Wrapped 5-day paid leisure stay with family at Philly Renaissance earlier this week. Big picture, pleased with stay, but some items of probable concern with many FTers evident.
Because traveling with two teen sons, reserved both 1K (for me & Mrs G) and 2Q rooms. Contacted prior to reserving to affirm they have connecting rooms available. Made this request on reservations, and then re-confirmed via app chat day prior to arrival. Greeted warmly upon arrival, and assured we were assigned connecting rooms. Good news: they were, in fact, connecting (*10 and *11, at west end of the hallway, facing Second Bank of the United States). Bad news: deadbolt on *10 could not be unlatched to open the connecting door. Engineering did quickly come to room to examine and wound up totally removing the deadbolt - which resulted in a huge crack in the door (and a lot of dust getting scattered around). Good thing we were planning to keep doors open, though obviously (hopefully?) will not be able to resale room until door replaced. [For troubles, comped breakfast vouchers for entire stay even though I had requested the points.]
Photos from
christianj 's 2019 post (#26) still accurate. That said, furnishings and finishing are both starting to show some age. In particular, the bathroom wall surface is some type of composite fiber board. In spots, said fibers are coming out of the walls (which, I suppose, *positively* reflects that they are being cleaned and wiped down with some regularity) which look disconcertingly like hair at first glance. Many other surface dings throughout bedroom and bathroom. Tub stopper in 2Q room was not synched with the turn control; wound up needing to unscrew and disconnect both altogether to ensure drain remained open. Common ice machine on our floor was not operational for the entire duration of our stay. [When I mentioned this upon check-out, manager did seem genuinely surprised/flummoxed and thanked me profusely for letting him know.]
Daily housekeeping remains suspended. On check-in, was told that we would receive check-in with refresh after 3 days. This did not occur. However, staff have been extremely responsive to service requests via app chat - requests for coffee pod refills, collecting trash/recyclables, and towels all addressed within 10 minutes.
As noted upthread, no lounge on property. Restaurant's current iteration is 'Franklin Social' (though still showed as 'Chez Ben' on my folio). Breakfast is served daily 7-11; menu items on weekdays, buffet set up on bar during weekend (only option). Elite vouchers good for continental during weekdays; can order other items off menu for $6 upcharge. Restaurant is also serving dinner on weekdays, lunch/dinner on weekends (same menu for both - didn't eat there given plethora of other options right outside of door).
Customer service really was the high point. With rare exception, all personnel encountered were warm and engaging. Special kudos to front desk agent Isaac and concierge Cary for greeting and addressing me/my family by name every time we saw them.
For our needs during this trip, Ren was a great fit. Old City location can't be beat - right on Chestnut and mere steps to the Independence NPS sites and surrounding museums, and - given this - more immediately pedestrian friendly and "calmer" sense that we probably wouldn't have gotten with options more firmly in Center City. That said, if I were returning solo and/or for business, would lean toward this (if only to try something different, get more urban feel).
Floor plan. Dot marks *11 room: L-shaped King.