Renaissance Excellence
by TripAdvisor Member deannalynn
Just returned from a three night stay at the Renaissance Vancouver Hotel Harbourside. It was an excellent experience in every way. The hotel has a wonderful view, of course and we enjoyed watching the planes take off from the water every morning. Our room was spacious, extremely clean and very quiet.
The hotel's staff and service are what sets it apart. We were celebrating our 25th anniversary while there and those of the staff who knew this went out of their way to make our stay special. However, EVERYONE, we met who worked there, from housekeeping to the concierge were friendly, helpful and professional.
Location was central to so many things in Vancouver and it provided an easy "jumping off point" for excursions out to other areas of town.
We would stay here again in a heartbeat! Well done, Renaissance.
Not impressed
by TripAdvisor Member brigbc
Just returned from a three-night stay at the Renaissance (March 16-18 2005), the second time we've stayed at this hotel in three years.
On the plus side, the hotel is ideally located, a short walk away from many of the city's highlights. Most of the staff was very courteous, especially the valet attendants and the room attendants. We ordered room service and the food was delivered quickly; it was hot and delicious with a nice presentation. The bathroom floor is heated and that's a nice touch.
On the down side, I am really getting tired of hotels being advertised as if they were the ultimate in comfort and luxury. I quote the hotel's description on its website: "The Renaissance Vancouver Hotel Harbourside is a World Class Hotel offering the internationally famous standards of comfort and amenities that have made Marriott and Renaissance a top choice amongst leisure and business guests worldwide." I beg to differ.
Check-in was not great. I had called the hotel two days before our arrival to make sure we would get a smoking room with one king size bed, gave my Marriott member number and was assured that all was well. When we arrived, our request had not been forwarded and we were told we could only get a non-smoking room with two double beds. We insisted, and after twenty minutes finally got what we had asked for.
The room decor is atrocious, dingy and outdated; "faux hip, pseudo boutique" is the only way I can describe it. I counted no less than seven different patterns on the curtains, the wallpaper, the carpet, the bedspread, the chair, etc. The bed was one of the worst I have ever slept in and the sheets were threadbare. There were two closets, both very small and practically useless. The bathroom was clean but the counter space was extremely limited - no space for our toiletries. The bathtub was clogged.
We attended a banquet dinner on our last night in one of the reception rooms. There was simply not enough staff for the job. Bread was served after the soup, which was cold by the time we got it. The main course was also cold and no one asked us at any time if we wanted something to drink.
On the morning of our departure, because my husband's conference was ending at 12:30 p.m. and check-out is at 12:00 p.m., I called the front desk and asked if they would let me stay in the room for an extra half hour. My request was denied. I understand they cannot accommodate everyone all the time, but a yes might have made a difference in my overall satisfaction.
I would not recommend this hotel to travelers who have high expectations. If you're not picky and don't spend much time in your room, it will be fine, but if you're the kind of person who notices the little details, this hotel is not for you. I was hoping that things would have improved since my first visit but they definitely have not and I will not stay at the Renaissance again.
Enjoyable stay at the Renaissance
by A TripAdvisor Member
We stayed at the Renaissance Vancouver Harbourside for 5 nights and it was very enjoyable.Staff is very friendly and in-room breakfast was GREAT!!Loved the harbour view.Have stayed there before,and would choose it again.Within walking distance of many downtown attractions and excellent restaurants.
Forum Posts
Renaissance Vancouver Hotel Harbourside
by jonobaker
I've been quoted what seems a very good price at the Renaissance Vancouver Hotel Harbourside for six nights next April. £43.50 a night (about $96 CAN?). Is this a good hotel and decent location for local shops, sights etc...
Many thanks
Re: Renaissance Vancouver Hotel Harbourside
by travelgourmet
A great hotel and great location, right at harbourside is right with the cruise terminal only two blocks away. Downtown Robson St. for shopping, dining, and a cup of Starbucks on every corner is close by. Major sites are within walking distance, as is the financial district.
Re: Re: Renaissance Vancouver Hotel Harbourside
by YVRDave
Make sure it is a high floor harbour view.
There may be construction in the way.
The seawall is steps from the hotel, about 12 miles of waterside strolling around the city and Stanley Park.
Re: Renaissance Vancouver Hotel Harbourside
by MindyF
They're doing a lot of construction at the moment at that hotel - if I were you I would go across the street to the Marriott Pinnacle Hotel where you can probably get the same rate. Ask for a harbour view room and you'll get the view without the noise.
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