Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld
6677 Sea Harbor Dr., Orlando, Florida, 32821, United States, Orlando, Florida, USA
Why We Like It
The upscale look and feel of this family-friendly hotel, and its location, central to all of Orlando’s top attractions, and adjacent to SeaWorld, in addition to the variety of in-house services, kid-friendly activities, shuttle options, and dining choices combine to make this lodging very attractive.
Fodor's Expert Review
With a vast and airy 10-story atrium containing ponds, palm trees, and, ironically, a sushi bar, this SeaWorld neighbor offers not rubber duckies in the bath, but tiny black-and-white Shamus. Rooms feature a king or two queen beds, sectional couches, flat-screen TVs, lush bedding, and ergonomic work areas. Although the hotel has a solid convention clientele, its location makes it a favorite with families and other leisure travelers heading to SeaWorld or Aquatica, where they can enjoy early entry and discounts. The on-site water playground has separate fun zones for teens, tweens, and tots, and fire pits on the pool terrace cater to the marshmallow-roasting crowd. Children's activities are offered throughout the year, and weary parents can relax at the spa.
You Should Know There is a steep resort fee for daily in-room water, shuttle service, and breakfast for children under 12. In-room Wi-Fi and self-parking are separate charges.
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Room
Spacious rooms with high ceilings, decorated in shades of gold with bright pops of scarlet, give a real sense of luxury. The two queen beds or one king bed have deluxe linens, and the rooms offer views of SeaWorld, the hotel pool, or the inside atrium. Rooms contain a mini-fridge, coffee maker, 47” flat screen TV, along with a workstation and ergonomic chair, Wi-Fi and ample USB outlets for charging and using your devices.
Tip The rooms are well-insulated, and very quiet.
Bathroom
The marbled double vanity leaves more than ample room to spread out your personal toiletries, along with the hotel's Aveda bath products. The silver shell-rimmed mirrors add a touch of the luxe to the standard tub/shower combination. The kids will want to be first to claim the tiny black-and-white Shamu.
Lobby
The 10-story atrium features ponds, palm trees, and, ironically, a sushi bar. Many of the rooms overlook the action in the lobby, where modern seating areas encourage social gathering.
Pool
The heated outdoor pool is lined with lounge chairs and standing umbrellas, or you can select a “pool pod” which resembles an outdoor couch with an attached sun shade. Towels are provided. Table tennis is available as an outdoor activity. The on-site water-park, R Aqua Zone, has brightly colored water slides, pools, water guns, and sprinklers, a sure attraction for the whole family.
Spa
The Neu Lotus Spa offers traditional services such as massage, wraps, facials and couples services. The spa also offers waxing, manicure, and pedicures.
Gym
The fitness center features cardio machines with televisions, and free weights for weight training.
Dining
Mist Sushi and Spirits is a classy yet casual open dining area in the lobby, surrounded by palm trees and offering comfortable seating and "sushi so fresh you'll think you are seaside." Tradewinds Restaurant, an American eatery featuring organic fare, is cozy with dark wood and warm lighting and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For quick coffee and pastry options, the lobby features a Starbucks, and a Toppers Creamery offers ice cream treats for the whole family.
Drinking
The Palms Pool Bar & Grill has a bright, tropical theme and serves cocktails and lunch by the pool. Boardwalk Sports Bar is exactly what its name implies, with lots of seats and TVs so you won't miss a minute of that game. The menu includes cocktails, beers and dinner options.
What's Nearby
Getting Around
Shuttles are available as part of the resort fee and provide transportation to the Orlando Premium Outlets, Disney and Universal Studios. Book the shuttle the night before and get a voucher from the lobby. Taxis and ride-sharing services are available, but if you want independence and the ability to explore at will, a car is necessary.
Restaurants
If you are tired of the options in the hotel, nearby International Drive expands the offerings tenfold. Pointe Orlando (8-minute drive) is home to dozens of restaurants, including The OceanAir Seafood Room, where seafood is king; Capital Grille, a classic chop and steakhouse; the atmospheric Cuba Libre Restaurant and Rum Bar. Farther along I-Drive, The Boston Lobster Feast (10-minute drive) is exactly what its name implies, an all you can eat seafood feast, including lobster. Look for the giant, red lobster consuming a small car. Shake Shack (12-minute drive) is a popular American burger spot. I-Drive offers dozens of chain eateries serving everything from burgers to pizza to tacos to American home-style comfort food.
Bars
Pointe Orlando (8-minute drive) and the whole of International Drive offer more choices of drinking establishments than could be visited in a week. Two bars cater to those who seek the cool: minus5° Ice Experience, with coat rentals to stave off frostbite, and ICEBAR Orlando, which has a warm room next door for dancing. The Pub Orlando is a pleasant, British-style spot, where staff wear kilts and you can pour your own beer. Farther along I-Drive, you'll encounter endless opportunities to lift a pint or sip a tequila or more. One quite vibrant spot is Mango's Tropical Cafe (15-minute drive) a multi-story nightclub, with spectacular shows, dance floors, and multiple bars.
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Quick Facts
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