Although it’s been 3 days since I flew home from Orlando, Florida (where I was covering a medical conference), I’m still wearing a huge smile. It’s partly because of the mostly sunny weather and temperatures in the high 70s — an especially important perk for this super-sick-of-winter gal. But it was also because of my 4-night stay at the beautiful and friendly Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld hotel.

This Renaissance hotel is actually located across the street from the SeaWorld Orlando theme park on Sea Harbor Drive and is just off the super touristy/super fun International Drive (also known as I-Drive) that houses tons of shopping areas, wildly themed restaurants such as B.B. King’s Blues Club, and attractions such as Ripley’s Believe it or Not Odditorium, the Titanic Exhibit, and the WonderWorks hands-on science museum. All of which can be easily seen by jumping on the I-Ride trolley, which picks up right in front of the hotel and costs only $5 for an all-day pass.

As the host hotel for the conference I was attending, I knew the Renaissance would be pleasant and set up well for the business traveler. But I wasn’t expecting it to be so pretty and to offer so many wonderful areas to just take a minute and relax at both inside and out.

Indoor courtyard at the Renaissance Hotel

After checking in, the first thing I noticed was the 10-story glass-topped indoor courtyard at the center of the building that houses the hotel’s restaurants and bars, as well as colorful, comfy seating and work areas strewn all about.

My room: 3 doors up and 2 doors from the right

My room was on the 5th floor and had a door that opened onto a small balcony facing the courtyard. I was worried at first that not having an outside-facing window would make the room too dark, but the courtyard was usually well-lit and bright enough to not cause any problems. It was a spacious room with a nice bathroom (although I wish the tub had been jetted!)

But the best part of the room was that it had what may have been the most comfortable bed I’ve ever slept on! And the down blanket was light but warm and soooo soft. I later found a brochure letting me know I could order one of these beds or the bedding for myself. Although I know I won’t be forking over $1500 any time soon for a new bed, I am considering saving up for the blanket!

Palm trees and patios…

After looking over my room and dumping off my suitcases, I all but ran outside to take advantage of the warm weather and to check out the hotel’s exterior areas. I quickly found the large pool, which was surrounded by dozens of bright blue and red and tan chairs and umbrellas and small cabanas, 2 jacuzzi tubs, and an always in use ping-pong table.

..and a pool! Wish I could jump in right now

After getting a little sun, I got a drink and talked with the staff at the outdoor bar. When they heard that I was craving fresh seafood (not getting it often is a hazard of living in a land-locked area!), they recommended I try the Tradewinds Restaurant inside the hotel. And with that suggestion, they became my new best friends.

BEST SALAD EVER!!

I ordered the grilled shrimp salad, which came with fresh avocado, crunchy onion ring-like bits, tomatoes, roasted corn, a creamy house-made dressing, and a bunch of wonderfully plump, very sweet grilled shrimp. It was so tasty, I actually ordered it twice more during my stay!

The following days were very busy and a bit of a blur while running from meeting session to meeting session. But the hotel staff was always friendly and helpful, the food was superb, and that outdoor jacuzzi was a great place to soak sore feet each evening.

In hot water at the end of my last conference session. It was Heaven!

Of course, there was another great place to pamper my feet at the end of the conference. On my last day, I actually signed up for a CHOCOLATE PEDICURE at the hotel spa. But you’ll have to wait until tomorrow to read all the details…

For now, I’ll just say that I highly recommend staying at this hotel for anyone. There were a lot of families there, in addition to the convention attendees. But kids and parents and business travelers all seemed to co-exist amicably in a very calming yet fun setting. My overall rating? Two thumbs way up!