Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld

The atrium and Tradewinds restaurant were the best parts for me. There was plenty of room to sit and unwind, breakfast had a nice buffet, and the staff there were great. The location was convenient too, right across from Seaworld, and the rooms were nothing special. I've stayed in cheaper places with nicer rooms. The trip package through seaworld cost $1,800, and I thought that covered three nights and park access. Nobody told me during booking or check-in about the $50 daily resort amenities charge and $40 daily self-parking fee. I only noticed an extra hotel charge on my card a week later. Both the hotel and seaworld said I still had to pay, though I should have been told. I'd make the trip again if not for those fees. On principle, I won't return.

The coffee shop was probably my favorite part. The women working there were so kind, and the workout room was surprisingly nice compared with the rest of the hotel. There's a pool too. Most staff members we met were lovely, though the managers gave us a strange impression, as if they were nervous around their bosses. We picked the Renaissance for the convenience of having places to eat on site, but that didn't always work out. One night the pizza oven wasn't working, so we ordered pizza and sat near the bar. An employee told us outside food wasn't allowed there, so we had to leave the area with our pizza. It's directly across from SeaWorld, which makes sense if that's where you're going. For other Orlando plans, the location isn't as useful, and the price feels high for what you get. The building seems overdue for updates: the common spaces are maintained reasonably well, but the rooms look drab and close to worn out. Our small balcony faced the courtyard, where the noise was so loud it sounded like a theme park outside. I'd try for a room facing outward instead. My family had two rooms across the hall, and we left the doors propped unlocked. Security called to check that we were okay. I appreciated the safety concern, but it also felt creepy to be watched that closely. Parking costs extra each day too. It was a passable stay, but I probably wouldn't come back.

The biggest letdown was how little Marriott Bonvoy status seemed to matter. Staff told us directly that a guest's tier made no difference. We were also charged an extra $50 a night for connected rooms, which seemed excessive, and paid a resort fee for a water park that wasn't heated. The water was ice cold, so the kids couldn't use it during winter break. I remembered staying at the Renaissance SeaWorld in 2018, before COVID, and being impressed by the building, service, friendly staff, and amenities. Coming back with my family this year felt completely different. The property seems poorly cared for: the carpets smelled, bathrooms looked old and dated, and cleanliness fell well short of what I'd expect from a Renaissance. Several staff members were rude or unhelpful too. The whole visit was frustrating, and we won't be returning. I hope management takes the feedback seriously because the hotel has declined a lot over the years.

Getting to SeaWorld on foot is a real problem. Although it's across the street, there's no pedestrian route, and we nearly took an Uber for the 100 feet rather than risk crossing the road and parking lot. The hotel could use a crosswalk and walkway into the park. For SeaWorld or Discovery Cove, the location is handy, and the atrium is kept beautifully. Front desk staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful. I also liked the quick-bite cafe, provisions, in the lobby. Everyone working there was kind and excellent. The rooms are basic for the price, and the bathrooms are getting dated. The shower was especially frustrating, since I couldn't find a temperature between scalding and icy. Self-parking was about $45 a day. If your Orlando trip includes parks besides SeaWorld, I think you'd be better off staying between your planned stops. This hotel makes the most sense for a night or two focused on SeaWorld or Discovery Cove.