Renaissance

Pros

• The Club at Renaissance is a gorgeous course and beautifully maintained.
• The staff were knowledgeable and everyone was very helpful.
• Breana and Kevin are the best tennis instructors.
• Lisa is amazing.
• One of the nicest courses in Fort Myers.
• The course was in great shape in the midst of a dry season.
• The driving range, chipping, and putting greens were very well maintained.
• The venue is absolutely beautiful.

Cons

• There is a $50,000 upfront cost with limited seven-day advance tee times, with a minimum of 50% of tee times reserved for special members and many tee times going unused.
• There is no reliable sign-in process for play, and some tee times are poorly attended or never used (e.g., last-hour slots).
• Ownership changes (to Concert Golf Partners) are described as turning a private club into a public playground, eroding the sense of community.
• Food quality has suffered due to cheaper vendors.
• Residents have faced higher dues and loading fees while receiving less value.
• Longstanding staff have left or been let go, and new staff are perceived to be of lower quality.
• Legal threats and a lawsuit by ownership are said to threaten operations and the ability to host events.

Review

A survey of experiences at The Club at Renaissance reveals a richly layered portrait: a place of remarkable beauty and warmth that also carries the complexity of a changing ownership and community dynamic. Across golf rounds, tennis lessons, weddings, charity events, and even a mobile coffee bar visit, guests describe a setting that excites the senses and invites generous praise, while also surfacing worries about access, consistency, and the business direction of the club's leadership. The chorus is loud about the course's visual appeal and its hospitality, tempered by thoughtful notes on how the club operates and who it serves.

On the course, visitors repeatedly call Renaissance a gorgeous and well-maintained asset, with lush greens, well-kept fairways, and a layout that offers a fair but challenging test. Several accounts highlight the course as among the nicer ones in Fort Myers, noting its maintenance even in difficult conditions such as a protracted dry spell. Players mention specific positives like multiple tee boxes to accommodate different skill levels, a driving range, chipping and putting greens that are well tended, and an overall sense that the course presents a strong, quality experience from tee to green. One guest even recalls the day being memorable for its scenery and the opportunity to enjoy a well-run round despite the occasional hiccup, such as being rained out after nine holes and receiving a rain check for nine more.

Equally prominent in the reviews is the sense of hospitality and service. The staff consistently earns high marks for being welcoming, professional, and helpful. Guests recount a warm reception from the moment they arrive, and several notes point to the staff's willingness to accommodate special events, fundraisers, and private bookings. The clubhouse and dining experience are highlighted positively in multiple remarks, including remarks about delicious meals and top-tier facilities that contribute to a memorable outing or gathering. The integration of community and interaction with members is repeatedly praised, reinforcing the impression that Renaissance is more than just a course - it's a social hub where hospitality and cuisine are part of the overall value proposition.

The club also shines in more targeted experiences. Tennis pros Breana Stampfli and Kevin Cubela receive frequent praise for their expertise, energy, and supportive coaching style. Multiple reviewers emphasize that their instruction reaches across ages and abilities, with a sense of progress and enjoyment that keeps players coming back. In addition to tennis, the club's role as a venue for weddings and community events is celebrated. One daughter's wedding on March 22, 2025, is described as a magical, breathtaking experience, with praise for the outdoor staircase and the breathtaking photo opportunities. Evan Garcia, the coordinator, is singled out as exceptional - responsive, detail-oriented, and capable of turning requests into a seamless event. The food, bartending, and service for the reception are lauded, with guests declaring the experience superb and recommending Renaissance for future weddings and celebrations.

Beyond private gatherings, Renaissance is viewed as a strong community partner for charitable events and local organizations. A Living Well Mission golf tournament is described as a standout occasion, with staff who were first-rate and a course that looked immaculate - even amid drought conditions that tested the landscape. The after-round amenities, including auction and meals, are noted as warm and well-prepared, underscoring the club's capacity to host significant charitable programming with grace. Another guest describes a flower truck visit to the venue as a joy, with attendees and members equally engaged and enthusiastic, making the day feel collaborative and celebratory. These experiences collectively reinforce Renaissance's role as a versatile venue capable of hosting a range of events with high-quality execution.

Yet, beneath the many glowing testimonials lies a candid critique of ownership and access that has become increasingly salient for some members and guests. A particularly pointed and lengthy account argues that Renaissance once operated with a private-club ethos that valued family-like familiarity among residents. According to this perspective, the sale to Concert Golf Partners in September 2022 marked a turning point. The critic contends that the property shifted toward a broader public-facing model - prioritizing non-resident memberships, tournaments for various causes, and public events hosted at the clubhouse. As a result, the parking lot is described as often full of pickup trucks, the familiar Renaissance "wave" is said to have faded, and longtime staff members have left or been replaced with different personnel. Food quality, in this view, has suffered due to new vendor selections aimed at cost efficiency, and access for residents has become more restricted, with the clubhouse and pool bar intermittently closed when not aligned with business needs.

