Renaissance Hollywood Hotel

As most of my regular readers know last weekend (January 21 – January 23, 2011) I was out in Hollywood, California. Disney flew several bloggers out to Hollywood to attend the Gnomeo and Juliet press junket as well as attend the red carpet event and after party. We were also given a tour of Walt Disney Studios and other special surprises I cannot talk about as of yet.

While we were out in Hollywood we were lucky enough to stay at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel located at 1755 N. Highland Avenue in Hollywood, California. 

Before leaving for California I made sure to look up information about the hotel. I did read many reviews which were all very favorable. I was looking forward to staying at the hotel based upon the reviews I had read before I left.

The Renaissance Hollywood Hotel is located in the heart of Hollywood. You can walk to places like Grauman’s Chinese Theater, Kodak Theater, Hollywood and Highlands Center, Madame Tussands Wax Museum and the Hollywood Walk of Fame within minutes. In fact the hotel some what connected to the Hollywood and Highlands Center and Kodak Theater.

The hotel’s location couldn’t be anymore ideal if you ask me.

The lobby of the hotel was very large. It featured very colorful artwork as well as several comfy sitting areas. There is a small bar located to the one side of the lobby. It’s an ideal place to hang out and chat with friends. The only thing I didn’t like about the bar was that the two nights I came in to the hotel through the lobby there was a strong smell of beer in the air. The first night I came into the hotel through the main lobby there was even a drunk guy with a tie wrapped around his head hanging out. I wasn’t overly keen about that.

When I first checked in I was anxious to check out my room. I only have about 15 minutes to get my bags to my room and get back down to the lobby because we had to leave at 6:00 PM.

The room was a nice size, even bigger then I am accustomed to. It featured a huge King size bed. I ♥‘d the bed! I have never slept in a bed that big before. It is huge!  The bed also had a lot of soft, comfy pillows. I love sleeping with a lot of pillows. For me this bed was heavenly. I couldn’t wait to snuggle into it each night I was there. I could have easily slept in it all day! (The Minnie Mouse pictured is mine, it did not come with the room).

The room also came with a chair and ottoman, desk, min-fridge and flat screen TV. There was even what appeared to be a docking station for an iPod. The room also had an alarm clock which I couldn’t figure out how to use so I replied on the hotel’s wake up service instead.

The bathroom was very large and featured a light up mirror on the counter and a hair dryer. I am grateful for the hair dryer since I left mine at home.

On the counter in the bathroom was also small bottles of Aveno Herb & Mint shampoo and conditioner (smelled great!) and body lotion.

For a big hotel I was surprised at how quiet it was. I thought there would be a lot of sounds coming from the other guests but it was actually very quiet, thankfully.

The view from my room was OK. I overlooked the Kodak Theater and some of the Hollywood and Highland Center. I know some of the bloggers who were with me had rooms that faced the other direction. There had a great view of the Hollywood sign. I would have loved to had taken a picture of that from their vantage point.

I have never ordered room service before. The couple of days that I was staying at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel I ordered breakfast via room service. The first morning I ordered Eggs Benedict. My meal arrived promptly. The meal was make exceptionally well. It was by far the BEST Eggs Benedict I have ever had. It was even displayed nicely on the plate. It wasn’t just thrown on. There was so much food that I could only eat half of it before I was full.

The next morning I ordered Cinnamon Bun French Toast and Orange Juice. Oh my! The French Toast DID taste just like a Cinnamon Bun. It was oh-so-good! They even sent an individual bottle of maple syrup.

The room had a mini-fridge. I never opened it up to see what was inside. On top of the fridge was a giant bottle of Evian water. There was also a small complimentary coffee maker and the fixings to make coffee and/or tea. I used it to make coffee each morning. It wasn’t the world’s greatest coffee but it was doable. If you really want coffee you can order a pot from room service or walk just a few feet from in front of the hotel to Starbucks which is right next door.

When I read the reviews people mentioned fruit infused water in the hotel lobby and an M&M dispenser. I did see the candy dispenser (I never used it) but the water was no where to be found. I don’t think they have that anymore. One of the bloggers I was with asked the lady at the front desk for a water fountain and she was told to go to the bar in the lobby to get a glass of water.

I found everyone that worked there to be very nice and accomdating. There are several people there to open the doors for you to the lobby. The people behind the front desk were very nice. The people I spoke to on the phone (wake up call and room service) were pleasant. The men who delivered my food were very nice too.

Overall I am very pleased with my stay at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel.

If you are planning a trip to Hollywood and would like to stay in the heart of all the action consider staying at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel.

For more information or to book a room visit www.RenaissanceHollywood.com. You can also follow them on Facebook (www.Facebook.com/RenaissanceHollywood) and on Twitter (www.Twitter.com/RenHollywood).

Kimberly

*I was not asked to write this review, nor was I compensated in any way. Any opinions expressed are my own.