Recent Guests of the Renaissance Downtown FLL

[hugger]

Would love to hear from anyone that has recently stayed at the Renaissance FLL downtown.

I have been reading the reviews on tripadvisor - it seems that there are several who haven't been to happy with the cleanliness of the rooms???

Also, wondering about being able to drive up to the hotel and drop the luggage/check in - we have rented a car from Budget which is in the Mall right door to the hotel. We must drop our car upon our arrival to the hotel (as the car rental office closes at 5 on Sat.) - don't want to pay the 14.00 to park for 20 minutes to check in.

Is it possible to drive up and park to check in then leave to go drop the car off?

THANKS

P.S. Also is there a certain place we should go to watch the ships depart on Saturday night? An easy walk from the hotel?

[signman]

I've never stayed there, but if you scroll down the page you will find other threads written by people who have stayed there recently.

 

When you arrive at the hotel I imagine there will be bellmen to take your luggage from the car. More than likely there will be a place to park while you check in. If not, explain your situation to the valet and a buck or 2 should accomplish what you want. Or let your party off with the luggage, go return the car, then walk back to the hotel and complete your check in.

 

The best place you can walk to watch the ships depart is under the 17th St. Drawbridge. You can drive right there to scope it out before you check in. Make a left turn like you are going to the Marriott Marina, then a right towards the hotel itself. This would be the traffic light before going up the incline of the bridge. I have never done this but supposedly a very good vantage point is the top level of the parking deck next to the Convention Center. Some ships will be sailing right around 4-5 PM.

 

Here's a recent thread about ship watching.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=276209

[TrentS]

The BEST place to watch the ships depart Port Everglades is from the top of the SE 17th Street bridge. It's a very easy walk from the Renaissance. Walk up the sidewalk on the south side/east bound lane of the bridge. There are little platforms at the top where you can stand and watch the ships leave. It's FAR better and easier than the CC parking lot, or UNDER the bridge.

 

Yes, of course you can drive into the driveway, give your luggage to the bellman and check in, then return your car.

[hugger]

Thanks Guys :)