Renaissance Hotel, 17th Street, FLL

[loriva]

As many CCers have said, the Renaissance (Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Hotel, 1617 Southeast 17th Street, Tel: 1-954-626-1700) was a GREAT pre-cruise stay. Our receptionist at check-in, Debbie, was exceedingly personable and a wonderful source of information. We had booked very early and found a rate under $100. We were upgraded (due to Marriott Rewards status) to a corner king (room 902), which like all even-numbered rooms, overlooks the Causeway bridge and Port Everglades. The room is on the south side of the hotel, so the closest to the port. The rooms are not huge, but well appointed and fairly newly renovated. The Renaissance chain uses a wonderful mint-thyme shampoo, conditioner, and lotion for its bath amenities.

 

As others have also reported, the hotel offers some small touches that add up to a very nice experience for the price, such as a carafe of orange-infused water in the lobby, cookies (what appeared to be home-made gingerbread for the holiday season while we were there) at the front desk in the evening, and free internet in the business center and a station to check-in and print out your boarding pass at the front desk. The fitness center was nicely equipped, with a couple of elipticals, a couple of treadmills, and a stationary and recumberant bike. They also had a universal weight machine plus free weights and a bench—unusual these days in hotel fitness rooms. We did not have a chance to use the pool or spa, but the area looked very nice with some cabanas around it. And, of course, the hotel is very well located—close to airport and port, close to Water Taxi and Sun Trolley, and with shops and restaurants all around.

 

After a lovely night’s sleep in the Rennaissance’s very comfy bed, we drew back both sets of curtains and were greeted by the Coral Princess! We spent the morning doing an airboat tour from a company recommended by the hotel, then returned to the hotel to pick up our luggage. (We also had lunch and I had a mani/pedi based on recommendations from the always helpful Debbie at reception.) We collected our baggage from the porter at the Renaissance (Andrew—also eager to serve and very pleasant) and grabbed a taxi to the port. Fare was $5 to which we added $5 for the bags and tip.

[PrettyCruiser]

Great review! We just booked for later this month and look forward to it. Thanks for the info.

 

Thanks,

[Willbcruisin]

Great review! We just booked for later this month and look forward to it. Thanks for the info.

 

Thanks,

 

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g34227-d223904-Reviews-Renaissance_Fort_Lauderdale_Hotel-Fort_Lauderdale_Florida.html

 

I did not even stay there for free!

[coiran]

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g34227-d223904-Reviews-Renaissance_Fort_Lauderdale_Hotel-Fort_Lauderdale_Florida.html

 

I did not even stay there for free!

 

Beware of what???

Ron

[Willbcruisin]

Beware of what???

 

Ron

 

Beware of the mold, dirt and smell. We must have arrived on a bad day there and we're really easy to please but this was just plain gross! The staff was really rude also. Something was going on there and I'm so happy we were moved to the Courtyard by the Rewards department! We were really shocked after reading so many good reviews. I have to have my daughter upload the picture of the moldey chair in the smelly, dirty room!

[Willbcruisin]

This was the moldy smelly chair in our room!