could not think of a better Christmas present (yes Virginia, I am very good to me) than to immerse myself in the spectacular Sunday Brunch at the Renaissance Orlando Resort in nearby Orlando. 
The Renaissance offers a fabulous brunch every Sunday. I have sampled this spread in the past, and my only complaint was the spread of my hips afterward.
So it’s no holds bard and wear the stretchiest pants you own. You know the kind I mean, the reinforced ones.
Many area brunches also include all the champagne you want­and at the Renaissance it was quite good. If you are a mimosa kind of person, the orange juice was superb, but that is where any similarities to the others ends.
OK are you ready? Rack of lamb. Very, very good rack of lamb. Prime rib that is not your usual wedding fare (that prime rib you are still chewing as they cut the cake). A Sushi table. An omelet stand with everything available.

Renaissance Orlando Resort’s beautiful atrium

Crab legs and claws that are shelled up to the end of the pinchers. A pizza station for the kids. Salmon en croute, along with four kinds of smoked salmon, smoked whitefish and mahi mahi. Peeled jumbo shrimp steamed clams, stuffed fish, turkey, ham, bread and pastry area. (Different than the dessert station with a freezer for Håågen Dazs).
Huge bowls of raspberries, blueberries, cherries, trays of fruit, tables each of salads and pasta, cheese table, you name the vegetable it’s there (wait, no lima beans), garlic potatoes, sweet and mashed, and oh, yeah, all the breakfast stuff. Plus meatloaf, clams in white sauce, ribs, beef tips, mussels, baked squash, chilled strawberry soup ...AAAAAHHHH!!!
Wait.
I have to stop. Take a deep breath . . . and tell you about the cherry cobbler. No I can’t. Just know dearest reader, I have a little tear in my eye. It is that good. And I don’t even like desserts.
Usually I do not gush over a meal, (slobber and ask to do silly things with a chef maybe, but not gush). This brunch however, deserves the highest praise. Kudos to Executive Chef Mr. Naugoushi, who was in the trenches the entire time. He has 75 chefs with 125 servers who perform like clockwork. Rubin Toledo, of the Tradewinds knows how to treat a guest. My server, Ray, was a pleasure. Noise level, which is one of my pet peeves, was kept to a minimum. The orchestra and carolers were a soothing presence and a delight in period costume (think Dickens).
On to the hotel itself. The Renaissance Orlando Resort boasts a hand-carved glockenspiel, featuring Robin Hood and his band of merry men, a large koi pond with fountains and waterfalls, ice sculptures to melt your heart. An aviary, pools­one for just the kids­and hot tub (do not forget to ask for a robe!) How about a professionally staffed Shamu’s Playhouse for you­I mean the kids??? (The little darlins’ will keep active while you, uh, do whatever). Did I mention 24 hour room service?
The rooms have balconies that are available in smoking and non. There are five restaurants, a cigar bar also offering premium whiskey and the like, the Dolphin Lounge and a Clubhouse Lounge which is very chi chi indeed. The conference rooms and equipment would shame the White House. Well almost

A fabulous bunch at the Renaissance Orlando Resort

Entertainment? Umm. It’s Orlando. You with me?
The staff was efficient and friendly with real smiles. I requested a toothbrush and toothpaste so I could time them. A new record: 8 minutes! I have waited an hour and even gave up waiting at other places.
At the front desk I put Campbell Evans through his paces and he was more than accommodating. The Auburn Tigers college football team were there at the resort same time for the Citrus Bowl and I was made to feel just as important and pampered.
For business travelers, relax. Everything you need is there. Really. From secretaries to copy paper, computer rental to a packing and shipping center, laser lights to high-speed access. The American Bar Association meets here every year so it must be safe. (Small joke).
However, it is always the extra touches that make a place stand out, like complimentary coffee and a newspaper at you door upon wakening. The “Do Not Disturb” sign works. The bellman filling the ice bucket upon your arrival (thanks Bobby). Free shoes (kidding). They have complimentary shoe shines overnight, and my favorite . . . three sheets on the bed (one over and under the blanket).
The color scheme of the room does need work as well as new bedspreads to match. When I inquired about the towels being a little rough, softer ones were immediately offered.
I must say it takes a lot to make me happy. Understatement. The Renaissance Orlando Resort team should get a medal. A big one.
Excuse me now while I try and get up . . . Oh, what was that ripping noise?

Services:

Renaissance Orlando Resort
677 Harbor Drive,
Orlando, FL 32821-8092
Phone 1-407-351-5555
www.renaissancehotel.com