Eight Nights, Exceptional People, and Old-School Hospitality!…read more
As a Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite member who travels almost every week for work and pleasure, I've experienced my share of hotels. My recent eight-night stay at the Renaissance Orlando Resort reminded me that beautiful properties are wonderful, but it's the people who make a stay memorable.
And what a pleasant surprise!
Is the hotel a little dated? Absolutely. But there's something charming about its old-school elegance, spacious common areas, and relaxed atmosphere. My high-floor room had a balcony, plenty of sunshine, two queen beds, a comfortable layout, excellent air conditioning, and a fantastic shower. After long days working in the Florida heat, it was exactly what I needed!
But here's where this hotel truly shines: THE PEOPLE!
Every morning, our group descended on the lobby coffee bar at the crack of dawn. Michelle was an absolute gem! She remembered my order, and by the time I'd made it through the line, my drink was already waiting at pickup. Her colleague Dylan was equally friendly and professional. That's hospitality! Making someone's busy morning a little brighter.
We also spent plenty of evenings at the hotel bar after work. One wonderful bartender, whose name I believe began with C or K, remembered my drink as soon as I walked in. He also looked after our table, serving food and drinks with impeccable timing and genuine warmth. Attentive without hovering, personable without being intrusive. The food was consistently enjoyable, and we looked forward to those evenings.
Then there was the gentleman greeting guests near the entrance, whom I believe was named Gary. We discovered we'd both lived in the San Francisco Bay Area. He was delightfully chatty while I waited for rides, and whenever I returned from dinner, he'd ask, "Where did you eat?" As a passionate foodie, I absolutely loved that! It's those remembered conversations that make a place feel welcoming.
Housekeeping deserves recognition, too. One morning, I requested room cleaning through the Marriott app before leaving around 6:30 a.m. When I returned around 7 p.m., the room hadn't been serviced. Then I realized I'd left my Do Not Disturb sign on the door. My mistake!
The team explained they could clean the following day but kindly offered to collect my trash and bring fresh towels that evening. They arrived promptly, and my room was spotless the next day. No fuss, just thoughtful service and excellent follow-through. I've stayed at plenty of hotels where simple requests require repeated calls. Not here. Old-school hospitality. They get it!
We enjoyed several meals at the hotel restaurant. One especially lovely breakfast with a colleague included perfectly prepared eggs Benedict and delicious freshly squeezed orange juice.
And the spa! I booked a 50-minute massage through a Marriott promotion for $99, including gratuity. Amanda was amazing. She may be petite, but her strength and technique were impressive! I considered upgrading to deep tissue, but the medium pressure was exactly what my travel-weary muscles needed. The spa provided a robe, slippers, locker, private changing area, and peaceful treatment room. I left refreshed and wishing Amanda worked in Charlotte!
Florida's heat and afternoon rainstorms kept me from enjoying the pool during most of my work trip. But on departure day, with a later flight, I finally got my perfect afternoon: a wonderful massage, sunshine, a swim in the beautifully comfortable pool, and steak nachos with a Tito's and grapefruit poolside. Pure bliss! It felt like a mini-vacation after eight busy nights.
Was everything perfect? No. The property could use some cosmetic updates. But after eight nights, I'd experienced the rooms, coffee bar, restaurant, bar, spa, and pool, and the hospitality was consistently exceptional.
As a Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite member, I appreciate loyalty benefits, but genuine hospitality matters even more. Remembering someone's coffee, cocktail, or conversation doesn't cost a thing, yet it makes all the difference.
A heartfelt thank-you to Michelle, Dylan, Amanda, our wonderful bartender, the friendly entrance greeter, and the housekeeping and restaurant teams. I hope management recognizes the difference you make. You made me feel welcome, not like another room number.
Would I return? In a heartbeat. If I could give the people here ten stars, I would!
Life is too short not to eat well, travel well, sleep well, and occasionally enjoy an afternoon doing absolutely nothing but soaking up the sunshine.
Get out there, explore the world, and start living!