Not up to scratch!
I originally wasn't planning on writing a review, but two things prompted me:
1) The superiority of the Holiday Inn Express that I have just checked into, which serves to highlight how poor the Crowne Plaza in Austin was by comparison
2) The sheer number of 5 star reviews for this place, which I can't explain, except to assume that these guests haven't stayed at very many hotels and have low expectations. I feel the average rating is misleading.
I had limited interaction with staff besides checking in and out and they appeared very friendly and courteous. The good words end there.
The room itself was O.K. but relatively shabby and clearly a bit worn for time. The bed was quite hard and the air conditioning unit only seemed to have two settings: Off, and incredibly loud. 
Like other guests, I had issues getting my water hot enough when showering and had to settle for lukewarm.
Another gripe is that the parking lot was full on Saturday night and after driving around the property several times I was forced to park at a restaurant on an adjacent property. This is unacceptable to me given the hotel's 'drive or don't bother' location. 
I have stayed at several hotels of a similar price over the last few weeks, traveling around the US, and I have no second thoughts describing this hotel as inferior. I've stayed at three different Mariott Courtyards (all of which were nicer and cheaper) and I have just checked into a Holiday Inn Express which is more modern and comfortable.
I leave you with a photo of one of the air vents in the hallway which is visibly filthy and explains why the Crowne Plaza Austin didn't have a fresh clean smell to it.