nose bleed. There was blood on the linens. Upon check-out we found we were charged an extra "cleaning fee" for this. While this type of charge may be common (?) in China, I have never had it happen in Europe, the United States or other Asian countries. For a minor incident over a 9 night stay, I thought this was a bit much. I had never had this happen to me in China before.
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2018

8/10 Good

Colorful, SF, CA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Location location location
Check-in is fast and a room with great view is assigned. Staff is very efficient and nice. The hotel’s decoration is golden tone and it reminds me China’s 1980s’ Canton area vulgarly decorating style. The room is a business suite and equipped with desk, basic business tools such as stapler, paper clips, eraser, etc. Internet cable is also ready. WiFi is free. However, they still use 1980s’ electric kettle and instant coffee. There is no brand name for anything. Location is terrible. It is not too far away from major attractions but public transportation is limited. It is not walking distance to anywhere. Also, because of the one-way traffic next to the hotel, it is very difficult for the local Didi drivers to find where the entrance is. This city has a dedicated lane for bike riders. However, because cars double park so frequently and occupy the bike lane, bike riders often have to risk their life being hit by a car.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2018

4/10 Poor

thomas

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service
False advertising
There are multiple problems with this hotel. Most importantly, the rooms we rented were supposed to be 45 square meters large but the truth is that they were less than half the size - clearly false advertising - beware! Relatively speaking, the rooms are tiny. In addition, the service was well-meaning but poor, the restaurants were mediocre, and extra purchases were expensive (a bottle of water was the equivalent of more than $3, a small latte the equivalent of more than $11 ....). I would recommend other hotels in Wuxi that are better.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2017

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice property
Nice hotel. Friendly staff. TV channel selections limited.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2017

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Hotel status
Good hotel food and beer to expensive rooms excellent

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Everything you expect from a 5 Star hotel is there
As usual, a great Kempinski, my favorite choice.

8/10 Good

Vincent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Overall the facilities were fine. One issue was the TV programming. The international stations always had a blue image indicating the signal was not good. This happened each and every time we watched TV.

10/10 Excellent

Muyuan Michael, Austin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Kempinsiki review
Good location and very relaxing.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely hotel. Very clean and well kept. The gym is basic but the equipment is in good condition. I would love to go back!

10/10 Excellent

Muyuan Michael, Austin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Kempensiki Wuxi review
Very accommodating and relaxing for my short trip.

8/10 Good

Tanos

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Good hotel
Food was not that good

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Hotel is definitely a 4+ stars. Situated close to Wuxi subway and major attractions.

6/10 Okay

boonster

not bad for this price
it is a nice hotel but there is not much to shout about.... the pub does home brew beers but it was pretty flat in taste.... the buffet restaurant is nice though, with a nice natural light atrium

10/10 Excellent

YU, CHINA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
It's a geat experience
Very happy for this travel.

6/10 Okay

John, Dallas

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Wuxi hotel
Disappointed. I thought the property would be nicer. The room decoration was outdated.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beautiful hotel
I stayed in this hotel twice and both times it delivered to the best of my expectations. There's nothing I dislike about this hotel. It has great service, very good food, especially for westerners. The Paulaner restaurant in the lobby is awesome. It serves very good choice of German-style food. The staff speaks English. The internet is free, and you can get higher speed wired access (four Mbit up/down) for a very small amount.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great hotel with fantastic service.
I enjoyed my stay at the Wuxi Kempinski very much. The staff were polite and very helpful and the room was very clean and comfortable. My only concern would be the exorbitant price of the room service.

6/10 Okay

Henri, Singapore

Average only
Did not meet my expectation, based on what I heard from colleague