Eden Roc Renaissance Resort & Spa

This hotel has the potential to be a fantastic place a la four seasons or ritz. For now, it is just quite nice. The goods: 1) service was great--the staff was exceptionally friendly and helpful (it was superbowl weekend and i know they flew in some "ringers" from other renaissance properties but I suspect the friendliness is always there); 2)the beach front is very beautiful; 3) the lobby is great looking; 4) the gym was very well-equipped; 5) our room was pretty spacious; 6) the beds were really comfortable. The bads: 1) there was a strange sewage-y smell in the lobby the whole time we were there, perhaps related to the construction next door; 2) although the gym was well equipped,I found a lot of room for improvement in terms of the age of the equipment. Also the "cardio theater" was barely working for the whole 4 days; 3) the rooms could use some updating and the bathroom was small; 4) the location is bit removed from the action; 5) there is a large, ugly construction project going on (they're adding a new tower). Perhaps when the renovation is complete this property will be truly high end. For now, it's still a nice experience.