I had my first trip to Long Beach (and California) from August 29th through September 3rd. Outside of the first day, I decided to stay at the Renaissance based upon the number of positive reviews from Tripadvisor. You guys rock, because I was not disappointed!

Because I mentioned that I was a new visitor to the area, I was given a wonderful room, #702, which had a view of the distant water beyond Ocean Blvd. on one side and a balcony overlooking the westward wind of the Blvd on the other. Yes, one night at the corner brewery was fairly boisterous into the 11pm timeframe. But with a view like that, I decided to forgive it!

The front desk and concierge (thanks Markuus and Steve) were Fabulous!!! Also, if you want an ample and rather upscale breakfast that will hold you without breaking the budget, I highly recommend La Trattoria. Maria and her crew (especially the wonderfully warm Eastern European hostess...from Bosnia?) really made me feel cared for and were quite fun to talk with. Many of the staff got to the point where they greeted me and my boyfriend (who visited everyday) as though we were good friends. Need a shuttle? No problem. Want to be contacted in your room when friends visit? No problem. Need to find a local church or anything else. They go Googling asap. How nice!

The location is wonderful and is within easy walking distance to the really cool downtown restaurants; the free shuttle that takes you to the Queen Mary and the Aquarium stops right at the corner. Also, the Blue line subway stop is just a few blocks away.

Yes, there are times when the staff are flat out busy -- like when the entire flying staff of an airline show up as they did frequently or when a big convention group checks in at once. You may find that it's quicker to take up your own bags. Also, I only saw 4-elevators and quite frankly, you may have to wait more than a few minutes to get on during that time. I only had a carry-on and checked in on a Thursday, so these issues did not affect me much (although I can see how they would others). But hear me, these are the only reasons why I don't give this hotel a 5-rating.

So I say, check in the Renaissance and get ready for a pleasant stay!

We stayed here during the summer and had a wonderful time. The room was very nice and clean. It has been remodeled, so nothing seems old or out of date. The lobby is a nice area to relax. I would definately recommend this hotel for everyone, from families to business travelers to romantic weekenders!

Stayed here for an event at the Long Beach Convention Center and it was VERY conveniently located, just a short walk across the street. Took us maybe 10 minutes to walk to exhibit hall A with our two small kids. It was pretty clean and the beds were quite comfortable. We had room service both mornings and it was on time, pretty reasonably priced, and really good! (Except the coffee which was mediocre, but I am a coffee freak so don't ask me!) They also had no problems allowing us extra time to check out because our event ran about 30 minutes past our check out time of 12 noon. So they get an A+ for being accommodating!

We had a deluxe harbor view room and it did not disappoint. The window even has a seat and cushions for enjoying the scenery below, including the Queen Mary. However, PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE BOOKING!!! If you are a light sleeper DO NOT get a harbor view room, unless you go to bed after 11 and wake up before 5. This was, by far, the NOISIEST hotel room I have ever slept in!! Between the police, fire and ambulance sirens at all hours, the large trucks, loud motorcycles, and cars with loud engines, not to mention the tour helicopters that fly over constantly, there was ALWAYS noise coming into our room through the CLOSED windows. I understand that occasionally a siren or two or even a loud garbage truck can go by, but the noise from the street below and the air above was incessant - all day and all night. Many times, just as we were drfiting off to sleep we were jarred awake by traffic! I am NOT a light sleeper and it bothered me tremendously. Perhaps the other side, facing the parking garage, would be a little less noisy, but I would steer clear of the view rooms if you like your peace and quiet!!

The only negatives I noticed were so minor that they may not account for much to too many people, but here they are:
Bathroom door needs replaced as it was warped and beginning to peel. The carpet needs to be replaced where someone carelessly put down a HOT iron and melted a nice iron-shaped pattern into the floor! And the nail polish on the nightstand and the tub was a pretty color, but since it wasn't mine I think it should have been removed!

All in all, this is a very nice, clean and sophisticated hotel. I would gladly stay here again, and ask for that amazing harbor view room, but I would not expect to get much sleep due to the noise! The Hyatt looked to be a great second choice as it was right next to the water and is actually connected to the convention center by a bridge.

I give the Renaissance in Long Beach a 4 because it was very nice and we had VERY little to complain about, except for the noise.

Stayed at the Renaissance for 3 nights mid-July. Was upgraded to the club level (I have Silver Marriott membership - not sure if that's why). The room was comfortable, clean, and the club lounge was adequate. Kind of small, but a decent continental breakfast. Drinks were charged to the room. In other clubs I've been to, drinks were on the house. All the renovations that were going on a few months ago (referred to in earlier reviews) seem to be completed, except for the walkway into the hotel from the parking structure. One parking tip - don't bother with the valet. Even though it's $16 as opposed to the $12 self-parking, we had to wait for our car one morning. It was at the entrance, but locked and I had to go inside to find someone to get me the key. I could have walked to my car in the garage by then. The next day, we parked ourselves - no problem.
Lots of restaurants 1 or 2 blocks from the hotel. Very convenient. We also ate in the new restaurant in the hotel, I believe it's called Trax. It was excellent. I recommend it. Pricey, but no more than a nice restaurant somewhere else in the area.
Overall, I would recomment the Renaissance on a trip to Long Beach for location and hotel quality.