Reporting back from 2 weekday nights at the Renaissance Palm Springs. Platinum Elite requested an upgrade via the Bonvoy app and pleasantly surprised to receive a Junior Suite at check-in. It is very spacious with a separate living area and bedroom, although there is no door (rather a large passageway). There is a large bar-like counter in the living area which was great, but it felt like it should have had a sink.
No lounge so received a full breakfast buffet (voucher at FD) at the one and only restaurant at the property (Date Restaurant). Imho it was a good breakfast - typical scrambled eggs (above average), thick bacon, edible sausage, a variety of fruit, cereal, oatmeal, yogurt and pastries. In addition, there is a very solid omelette bar made to order, decent beignets/donuts(?) and maple syrup-infused waffles (they were okay if a little too dry and crunchy).
Water (those smallish 10 oz bottles) was handed out liberally when asked by the Bonvoy app and at the front desk. I don't know if was based on Bonvoy status or if the front desk would hand them out to anyone who asked (it seems the latter).
The pools were a highlight for our stay. There is a very large pool with beach chairs surrounding all sides. There is also a large (about 20 ft sq?) 1-foot deep childrens pool with a sandbox area next to it. Plenty of people were accessing both, but neither felt crowded at all. Perhaps during the weekends, it gets crazy though.
Self-parking is discounted to $20 per night (from $30 according to the website).
Overall, very pleasant and solid leisure stay. The property is attached to the convention center, but it felt very casual and relaxed. I imagine this could change if there is a big event though.
Question for anyone in general who is familiar with Renaissance properties in (at least) Southern California. Will housekeeping not take a gratuity if you do not put it in that little provided envelope?