The Renaissance was surprisingly grand in the common areas. Staff couldn't have been more courteous and helpful. My room was huge -- a single with a king-sized bed -- with the only slight drawback being that the room's decor was a bit worn. I appreciated: 1. The location. The hotel is right by the water so has views north to the mountains. It is within walking distance of the Robson Street shops, Chinatown, Yaletown, and Stanley Park, if you're so inclined. If you'd rather take a bus, the buses run on the the street in front of the hotel or one block over. The SkyTrain is a couple of blocks from the hotel. Nice! 2. Safe deposit for your passport. Fully equipped, if a bit cramped, gym. Pool, hot tub, and dry sauna. And all the health facilities are open 24 hours a day. 3. Get the the $8 daypass if you're going to take public transportation. It'll get you on every mode. One thing to note is that Vancouver's downtown is surprisingly deserted in the evenings. Perhaps this is a winter phenomenon but there's almost no activity, even on New Year's Eve.

Loved everything about this hotel! Located right on the harbor for what would be an excellent view (if not for the high rise going up right in front of the hotel). Still, the view is great. The room was clean and decent sized, bed was comfortable, and I never heard a peep out of any other guests. Friendly staff, and excellent food at the restaurant make this hotel the perfect Vancouver experience. And you can't beat the price!

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.

A colleague and I had flown to Vancouver for a pre-2010 Olympics meeting. We shared a cab to the Renaissance Harbourside located just a couple of streets off Burrard Inlet in the heart of downtown Vancouver. This was my first time back in the city in 20 years and the hotel made quite the impression.

Upon arrival, we were greeted by the doorman who immediately unloaded our luggage onto a cart. When we walked into the lobby of the hotel, we suddenly felt underdressed in our jeans and t-shirts worn for comfort on the long flight! We were greeted by shiny black stone floors and stairs and an impressive lounge with multi-story windows overlooking the Inlet. Upon checking in, I headed up to my room. My room was located at the far end of the hall. As I was walking down the long hall wondering where the heck my room was, I was thinking I probably would not have a view of the Inlet.

When I arrived at my room, I entered a nice sized room with a warm decor - the walls were wallpapered with small green stars. I had a comfortable queen-sized bed, a desk, a sitting chair, and an armoir housing the TV and mini-fridge. And much to my surprise, I did have a view of the mountains, albeit through a small window. The bedroom was clean although on the cramped side. This would be my only complaint about my stay here. Not long after arriving in my room, my bags arrived. What service!

Even though I spent most of my time in meetings, on one evening a few of us enjoyed a drink in the lounge with the impressive view of the mountains. It was a bit cloudy that evening but it was still an amazing view. Since the Renaissance is located close to Burrard Inlet, it is a few blocks' walk up to Robson Street, where most of the shopping and restaurant choices are located. And despite the location and the cost of the rooms, the room service is more reasonable at the Renaissance than at other similar hotels.

The Renaissance provided a relaxing stay even though I was there on business. The staff were courteous and went out of their way to help me during my stay. And frankly, the location cannot be beat!

Location:
(Rating: Excellent)

Coal Harbour is the best location for a hotel. Our hope was maybe the hotel will stand by its name and provide a nice view. Wrong! It was not only a nice view but a fantastic view of the harbour and coastal mountains! We couldn’t even decide if the night or the morning view was the best or even when the mist totally enveloped the harbour and it was just gray all around. No matter the time or the weather, the view from this hotel is great! One thing to remember though, when booking your room, request a room facing the harbour and on the floor where the ice machine is located. (Tip #1: We got a room on the 4th floor and this was perfect as not only did it have the ice machine but also the fitness center.)


Room Accommodation:
(Rating: Excellent)

Large full-sized bedroom that is both beautiful and tasteful. The room also features floor to ceiling sliding windows leading to the enclosed balcony overlooking the bay. On the balcony, small table and seating for 2 is great for enjoying the night lights on the bay. Other perks worth mentioning were the plush terrycloth bathrobes provided, hairdryer and our "must" in every hotel room when we travel, a coffee maker, which of course, this hotel more than exceeded by offering more than 1 choice/brand for their coffee and tea selection in-room. These were also supplied generously daily just as the toiletries were.

Amenities:
(Rating: Very Good)

Indoor pool, sauna and the fitness facilities were all in one area. To gain access, one needed a room pass key and this, I think was good for security reasons. (Tip #2 : Request a floor where this is provided.) The Coal Harbour Bar, located in the ground floor, faces the bay with an all glass floor to ceiling wall, again providing a great view. But, if that isn’t enough, there’s also the Vistas Revolving Restaurant on the top floor where one can enjoy the most fantastic panoramic view (360 degree). Unfortunately, on days we were there, we could not get a reservation due to the many business conventions. (Tip #3: Make reservations upon booking your stay. I would suggest dinner as I am sure the night view of the whole city and the bay would be so much better.) Breakfast is offered in the Plantations Coffee Bar. We, however, opted to have room service for breakfast every day of our stay.

Service:
(Rating: Excellent)

From the front desk, the restaurants, to the room service staff, which I have to commend most specially. By the end of the 2nd day, I felt like the room service staff knew me personally already. Stamps are available at the hotel's gift shop and Maria, who I met when I bought some even went beyond her duty and took care of ensuring it got mailed.

Renaissance is a sure re-visit on our next trip.