Advantages: Absolutely everything!
Disadvantages: The series has to end eventually!

...with the Furnael family. Anyway, the war in Bieme is not going well, and Furnael keep is under siege. Karl stumbles across the Baron's wife and younger son, Thomen, who were captured as slaves. When Karl and Company learn who is behind this war and why, they realize that they have no choice, they MUST stop this war! They strike a deal with the Prince of Bieme, and ride out to lift the siege. When one of their number is nearly murdered by betrayal, they know exactly how high up Bieme's chain of command this treachery came from. Baron Furnael reluctantly agrees that only an honorable leader will see his beloved homeland through this war, and tries to help them place such a one on the throne. Alas! This decision brings on more complications than ANY of them could have imagined in their wildest dreams. Who's head will Bieme's crown finally rest upon... Read review

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Advantages: Impeccable Five Star Hotel
Disadvantages: It's In A Casino!

...that was borne out most strikingly when plans for the Crown Towers Complex were first tabled over a decade ago. To say the proposal was controversial is to put it mildly. A massive area, occupying almost the entire south bank of the Yarra River in the city centre, was to be given over to a Casino, Hotel and Entertainment Complex; a gargantuan monument to excess, extravagance and bad-taste. It was to be a $1 billion development, featuring a 1000-room hotel, a massive virtual-reality cinema and entertainment centre, ballrooms, a 1500 seat banqueting hall, a rooftop garden and internal shopping arcade. THE OPENING: Once completed, the complex seemed to confirm most of the old guard's gravest suspicions. A cavernous building-site was gradually transformed into a massive Cathedral to consumption, and the cities face was disfigured - for life. Crown... Read review

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Advantages: Lots to do
Disadvantages: Hard to see it all

...I’ve complained before to all the good people on Ciao about not being much of a fan of Melbourne. It’s just one of those cities that doesn’t grab me. There is a local tension between Sydney people and Melbourne people, each side saying their city is the best and it’s true that Melbourne was once voted the most liveable city in the world. Although it’s got many things going for it, it’s just not for me. It was with some reluctance then that I spent a few days there last week for work. On Thursday night I had a colleague with me so when we’d finished the daily drudge of meetings we thought we’d have a night on the town. Crown Casino is the jewel in Melbourne’s crown (excuse the pun) of night life. Standing resplendent on the south bank of the Yarra River in the heart of the city, the casino, built in 1996 is a must see. The 39... Read review

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Advantages: SO much variety
Disadvantages: Can be expensive

...The Crown Casino based in Melbourne Australia is one of Melbournes TOP attractions. It is beautiful in appearance and is really unique in its making. For example, inside the building there is a large water feature with hopping fountains. It looked so wonderful. When I went to Australia for the first time, it was one of the first attractions I visited. I am not a gambler, so I didn't visit the casino part itselt. The name 'Crown Casino' can be deceptive as it is not only a casino, but it hosts many other functions. There is just SO much to do and that goes on within this one HUGE building such as: - Gaming - Bars - Dining and Banquets - Entertainment - Shopping GAMING The Crown Casino is one of the largest gaming facilities in the Southern Hemisphere offering a variety of gaming options in a lovely setting. The main... Read review

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Advantages: You do not have to have the tooth pulled out.
Disadvantages: It hurts when the 'local' has worn off!

...that I would like to find out!) May I also point out that once the anaesthetic has worn off then you will often need oral painkillers, as it can hurt a lot (and I do mean A LOT!) as the gum settles down. ** Treatment and Tooth Preparation Time ** I find that at least two visits are needed for a crown to be made. The first one is the longest as the tooth preparation, impression, shade taking and fitting the temporary crown, are all need to be done. These temporary crowns may be more noticeable (mine is silver/grey in colour, round and smooth), but they are only a temporary measure. At the second visit the permanent crown is fitted. 1) The dentist will prepare the tooth, drilling it into the ideal shape for the crown to be fitted. This will involve removing most of the outer surface of the tooth and leaving a strong inner 'core... Read review