The critique extends to governance and legal concerns. The reviewer argues that the club's new orientation toward public events has strained the relationship with the local Renaissance community and its homeowners association. They allege increased dues and a cultivar of special assessments that push residents toward higher costs for fewer private perks. The narrative also mentions notices of violation from the county regarding operating beyond what a private club is permitted and even hints at legal actions between Concert Renaissance and the surrounding community development district. Taken together, this perspective portrays a difficult transition - one that has beauty, warmth, and success on many fronts, but also a sense that the core private-club identity cherished by longtime residents and some members has been eroded in ways that affect access, atmosphere, and community cohesion.

For prospective visitors or new members, the mosaic of reviews suggests Renaissance can deliver exceptional experiences: a stunning course, responsive and gracious staff, a dining and social environment that supports weddings, fundraisers, and personal milestones, and a tennis program led by dedicated pros who create tangible progress for players of all ages. It is a place where the natural beauty and hospitality can shine in the same week that a notable private-to-public transition conversation unfolds in the background. The club's potential to host memorable rounds, elegant ceremonies, and meaningful community events is clear, but so is the reality that organizational shifts and policy decisions at the ownership level may influence how consistently those memories are created in the future. In short, Renaissance remains a compelling venue with a strong heart and a complex set of dynamics shaping its exact experience day to day.

This area of Fort Myers, Florida offers a diverse range of amenities and services that could be appealing to seniors looking for a comfortable and convenient living environment. With several places of worship nearby, including Blessed Pope John the XXIII Catholic Church and the Unitarian Universalist Church, residents can easily practice their faith. Additionally, there are multiple pharmacies in close proximity, such as Walgreens and CVS Pharmacy, ensuring easy access to medication and healthcare needs. A variety of dining options are available, ranging from fast food restaurants like McDonald's to more upscale establishments like Rock’n Sushi. For recreation, parks like the RSW Aircraft Observation Area provide a scenic outdoor space to relax and enjoy nature. There are also reputable healthcare providers nearby, including Lee Health Neurodiagnostics and Millennium Physician Group, for any medical concerns. Transportation options are abundant with Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) nearby for seniors who may need to travel frequently. Overall, this area offers a well-rounded living experience with essential services readily available for seniors looking for a peaceful and convenient lifestyle.

Places of Worship

• Blessed Pope John the XXIII Catholic Church (0.4 miles)
• Unitarian Universalist Church of Fort Myers (1.2 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1 miles)
• Walgreens (2.8 miles)
• Gulf Coast Medical Pharmacy (3.2 miles)
• Lee Pharmacy - Gulf Coast Medical Center (3.2 miles)
• Rx To Go (3.9 miles)

Restaurants

• McDonald's (0.7 miles)
• Cracker Barrel (0.9 miles)
• The Saucy Meatball (3 miles)
• Rock’n Sushi (3.2 miles)
• Shrimp Shack (3.3 miles)
• Kekes Breakfast Café (3.3 miles)
• Beaches Boardwalk Cafe (3.5 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (0.7 miles)
• Panera Bread (2.6 miles)
• First Watch - Colonial (3.7 miles)
• Starbucks (4.1 miles)
• Starbucks (4.5 miles)
• Panera Bread (4.8 miles)
• Starbucks (4.9 miles)

Parks

• RSW Aircraft Observation Area (2.6 miles)

Physicians

• Lee Health Neurodiagnostics - Plantation Rd (3 miles)
• Vascular & General Sur Spec-Fl - Brian D Kurland MD (3.1 miles)
• Nagesh B Ravipati (3.1 miles)
• Millennium Physician Group: Kim Schurman, MD (3.1 miles)
• Millennium Physician Group (3.3 miles)
• Florida Skin Center (3.4 miles)
• Headache & Pain Management (3.6 miles)

Transportation

• Concourse D (3.2 miles)
• Delta Air Lines (3.3 miles)
• American Airlines Ticket Counter RSW (3.3 miles)
• Security Checkpoint (3.4 miles)
• Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) (3.4 miles)
• Avis Rent A Car (3.4 miles)
• Hertz Rent A Car (3.4 miles)

Hospitals

• Johns Hopkins All Children's Outpatient Care (3.9 miles)
• LPG Orthopedics - The Sanctuary (4 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Belltower (4.2 miles)