Leisure Sports – Renaissance ClubSport in Walnut Creek, CA

Accommodations, services, and food were provided for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

Price: $$-$$$ For: Families, Event Guests, Business Travelers Cleanliness: 4.5/5 Comfort: 4.5/5 Recommended: Yes

Features: Complimentary access to ClubSport fitness resort, on-site spa with massages, facials, and nail services. Links: Official site

Scattered around the SF Bay, you’ll find a family of high-end sports resorts known as Renaissance ClubSport and ClubSport. While the resorts themselves are quite impressive, two of the locations are especially notable as they are adjoined to a full-service hotel. Earlier this month, my family and I were invited to check out one of these unique properties. Well, the Renaissance ClubSport in Walnut Creek, CA did not disappoint.

Renaissance ClubSport Walnut Creek – Hotel Portion

Renaissance (part of the Marriott family now) hotels have a good reputation for quality and service. This place was no different. We had a clean, quiet room with comfortable beds. The temperature was satisfactory the whole time. Cute but contemporary decor and I loved the light, open feeling of the room. We had plenty of space to move around with the three of us and our luggage.

Prices to stay here are reasonable but parking will cost $5 per hour or $20 per day. No pets are allowed.  The registration desk is tiny and somewhat tucked in the corner. We originally thought it was just for the parking attendants but it wasn’t. Sadly,we found the staff to be kind of snooty and not helpful at all.

For dinner, the restaurant has a good selection of food but much of it was undercooked, overcooked, too salty, or too bland. FYI, live jazz in the evening only consisted of one guy on a guitar playing to pre-recorded music. On the plus side, diners can eat outside as well so kids can play on the bocce ball court. Breakfast buffet was much better than the dinner though. I love the made-to-order omelette service that was available.

The deli had a good amount of items to choose from including smoothies and Starbucks. Most things were marked with allergens but we had to have the cashier ask “in the back” several times about whether unmarked items like the salad dressing were gluten-free. Some items were pretty pricey.

Between the restaurant and the sports club entrance, lies the R Spa. This relaxing spot is complete with large dressing area, showers, and sauna. By the way, the massage I had was fantastic! I even fell asleep and went up to my room to sleep some more. The on-site massages, facials, nail services, and such would be perfect to take advantage of if you’re at the hotel for a special occasion such as a wedding (there were two happening the Saturday we were checking out).

Renaissance ClubSport Walnut Creek – Sports Club Section

All Renaissance ClubSport guests receive complimentary access to the connected sports / fitness club. This place is huge! The first floor is comprised of rooms for group fitness classes, basketball court, volleyball court, and dressing rooms for the three pools (lap, recreation/exercise, and wading) and hot tub.

The second floor houses masses of exercise equipment, stretching areas, weights, pilates reformer, one squash court, and three racquetball courts. If you need racquets or balls, just see the staff at the front desk. Towels are always readily available.

My family had some great fun in the racquetball court despite our not knowing what we were doing. Rules of the game were posted outside but we decided to bypass those and just whack the ball 🙂

While the teens and adults make use of the fitness facilitates, kids get their own place. The Kids World area is decorated in bright, fun colors and has separate sections for varying age groups. This service is not expensive and can accommodate children from 6 months to 12 years old.

If you’re looking to get in shape this fall in a fun and upbeat environment, try visiting of the many Renaissance ClubSport and ClubSport locations. The family-friendly atmosphere with easy childcare options will allow you to exercise, play, or relax in peace. Visit and/or join on of the locations below:

• Renaissance ClubSport: Walnut Creek and Aliso Viejo
• Fitness Only: San Jose, Pleasanton, Walnut Creek, Danville
• Outside California: Tigard, OR and Henderson, NV