Renaissance Columbus Downtown Hotel

I'm upset about how far this place has declined. The rooms aren't up to standard anymore, and the lounge has closed. We used to come just for a night away and enjoy the rooftop pool. We've got so many memories here: my niece's birthday, my in-laws' anniversary, concerts and shows. I once sat with Ceasar Milan before his show, had a custom cake in the lounge for the anniversary, and enjoyed a nightcap there before the Arnold pump and run. It used to be my favorite downtown Columbus hotel, our go-to for years.

We got snowed in during a convention stay at the Renaissance Columbus Downtown Hotel, and the staff made a stressful situation into a memorable one. So many people kept showing up day after day with patience, kindness, and real care for the guests. They went above and beyond to make sure everyone was comfortable and looked after. Huge thanks to the team.

Dinner and breakfast downstairs were the highlight. The food was great, affordable, and breakfast was all you could eat. The staff were perfect, and the valet was so friendly they got the biggest tip. I was disappointed there wasn't a bell boy, since I have a bad back and struggle to carry things. I couldn't get a presidential room because they were all booked, so I took the Jr presidential room. For almost $600, it was awful and not what I expected. The safe was broken, so I called down because I didn't want to be charged for it. The living room was hot while the bedroom stayed cold. The bathroom was nice, though. For the price, I expected more and would rather book a normal room. I would stay here again, but I'd just get a regular room.

The history and nostalgia weren't worth the price or the stay, and I won't be back. We were comfortable for the most part, and the staff were friendly until our last night. Someone accommodated a drink order to my room, and they gave me a free razor and toothpaste after I'd forgotten mine while rushing out. But dining options should be available later in the evening. I'm a Columbus native of more than 40 years. My spouse and I sometimes take local weekends away, and we like staying downtown in our own city instead of using Air BnB. I'd never stayed at the Renaissance before and wanted to experience its history. The price seemed reasonable until we spent the weekend there, then I was disappointed by all the little things. The elevator doors need oiling. The toilet didn't flush properly and sounded like a garbage disposal, like something from a movie theatre restroom, or it might as well have been a urinal. The bathroom looked nice, but the toilet was gross. The thermostat didn't work right, and the room wouldn't hold its temperature. On the last night, the front desk seemed irritated and unwilling to show decent customer service or enjoy the job. If you work the late shift, at least pretend to be happy about it. The guest services employee was in a foul mood and bothered by a simple question. I know she gets asked the same things a thousand times, but as a customer paying for a weekend stay, I still expect decent treatment. Her flip, sarcastic response made it seem like she thought I was ignorant or dim-witted and wouldn't notice.