I must write this review if our beloved Renaissance Charleston. This was our fourth stay at the hotel starting from the time it opened. I read some of the more negative comments before we left home this trip and I was worried. The last time we were here was about 3 years ago. At the time the hotel had a whimsical and very appealing decor. The artwork, furniture and accessories were fabulous. It had a restaurant open all day where we had breakfast on occasion. Yes, the hotel has remodelled and it is not as attractively done as it had been. Yrs, the Dining Room that served breakfast now is set up like a Starbucks which had interesting things that are prepared and warmed. There is a dinner restaurant that must be good because people not staying in the hotel ( locals) choose it. Yes, the rooms are small and storage is a problem but we are here now for 7 days and doing fine!HOWEVER, and you MUST read on. 1. There is no hotel I have been to (and we are world travellers) where you will get better service. From the bell staff to the front desk to the housekeepers, there is a pervasive kindness and desire to make you happy. 2. Though the rooms are not enormous, the beds and linens are the most comfortable I have been in in a hotel. 3. The location is the best in Charleston! You are steps from King Street and steps from Meeting Street giving you easy walking access to everything. I feel like I am in a residence and not a hotel. We are from Chicago and we have travelled the world so I hope you can read my opinion and take it seriously. If something was off, I have no doubt that a quick call to the front desk would solve the problem. Don’t ignore this hotel because of a few unhappy people.
I had called hotel In January requesting a suite as we would be traveling with our teenage grandson. I was told there weren’t any. Therefore, I reserved a room with two queen beds and a balcony. When we arrived, we were told our reservation had been changed. Fortunately, I had a confirmation number to verify my reservation. We were then offered a room with two double beds. Since both husband and grandson are six feet tall, I rejected that. Miraculously there was a suite for one night. It had not been serviced for occupancy I.e. no in room coffee, no sheets on hide a bed sofa. Next day hotel moved us to a room with two Queen beds but no balcony.Apparently, guests are supposed to be asked if they want housekeeping. We were not. Thus, every day we were there we had to call for housekeeping. For $729 a night, I should think housekeeping is a given. Would not recommend to anyone.
We recently stayed at this hotel and our expectations were definitely exceeded! Everyone was so nice - from the valets (it was nice seeing Jay again), to all the front desk people (Nick checked us in and worked hard to take great care of us), the people in the snack area and of course the cleaning folks (who did an awesome job). The hotel itself is beautiful - we were last there during some sort of renovation, about 2.5 years ago and the result is awesome. I always use the fitness room and this one had everything we needed - the Peloton bikes were a nice addition. Our room was very comfortable - we slept great. They accommodated our request for early check in and late check out, without any problem at all. I read some of the other recent reviews and I don't understand those comments at all. We have stayed at some awesome Marriott hotels, over the years, and this may have been our favorite. The location was perfect - walkable to everything. And it is only a few seconds from the Grand Bohemian and seemed to offer great value. I would highly recommend this hotel and check it out for yourself.
Great location in the Historic District, very central to everything we wanted to do and see. Rooms are fine, basically what you would expect for a Marriott Courtyard. Front desk staff are good though they did not ask if we wanted daily room service and then later said that we needed to ask at check in to get it. To their credit, they did have the rooms serviced after we insisted. Bar / restaurant is really the low point here. Kitchen / bar are dirty and disorganized and the person working there, as mentioned in another review, has no business in the service industry. Terrible attitude. Bright spot is the valet guys who were all super cheerful and helpful with everything.
We used a combination of points and cash for our stay. Staff were all very friendly and attentive. The location of the hotel can't be beat - just steps away from King street with great shopping and restaurants. Parking is expensive - $42 daily. The rooftop pool is tiny and connected to the fitness center, so no drink service. That said, it is salt water and there are some nice loungers. I thought overall, the vibe, decor and eating options seemed appropriate for the cost. The room was nicely decorated and layed out. THE KING BED WAS HORRIBLE. Worst night of sleep ever. Badly in need of a mattress and bedding overhaul. I have recently stayed at both Hilton and Marriott boutique hotels at similar price points, and the current state of bedding at the Renaissance is absolutely shameful.
Stayed on 3/26-28. As Marriott platinum member, I was using my suite upgrade certificate and no luck which seems useless.Location is great. Valet parking overnight $42. Parking garage across street $30.Breakfast was in a cafés, one drink and one prepared food per person, maximum 2 people per room.Got “upgraded” to higher floor, four. No views.Room is small for the $350-$450 room. I know it’s Charleston but you would expect nicer. Had cigarette smell and bathroom had mold.I only stayed there because I was using points and would not recommend.
This hotel was absolutely fantastic! I was here for 3 days for a leadership meeting and my bed was soft with the many feather pillows, very clean and spacious room with artistic elements. The hotel also has delicious food (Lenoir restaurant: try the catfish and pimento stuffed martini) and offered wine offerings in the evenings but just note, because this hotel is in an awesome location to the shops, you will need to book in advance. I chose to valet park instead of self parking so I wouldn't be concerned with worrying about my vehicle.
My wife and I visited Charleston for the first time this past weekend and decided to cash in on some of our Bonvoy points. We stayed for 5 nights and have nothing but good things to say about the hotel, staff, and overall experience. We’ve stayed in various high end hotels over the years but have yet to stay in one with such friendly staff. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed by the awesome valet and front desk staff. Richard (valet) in particular was super kind and personable every time we saw him during our stay.We would definitely recommend this hotel to friends and family coming in town to visit Charleston for the weekend!
As a loyal Marriott gold member, I've always experienced wonderful customer service at Marriott hotels...until I attempted to check in to the Renaissance. I booked my stay a few months in advance and made sure to ask for early check in with a specified time as I was flying in on a red eye from the west coast. Upon arrival, I was greeted by a rude front desk attendant telling me that my room was not ready, and no, she didn't have a general time frame as to when it would be. Upon my original booking I requested a room on a high floor, foam pillows, early check in, and mentioned that my partner and I were staying there for our anniversary. Once we were finally able to check into our room, none of my requests were fulfilled and we weren't given any check in/check out information.I understand that requests and early check in aren't guaranteed, but they could have at least been nice about it. I also had to ask the front desk to make sure my bonvoy number was associated with our reservation. Once we entered our room, we got settled, put up the do not disturb sign, and attempted to settle in for a nap since we were nearing the 12+ hour mark of traveling. Not even 5 minutes after laying down, there was a knock on the door asking when we would be checking out. ??♀️ The shower had a sewage smell while turned on, the walls might as well have been nothing more than drywall, and the amenities were severely lacking including housekeeping. Not only did they try to get us to check out when we got there, they walked into our room a second time right as I was getting out of the shower. There was no apology, and they never returned. The staff were generally rude, except for one bellman who was absolutely delightful and always happy to help or answer questions. The location is central, which is nice, but I would honestly say that is the only positive thing about this hotel. What a waste of points, I definitely won't be back.
Never one to leave reviews but thought it would be fair to inform future customers of how badly we were treated here. Absolutely horrible experience all around and the customer service at the front desk was the worst I’ve ever dealt with. Nick Horton the manager was awful to speak with, had zero regard for holding his other managers accountable for things that were said prior and then revoked. Beyond disgusted how he handled the situation - arrogant and rude as hell. I would give zero stars if I could. Now I understand why so many people talk badly of Marriott Hotels. I WOULD never stay with them again. Don’t bother wasting your time and money here. There are so many better options in Charleston.