The Del Monte Lodge Renaissance Rochester Hotel & Spa

The Renaissance Del Monte Lodge is probably the best chain option in Rochester. The location itself is about 15 minutes by car from downtown Rochester and is in a small village on the banks of the Erie Canal. Renaissance, like other Marriott brands, is a bit lost and confused. However, in concept, Renaissance is supposed to be an upscale, 4-star hotel that’s more boutique-like than Marriott’s flagship Marriott brand. But, if I’m being honest, the Renaissance Del Monte Lodge is just a Fairfield or Courtyard with a considerably better restaurant, a fancy spa, and better décor. The hotel’s AAA rating confirmed my impression. AAA has given it a 3-diamond rating, which is below what you would expect. The Renaissance Del Monte Lodge should have a four-diamond rating from AAA. Here are some of the issues that I experienced: No pre-arrival email or welcome letter at check-in. There is no doorman or bellman to assist with luggage, etc. The front desk offered no assistance. There appears to be a hotel car, a Cadillac SUV. But no information was given at check-in about its availability, etc. This is why a hotel should do a pre-arrival email or at least provide a welcome letter at check-in. Similarly, there’s a spa, but you wouldn’t know this as a guest because it’s not promoted and you receive no information about it at check-in. This is another reason for a welcome letter or pre-arrival email. Speaking of the spa, there’s no pool. I found it somewhat strange that a full-service hotel with a spa doesn’t have a pool. A half-indoor, half-outdoor pool would be fantastic, especially given the pleasant summer weather. Renaissance properties are supposed to have a “navigator” (what the brand calls a concierge). I didn’t see a concierge desk or any employee other than the front desk clerk. No newspapers. I didn’t even see a Rochester tourism magazine. There is no pantry market. So, if you want a Pepsi and the restaurant is closed, your only option is to leave the hotel and go to the nearby gas station. The in-room amenities are basic. The generic hotel coffeemaker with cheap hotel coffee was provided. In a suite, you would expect maybe an espresso maker. Even in a suite, there wasn’t a stocked mini-bar, wine glasses, or corkscrew. With one exception, Bonvoy recognition was mediocre to poor. I booked a king room. Before my arrival, I confirmed a king room on the highest floor with the hotel. At check-in, I was downgraded to a 2-queen room. After complaining to the front desk and invoking the Marriott compensation guarantee, I was “upgraded” to a suite with no apology for the initial downgrade. I received an unaddressed and unsigned card in my original room that thanked me for staying. There was an F&B amenity consisting of macaroons and Diet Pepsi. While kind, the macaroons are something I don’t eat. I’m a Diet Pepsi addict. I appreciated the Diet Pepsi. My Bonvoy ambassador account has my F&B preferences. Just like downgrading my room, the hot

I stayed here for a conference and this hotel punches above its weight. They messed up a little on check in which took longer than usual and missed to get my card to hold for incidentals but they were nice and apologetic when they called me back to the desk to finish up. I’m guessing new hire at the front, but not sure. The room was comfortable and fairly large. I think historically they’ve struggled with room lighting so they’ve made up for it by placing lights all over the room, so you have to find all the switches which is kind of fun. There are plenty of outlets for devices. The bathroom has a sliding door, which I hate for bathrooms, but it is a heavy one and blocks noises and lights so that’s good. The end

Our go-to hotel when traveling to Rochester, the Del Monte is not overwhelmingly large, has a great staff, is convenient to many local destinations and always provides top notch service. Highly recommended.

Best in town

Thanks for the comfortable stay! Room was very clean and the beds were very comfortable! Highly recommend.

The property is in a fantastic location. The room however is quite depressing. It is incredible dark. I mentioned that to them and they said they would give me an extra lamp. It would not make a difference. I enrolled in keyless entry and they did not know how the process worked on my phone