A quick plus for the Renaissance Boca Raton. I spent the weekend there and was thoroughly pleased with value for the dollar, admittedly in their off-season.

The lowest available rate was $85. I paid $90 and received two full breakfasts and two cocktails daily.

This isn’t a five-star property, but the grounds are nice. The palm trees provide a nice backdrop and the pool is comfortable. The rooms were more than fine, although a bit dated (and my room had an industrial-style toilet). Parking is free.

Where they really shined, though, is in service. Everyone was friendly and helpful. Friday night they didn’t miss a beat in providing a dozen champagne glasses and a dozen wine glasses out by the pool in about five minutes, and provided a dozen complimentary water bottles as well.

Can’t beat the property for the price. The Holiday Inn next store goes for the same money. The best I’ve ever done in Boca Raton is $50 for the Marriott, but that was on Priceline and their zones have been reconfigured so that it isn’t possible to reliably pick properties that I’d be happy with anymore. Besides, the full breakfast for two with made to order omellettes and smoked salmon was worth $40 and the cocktails were worth about $10. So in the end my $90 rate was just as good, plus it earned points and I wasn’t worried about being given an inferior room.

The hotel is nestled inside of the Towne Center shopping mall, but you wouldn’t know it from inside the property. It’s right off Interstate 95, and next door to high end shops and a Starbucks. Mostly it’s just around the corner from my family which meant I could visit with folks and head back to the room conveniently. So a big thanks for the hotel’s staff for all their help over the weekend!