Renaissance Orlando Resort and Spa, an official Walt Disney World hotel in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, near Orlando, announced mid-September that it is now open for reservations following a rebrand and full refurbishment. Previously known as the B Resort & Spa, Renaissance Orlando is conveniently located just 13 miles from Orlando International Airport and has been updated with a new outdoor terrace for events, completely redesigned suites, and a reinvented spa, among other changes. Renaissance Hotels is part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of hotel brands.
Renaissance Orlando General Manager Charlie Kingston says the renovated suites are a highlight for meeting and event planners, noting that with 13 junior suites, four executive suites, one presidential suite, and two poolside lanai suites, options at the resort are numerous for VIPs and others seeking space and luxury. Renaissance Orlando worked with New York City-based hospitality design firm Stonehill Taylor to complete its new look—the new and modern design aesthetics take inspiration from Florida’s citrus groves and include a color palette of blue-greens, crisp whites, and accents of terra cotta. Guest rooms and suites have been updated with a new ceiling design intended to emulate a beachy sun canopy.
The hotel’s location within the Disney Springs shopping, dining, and entertainment area gives attendees much to do outside of the hotel, including enjoying top-notch dining options that range from big-name establishments to joints with local Orlando connections. Disney Springs is home to restaurants such as Morimoto Asia, an upscale Asian fusion spot led by famous chef Masaharu Morimoto; Wine Bar George, run by master sommelier George Miliotes, who started his career at Walt Disney World and has been working in Orlando for 30-plus years; and The Polite Pig, an extension of popular downtown Orlando gastropub The Ravenous Pig, which serves up modern barbecue fare. “We point people to those places that are a little bit unique, maybe not as obvious, to be able to connect them to what Orlando is all about,” Kingston says.
Specific to meetings and events, Kingston says the new 5,000-square-foot outdoor terrace works great for coffee breaks, meals, and receptions. He also adds that its location directly adjacent to the Grand Ballroom makes it easy for planners to pivot in the case of inclement weather. “I have worked at other big places where, you know, you might have your outdoor party scheduled to be in one area, but the backup is a mile away in a whole other part of the hotel,” he says. “But this is literally right next door. So, that makes it really convenient.”
The hotel’s Indulged Spa + Wellness Retreat has also been updated to include four treatment rooms, manicure and pedicure stations, a relaxation room, and additional retail space. Kingston says it is currently the only spa on Hotel Plaza Boulevard.
