Tell me about the Renaissance at SW

[Magalex]

We are planning on a Sea World vacation next June 2014. We will be looking at different packages and the official hotels. Today I was able to look up a good rate with AAA packages on the official Renaissance website. I know sometimes the option for AAA go fast (the sooner and better for AAA discounts) even if 10 months away from vacation. I do know about the parking fee and no free breakfast. As a 4 star hotel is the Renaissance worth it? Do you love it? Would it enhance our Sea World vacation? We are regular guests to WDW on-site value-moderate resorts. So maybe someone can tell me how that compares. I know the rate I am looking at is compared to a moderate WDW resort.

 

[DPickering]

Very nice hotel. Big rooms. Pricey extras like the breakfast buffet is $21. Shortest walk to SW as it is right across the street from the entrance. Great pool and water park. I prefer the HGVC just down the street, full suites, more things to do but the Ren is very good.

And have you checked the rates thru the Seaworld package deals thru the Seaworld site?

 

[bas71873]

Very nice hotel. Big rooms. Pricey extras like the breakfast buffet is $21. Shortest walk to SW as it is right across the street from the entrance. Great pool and water park. I prefer the HGVC just down the street, full suites, more things to do but the Ren is very good.

And have you checked the rates thru the Seaworld package deals thru the Seaworld site?

DPickering, can you tell me a little more about HGVC? What do you mean by "more things to do"? Was there a nice pool? Slide? Pool bar?

OP, we stayed at the Renaissance in August 2012 and really had a great time. I originally booked with AAA for about $139/night that included parking and kids eat free w/purchase of an adult meal. Then, about 4 days before we arrived, I got an email with an even better, end of summer rate and go the room for $88/night. CRAZY I know.

The rooms are huge. Walking to SW was fantastic. Access to the quick que passes was easy and very helpful. The pool, pool bar and separate water park area for kids was awesome. We spent a lot of time just hanging out there.

My only complaint I guess is that the food options were limited (or us anyway) and a bit pricey, BUT, there are tons of restuarants nearby if you explore a little. There is a Starbucks in the lobby for a quick breakfast. Also an ice cream shop for late night snacking. We tried both onsite restaurants and both were very good. Pool bar food & drinks were yummy too.

Another gripe from me was that for the whole hotel, there is one washer & one dryer. We stayed for 7 nights and I really needed to do some laundry, but never could get it done. I wish there was a laundry room. In the summer we go through 2 sets of clothes per day and washing would have been a nice benefit.

I would stay again in a heartbeat for a short stay, but for something longer, I would go with a villa type accommodation.

 

[DPickering]

DPickering, can you tell me a little more about HGVC? What do you mean by "more things to do"? Was there a nice pool? Slide? Pool bar?

OP, we stayed at the Renaissance in August 2012 and really had a great time. I originally booked with AAA for about $139/night that included parking and kids eat free w/purchase of an adult meal. Then, about 4 days before we arrived, I got an email with an even better, end of summer rate and go the room for $88/night. CRAZY I know.

The rooms are huge. Walking to SW was fantastic. Access to the quick que passes was easy and very helpful. The pool, pool bar and separate water park area for kids was awesome. We spent a lot of time just hanging out there.

My only complaint I guess is that the food options were limited (or us anyway) and a bit pricey, BUT, there are tons of restuarants nearby if you explore a little. There is a Starbucks in the lobby for a quick breakfast. Also an ice cream shop for late night snacking. We tried both onsite restaurants and both were very good. Pool bar food & drinks were yummy too.

Another gripe from me was that for the whole hotel, there is one washer & one dryer. We stayed for 7 nights and I really needed to do some laundry, but never could get it done. I wish there was a laundry room. In the summer we go through 2 sets of clothes per day and washing would have been a nice benefit.

I would stay again in a heartbeat for a short stay, but for something longer, I would go with a villa type accommodation.

HGVC at Seaworld does not have a water slide but they have 2 big pools by the main building, one with a waterfall, a little area with water squirting up from the ground for kids there and then another pool a ways away that is often quieter that has a kids wading pool beside it. There is a pool bar by the main pool, prices are reasonable. Food is limited but decent.

For things to do they have a good playground, ping pong, tennis, movie theater, barbecue areas, nice jogging track, shuffleboard and an activity schedule for kids and adults.

Did not know about the laundry situation at the Renaissance. We were there only two days and it did not come up. Next trip is a week so ty for the info. 1 br and up at HGVC have in room laundry. I think the base suites do as well but you might want to check. And I'd recommend building 2 3 or 4 as some of the buildings can be fair walk from the main area.

 

[kathy884]

We picked the Renaissance for our upcoming trip in October. It's just a mini trip three nights / two days, and for something different, we were in the mood to go for a four star hotel (especially given the reasonable price). I've always thought it would be cool to stay there. A friend I grew up with used to be the restaurant manager there, and it's really a beautiful place. // We usually stay in condos for longer trips to have the kitchen, washer and dryer, balcony/patio and more room. // We've also stayed twice at the lovely little Hilton Garden Inn right next door to the Renaissance which is a little more practical with free parking and more reasonable food prices. // I think it's fun, though, to mix things up and try new places if they are in your budget.

 

[travelfanatic]

We have stayed there and loved it! It's a very nice hotel and the rooms are some of the most spacious rooms we have ever stayed in. LOVE the pool area. Drinks are pricey from what I remember but that's to be expected in a hotel of this caliber. We have another reservation there in October and we can't wait to go back. I'm sure you will really enjoy it!