Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld

Located directly across the street from SeaWorld’s entrance, this hotel naturally attracts tourists. But, its large inventory of meeting space hosts a regular schedule of business and social functions, so business travelers and even locals often stay here, too. Whomever the guests, there’s a wow factor upon entering the hotel’s spectacular 10-story atrium. A pyramid of skylights floods light into the huge open space that showcases a waterfall cascading off natural rocks into a pool surrounded by tropical plants. The hotel’s sushi bar and sports bar occupy central spaces in the atrium, providing great spots to enjoy the energetic ambience. Despite a steady stream of people passing through, the large atrium absorbs the noise well. Polished, white-and-brown marble floors lead up to several handsome registration kiosks set back from the open atrium. Setting the tone further, TVs behind the kiosks project deep blue underwater ocean views, suggesting this is a place to relax.

The Renaissance enjoys a convenient location in the heart of Orlando’s tourist district, just across the street from the entrance to SeaWorld (an eight-minute walk). It’s a nice divided road with sidewalks, just one block from International Drive, and a couple of restaurants are within walking distance. Apartments border it on one side. Several attractions are within a brief drive, including Discovery Cove (three minutes), SeaWorld’s Aquatica water park (three to five minutes), and Epcot Center (15 to 20 minutes). The Magic Kingdom Park is around a 15-minute drive, as are Universal Studios Orlando and the Orlando International Airport. The Orange County Convention Center is eight minutes away by car. Wet ‘n Wild Orlando is a 13-minute drive.

Thoughtful touches make these quiet and modern rooms look tasteful. The motif is mostly soft earth tones in shades of beige, gray, and brown. Bright-orange accents in the contemporary artwork, decorative pillows, and some of the upholstered furniture are tastefully done. The high recessed ceilings are particularly striking, with large square and rectangular patterns that lend an interesting architectural element. The distinctive, light brown carpet with gray, branch-like patterns adds a visual sense of movement. Beds feature dark-wood frames and white padded headboards, and white duvets are decorated with a sprinkling of silver geometric shapes. At 465 square feet, the standard King and Double Queen Rooms are quite spacious. King Rooms include sleeper sofas, and both options have roomy desks, large armchairs, and full-size granite coffee tables. There are 65 suites available ranging from Junior (670 square feet) to Presidential (1,705 square feet). The bathrooms are equally spacious. Huge, beige marble twin-sink vanities face large oval mirrors. The floors also are beige marble, and sparkling white tile frames the shower/tub combos. The back walls are covered with black-and-white murals of a wooden roller coaster. Aveda toiletries are provided. The views are a highlight: some rooms face inward to overlook the beautiful atrium, and others offer SeaWorld views. Rooms with small balconies (both atrium and SeaWorld views) are available. Standard amenities include coffeemakers, mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs, safes, two-line speakerphones with voicemail, and free bottled water. Wi-Fi is available, but it requires a daily fee for access (it’s free in public spaces). Free newspapers are delivered upon request. Past guests have complained about housekeeping and maintenance issues. 

Both tourists and business groups frequent this hotel, and the amenities reflect that dual purpose. For tourists, free shuttles run to SeaWorld, Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and a few other area attractions. Valet and self-parking are available, but both are expensive. The Tradewinds Restaurant serves a hot breakfast buffet (not included in rates), lunch, and dinner with a focus on American comfort food. The Mist Sushi and Spirits Bar serve craft cocktails along with sushi. The Boardwalk sports bar and Palms Pool Bar & Grill (adjacent to the outdoor pool) also provide food and drinks. The lobby also has a full-service Starbucks, ice cream shop, ATM, and currency exchange. The gift shop sells snacks and drinks, along with sundries and souvenirs, and there's a game room for kids. The lovely outdoor pool is heated and has lots of lounge chairs and an adjacent whirlpool. The R Aqua Zone is a cool, kids-focused pool with lots of slides, splash pads, and covered loungers for parents. Neu Lotus Spa offers various massage and other body treatments, and the fitness center is large and well equipped with cardio and weight-training equipment. The hotel has 186,000 square feet of event space, as well as an expansive lawn with a gazebo for weddings. A business center and on-site FedEx office round out the corporate features. Free Wi-Fi is available in the hotel’s public spaces. Concierge services include valet dry cleaning and laundry, and a guest laundry room is on-site. Babysitting services can be arranged. A daily, per-room resort fee is charged to cover the shuttle services and other perks like free bottled water in the rooms. It also comes with discounts at the gift shop and some of the hotel’s restaurants.