Autumn travelers to resort destinations such as Orlando find better deals, fewer crowds, and generally cooperative weather, according to a travel expert. And Orlando travelers who are seeking savvy service, expressive destinations and better deals will discover the newly renovated guest rooms and suites at the Renaissance Orlando Resort at SeaWorld.
The hotel, located across Sea Harbor Drive from SeaWorld, recently completed the $7.5 million renovation of its 778 guest rooms and suites. Through the balance of the year, the hotel is offering a 25 percent per night discount on room rates. Depending on the room, discounted rates are between $99 and $189.
While renovation on the guest rooms is complete, the $1.2 million renovation project continues on two ballrooms within the hotel’s 185,000 square feet of meeting space. That project is scheduled for completion at the end of October. And the balance of the $21 million renovation project will continue through early 2007 on the atrium, lobby and food and beverage areas.
Progress continues according to a work schedule that provides the least disruption to guest services, said Jim Quinn, the resort’s general manager. And it’s a great time to take advantage of fall savings and discover the welcoming embrace of the new Renaissance Orlando Resort, he said.
Travel expert Laura Powell told the Orlando Convention and Visitors Bureau’s podcast recently that off-season airfares offer great bargains.
“Orlando is a great fall destination,” she said. “There are so many great experiences, such as spas, so many golf courses, great shopping, theme parks that many people don’t know about, zoos, art museums, a fantastic opera and many other cultural activities.”
Within walking distance of the Renaissance Orlando Resort, SeaWorld is hosting an underwater “fantasea” that comes alive for trick-or-treaters. Friendly sea witches, octopuses, mermaids, pumpkin fish and others join the usual stars through Oct. 31. (For more information, visit: www.buschgardens.com/seaworld/fla/ftp_press_releases_articles.aspx? pr_num=904.) (Due to the length of this URL, it may be necessary to copy and paste this hyperlink into your Internet browser’s URL address field. Remove the extra space if one exists.) And Renaissance Orlando guests enjoy exclusive SeaWorld Orlando vacation packages through January 3, 2007.
Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE:MAR) is a leading lodging company with more than 2,800 lodging properties in the United States and 67 other countries and territories. Marriott International operates and franchises hotels under the Marriott, JW Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton, Renaissance, Residence Inn, Courtyard, TownePlace Suites, Fairfield Inn, SpringHill Suites and Bulgari brand names; develops and operates vacation ownership resorts under the Marriott Vacation Club International, Horizons, The Ritz-Carlton Club and Grand Residences by Marriott brands; operates Marriott Executive Apartments; provides furnished corporate housing through its Marriott ExecuStay division; and operates conference centers and golf courses. The company is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and had approximately 143,000 employees at 2005 year-end. It is ranked as the lodging industry’s most admired company and one of the best places to work for by FORTUNE®. The company is also a 2006 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ENERGY STAR® Partner. In fiscal year 2005, Marriott International reported sales from continuing operations of $11.6 billion. For more information or reservations, please visit our web site at www.renaissanceseaworld.com.