Built in 2008, the Renaissance ClubSport Aliso Viejo is only the second of its kind in the U.S. (the first was built near San Francisco). The hotel’s unique concept is offering a full-service fitness center and spa attached to its property, which means there are many local guests who frequent the property daily for its two-story and expansive fitness center and courts. With its location in a complex of offices near a toll road, families may not immediately think to look at this property for a getaway, but they should. Just 2 miles from famed Laguna Beach, this “wellness resort” is one of the few full-service resorts that do not charge any resort fees and provide rooms to accommodate families, with kids’ pools, programming, and amusements, too. It’s a gem of a hotel off the beaten path.

The 174-room hotel is considered a boutique property, but due to the expanse of its fitness center, it seems twice its size. Guests of the hotel have their own registration desk in the lobby, which is split by the hotel's onsite dining in the center. Rooms are outfitted with 42-inch, flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi access.

Standard Rooms
Guests can choose from 169 rooms with one king bed or two double beds. Rooms provide Plug'n Play systems with connectivity for laptops, DVD players, cameras, MP3 players, and more. Mini-fridges and microwaves are available by request (fees may apply).

King rooms can connect to double rooms, and the hotel can guarantee connecting rooms when booked. Cribs are also available upon request.

Suites
Five "sweet" suites feature separate bedroom and living rooms with a sofa bed to accommodate four guests in a larger space. A connecting room with two double beds turns the suite into a two-bedroom unit, sleeping up to eight.

Kids World
Located between the hotel lobby and the fitness center is Kids World, a childcare center that provides care for children while gym members utilize the facilities. The center is free to hotel guests and accommodates infants to 12-year-olds. The center features a game room with video games and movies for older kids, a quiet infant area, and indoor and outdoor play areas with a jungle gym. During the summer, the center offers special events and a summer camp program. Kids World is open daily and children between 3 months and 12 years receive four hours complimentary each day, and infants between 6 and 12 weeks receive 1.25 hours complimentary each day.

Pools
Overlooking Saddleback Valley, the hotel's outdoor area features two pools. One is a lap pool and the second is a family pool. A small splash park and kiddie pool is located near the family pool. The pool area is often a spot for socials and barbeques, especially during the summer months.

Fitness Center
Half of the property is taken up by an expansive 75,000-square-foot fitness center. The center features six group fitness studios, an outdoor aquatics center, three racquetball courts, three squash courts, an NCAA-regulation gymnasium, full-sized locker rooms with whirlpools and steam rooms, and more. Plus, all of it is free for hotel guests. The fitness center includes cardio equipment, free weights, yoga studios and onsite personal trainers and nutritionists.

Citrus Fresh Grill
The hotel's restaurant, Citrus Fresh Grill, is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. In the morning, guests can select from an a la carte menu, as well as a buffet on weekends. During the day, enjoy soups, salads, flatbreads, burgers and a number of healthy dishes to coincide with the resort's wellness philosophy. The restaurant also hosts a number of themed nights, including Kids' Taco Tuesdays. Gluten-free options are also available.

Citrus Lounge
The Citrus Lounge, which is open Monday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., until midnight on Sundays, and evenings only on Fridays, 4:30 p.m. to 1 a.m., is a social hub for guests and club members. The outdoor patio area is often packed on Friday nights when the restaurant offers live music by the fire pits. In the summer, the lounge operates a pool bar with light bites.

Citrus Express
For grab-and-go snacks, smoothies, breakfasts and sandwiches, the Citrus Express is open daily, from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

All About the Extras
Resort Fees and Freebies
There are no resort fees for guests of the hotel, and adult guests can use the fitness facilities for free, and kids can enjoy the kids' club for free.

Parking
Self and valet parking is available for $15 and $25 per day, respectively.

Free Wi-Fi
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in all public spaces and in guestrooms.

Check-In/Out
Check-in is at 4 p.m. and check-out is at noon.

The Art of Smart Timing
Nestled into the hills of Orange County, California, guests will find a year-round temperate climate and, often, sunny days. Summer months are the busiest for the hotel, which offers more programming for kids and families in this peak season than during the off-season. During summer months, guests often visit nearby Laguna Beach, as well.

Getting There
Aliso Viejo is just a few minutes from Orange County's John Wayne Airport, and just under one hour from Los Angeles International Airport.

Note: The hotel is located just off of Highway 73, which is a private toll road. The toll road has stopped operating tollbooths and all tolls are collected online, even for visitors. Be aware that travelers using this road have five days to log onto TheTollRoad.com to pay the toll without any violation fees. If you do not pay the fees within five days, photo tickets will be mailed to the address of the car owner/rental car service.

Getting Around
The hotel does not provide shuttle service and Orange County is an area where visitors will want to have a car. Be mindful of the tolls on Highway 73.

For Mom and Dad
R Spa, connected to the fitness center, is a full-service spa and salon. Enjoy body treatments, massages, hydrotherapy, manicures, pedicures, and more. Guests of the spa can enjoy a private lunch menu in the spa's lounge.