I booked a few rooms at the Crowne Plaza for a recent trip that I took through Priceline. This was one of their Express Deals and it really worked out well. I had never been to the Phoenix area before as I was not sure what to expect, but the rooms at the Crowne Plaza were just what we needed.
The lobby is nice and big, there is one or two restaurants in there as well as a Starbucks that is only open until about 11am. The elevators require you to have a keycard to use them which is a nice touch and makes you feel secure. The rooms are a good size, nothing oversized as some other hotels offer. The AC blows super cold and works all day.
I was super happy with my stay and would consider the Crowne Plaza again if I were ever to be in the area! Yes, there are a few transients in the area, but they are like bees, if you don't bother them they will not bother you.