"Our Ontario Schools Cricket Association (OSCA) Cricket Across the Pond delegation stayed at the Crowne Plaza London – Kingston during a very special international visit to England involving a team of Canadian high school girls’ cricketers, coaches and officials.
This was far more than a cricket tour. Our young players took part in a major experiential-learning and leadership programme that brought them into some of Britain’s most important sporting, civic and government institutions. During the visit, the delegation was welcomed at Lord’s, The Kia Oval, Trent Bridge, Canada House, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Kensington Palace and Kingston Guildhall.
The team had the privilege of meeting senior government and civic leaders, including the UK Minister responsible for Canada, Chris Elmore MP, and the Mayor of Kingston upon Thames. We also carried recognition and greetings from the Premier of Ontario as part of a visit that helped strengthen the longstanding relationship between Ontario, Canada and the United Kingdom through cricket, youth leadership and cultural exchange.
Throughout this very busy and high-profile programme, the Crowne Plaza London – Kingston was our home base — and the hotel was exceptional.
Managing a travelling delegation of Canadian high school students is no small task. We had early departures, late returns, transportation arrangements, changing schedules and all the logistical demands that come with an international youth programme. The hotel team handled our group with professionalism, patience, flexibility and genuine warmth.
Most importantly, our young cricketers felt safe, comfortable and welcomed. After long days representing Canada and Ontario across London and beyond, it was wonderful for them to return to a place where they could relax, recharge and feel at home.
The beautiful Thames-side setting, comfortable accommodation and convenient location made the hotel an excellent base for an unforgettable international experience.
For our Cricket Across the Pond team, the Crowne Plaza London – Kingston will forever be connected with some very special memories.
Five stars without hesitation. Our sincere thanks to the entire hotel team for helping make this extraordinary Canada–UK journey such a success. And finally, a massive shout-out to the extraordinary restaurant and food-service team. Our overall dining experience was genuinely one of the highlights of our stay.
The buffet meals were excellent — plentiful, well presented and very well suited to a travelling team of young athletes. The restaurant staff handled our large Canadian high school cricket delegation, different dietary needs, changing schedules, early starts and late returns with remarkable patience, flexibility and professionalism.
Every single morning, they welcomed our players with such warmth, energy and genuine care. They quickly got to know our group, anticipated what we needed and made our young cricketers feel completely at home before heading out for another demanding day of cricket, leadership engagements and official visits. Their kindness went far beyond simply providing breakfast — they helped start every day of this extraordinary tour on a positive note.
I genuinely struggle to find words strong enough to express my gratitude to them.
When you are responsible for Canadian high school students thousands of kilometres from home, you notice the people who go that extra mile. This team did it every day.
To the entire restaurant, kitchen and food-service team: a huge and heartfelt thank you. Your hospitality was truly out of this world, and you became an unforgettable part of our Cricket Across the Pond experience."