Staying at the Renaissance Esmeralda was a great experience. Although, this is one of the larger hotels in the area, it doesn’t feel “big”. They have done an excellent job of creating an intimate and elegant environment without making it uncomfortable or stuffy. From valet staff to lobby receptions to waiters, everyone is accommodating and pleasant without being annoying. The pool grounds are beautiful and the fitness center is open 24/7 and there is no extra charge. I didn’t have an opportunity to go to Stir but I hear it’s supposed to be a fun restaurant/lounge (with music and dancing).

very nice hotel, excellent service, pleasant staff, only set back was it was miles from anywhere

We arrived for check-in at approximately midnight after traveling for 18 hours from the East Coast. Naturally, we were anxious to get to a room. Although we were armed with a reservation confirmation we were told no room was available and were referred to the JW Marriott. Upon arriving at that hotel we were confronted with a lobby that was in the middle of a major renovation project. I was startled to find our room entrance overlooked this project and noted cement dust on almost every flat surface in the common area of the hotel.

In any event, we settled in our room with the intention of sleeping in the following morning. You can imagine our response when we were awoken early on Sunday to the sound of heavy construction outside our door. The sound was deafening as if metal pipes were being pounded by large metal hammers.

Finally, Sunday afternoon a room at the Esmeralda resort was ready. Having been guests at the Esmeralda twice before we were looking forward to another visit. Perhaps our impression was a bit jaded due to our attempted check-in experience; we found the room quite tired looking with a broken lampshade, bathroom plumbing fixtures loose and two that fell off when turning the water on and off. Additionally, with the exception of the bed being made it was not evident the room was actually cleaned on one occasion.

One positive came out of this episode and that was our overwhelming sense of relief and gratification upon returning home.

It was so nice to pull up on the front drive and be greeted quickly and assisted with my bags. My husband and I just drove in from San Diego with our 3 month old and needed to move quickly! When we approached the front desk we were given a cool refreshing beverage. Again,,,just what we needed. We were checked in and on our way to the room.
Our room was clean and comfortable. We had requested a crib and refrigerator. It was already in the room along with extra towels and a baby necessity kit! I plan meetings so I took a walk around the property to see the meeting space. It was newly renovated and every time I encounter an associate I was greeted kindly. We had dinner with some friends and their kids in the Cava restaurant. The food, service and value incredible! Kids eat free! My friends were pleasantly surprise. We ended the evening socializing in the lobby. This has been newly renovated. It was comfortable and relaxing to have the kids, an adult beverage and listen to the great music that was playing the Stir Lounge. We didn’t go inside but it looked like lots of fun. There were people dancing, many different areas for people to relax and they don’t charge a cover!
The next day we had breakfast in the Cava restaurant. What a delicious array of food on the buffet! I then had a quick work out in the fitness center before my massage in Spa Esmeralda. This spa was amazing! The spa is intimate and so relaxing. Our resort stay was definitely a memorable experience. We can’t wait for our next visit! I recommend for business, pleasure, romantic and family getaways!