I always look at a hotel in terms of geographical advantages. Can I see what I want to see on foot? In those terms, the Renaissance was an excellent choice. It was an easy walk to the main tourist information centre, the Vancouver Lookout and Gastown. Robson Street shopping and the Vancouver Art Gallery were just a few blocks away and when we went to the cruise ship, we walked. The tourist hop-on, hop-off bus also stops just across the street for those longer excursions. So the location was good, but so was everything else.
Upon arrival, I went through an incredibly painless check-in experience and the service never stopped. Our room overlooked the harbour, although a new condo in front of the hotel is partially blocking the view. The room had floor-to-ceiling doors with a Juliette balcony for those who like the combination of fresh air and noise. The rest of the room was fairly mundane…two comfortable double beds, 20" TV, desk, hair-dryer, iron, and coffee; basically, what one would expect.
We seemed to spend an inordinate amount of time in the Coal Harbour Bar which has windows two stories high overlooking the harbour (and the new condo across the street). It is a pleasant ambience for a snack or a full meal. A second dining area, Patina, was open for breakfast only at the time of our visit. At the top of the hotel is the high-end Vista, one of Vancouver’s three revolving restaurants.
Although we weren’t particularly interested in using them, the hotel seems to offer complete business services and on the 4th floor, there is a fitness centre. The latter includes a fully equipped gym, dry sauna, swimming pool, and whirlpool. It’s clean, friendly, efficient, and provides excellent access to downtown Vancouver. See Renaissance Vancouver.