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Advantages: Superbly restored
Disadvantages: Not in the nicest part of London

...I live near a part of North London that is not really known for anything much except that it's a bit rough and going out alone after 10pm is not really a good idea. However, I've become very fond of it over the last couple of years and am delighted to be able to say that The Crown is definitely the highlight of the place and is superb even when compared to the 'nicer' parts of town like West Hampstead and Hampstead. The pub has an Irish connection - 100 years ago, Kilburn and Cricklewood inhabitants were mainly Irish and the area still has many Irish families, although mixed with every nationality you can think of. Location Cricklewood Broadway is part of the A5, which leads up to the North Circular and can get very busy. Fortunately, the pub is set back from the road, so even if you choose to sit outside, the noise isn't too bad... Read review

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Advantages: Excellent facilities, comfortable rooms, convenient for the motorway network, good link with Heathrow
Disadvantages: EXPENSIVE, bad planning on the bar for big events

...There are lots of hotels to choose from in and around London Heathrow, so you may well ask why I elected to stay at the Crowne Plaza, which is off the main drag known as Bath Road, and certainly not the cheapest if my recent visit to the Marriott is anything to go by. A friend was meant to be passing through London on his way back to the States the same night as I was anticipating an early morning flight to Madrid to visit my sister in law, and he was staying here. Plus, I get Priority Club points on my stays, and IC Hotels were offering an additional 1,000 points for stays booked and completed during February, thus the decision was made. ------------------------------------------------------ LOCATION Superbly positioned on Stockley Road, literally a stones throw away from Junction 4 of the M4, the hotel is reminiscent of a 1970... Read review

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Advantages: Excellent restaurants, mostly helpful people
Disadvantages: Tired and dated rooms

...Bahrain is a casual, relaxed, easy-going place where things move slowly, even time. The Holiday Inn was rebranded a Crowne Plaza several years ago but people locally still refer to it as the Holiday Inn. During 2004, I stayed at several hotels in Bahrain, including the Crowne Plaza. It was not my favourite, the rooms are basic and both the décor and the furniture look like they have not been updated since the eighties. The people, however, were nice and the restaurants, in particular, are second to none! Location The Crowne Plaza is located at a corner of the city, in an area known as the Diplomatic Area, just after crossing from the airport onto the main island. Many of the banks and financial institutions are very nearby, within walking distance (except perhaps in the height of summer when temperatures rise above 45C... Read review

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Advantages: Warm Atmosphere
Disadvantages: Not open 24 hours!

...I cannot believe that this beautiful pub has not already been reviewed on Ciao. The diversity and enormity of it's clientelle would surely indicate at least an opinion or two, well here goes the first one. The Crown is a Young's pub and as such follows in the tradition of all Young's boozers in style and content. They aim to provide a traditional, if not old fashioned, experience with satisfaction being paramount. They offer a selection of Young's ales from easy drinking 'Special' to the more robust, and stronger 'Ram Rod' or in season 'Winter Warmer', lovely. These beers can be served in a jug if requested, rather than the impersonal 'lager glass', I prefer jugs and feel that beer looks and tastes better in one. The building itself is as imposing as a pub should be, large with high ceilings and obligatory creaking floorboards (I... Read review

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Advantages: Excellent Service, Friendly Staff,
Disadvantages: None

...Situated directly opposite the Royal Liver Building, with great views of the Mersey the Crowne Plaza really is an excellent modern (1998) four star hotel. Having never visited Liverpool before, the Crowne Plaza was an excellent choice. You are approximately ten minutes from the main city centre and five minutes from a vast array of local bistro’s and swanky restaurants and two minutes from the most popular Liverpool landmark “The Cavern”, where the Beatles played before they became famous. Hotel Facilities The Crowne Plaza has its own dedicated pampering facilities on the left of reception as you walk in. It is worth noting, unlike some hotels, there is no extra charge for using these facilities if you are a paying guest. Sauna – Very good, with its panelled wooden effect it was very spacious compared to some places I have... Read review

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