Marriott Rewards (including Ritz-Carlton) - Which Renaissance in Mobile?

It looks like people here are fans of the Battle House, but it also looks like golds don't get breakfast coupons like they do at the Mobile Riverview Plaza. As far as I see, that would be the only reason to not stay at the Battle House, no? But it's better in most other respects? Just want to make sure I consider all my options after a less than stellar hotel choice last vacation.

Looking at the website I'd pick the Battle House over the other Ren (which doesn't provide coupons for eithe Gold or Plats). The other Ren is attached to the convention center. Battle House is part of Historic Hotels of America.

From the website:

This downtown hotel in Mobile, AL has been a favorite of entertainment celebrities, sports legends, a president and a king since 1852. The Battle House was thoughtfully resorted to its original grandeur and is a proud member of Historic Hotels of America. This legendary AAA Four Diamond Hotel also offers The Trellis Room, Mobile's only Four Diamond Restaurant. The Spa at The Battle House is a 10,000 sq. ft. oasis boasting a full salon, eight treatment rooms, and a Zen-like fire pit in our spectacular, tranquil Quiet Room. Host unforgettable affairs inside the magnificent Crystal Ballroom & marvel at our whispering arches (our acoustical feature). Join us in Mobile's Living Room, located just steps from Mobile's Entertainment District, Gulf Coast Exploreum & Imax, the Carnival Museum, Museum of Mobile & Fort Conde.

Since it's downtown you can probably find a place for breakfast on the weekend.

Cheers.

Huh, I must have misread the lounge thread.

I didn't realize the other Ren was attached to the convention center though - thought it was just nearby. I think that definitely rules it out.

Huh, I must have misread the lounge thread.

I didn't realize the other Ren was attached to the convention center though - thought it was just nearby. I think that definitely rules it out.

The only property that offers brekkie certs to both Gold & Plats is the Mobile Marriott, which sounds like it's out near the airport.

The Ren Riverview Plaza is attached to the convention center by a skywalk. According to the website:

The Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel is a AAA, Four Diamond hotel ideally suited for business, conventions, stylish social gatherings or weekend escapes. Step into a fresh space of contemporary design and experience world-class amenities unrivaled by other Gulf Coast hotels. Featuring 363 hotel rooms and 10 suites, 2 Concierge Levels and 44,000 sq. ft., of meeting space, this premier convention hotel in downtown Mobile is connected to the Arthur Outlaw Convention Center via a skywalk.

If it was me & it was a vacation vs. business I'd pick the historic property over a convention property in a heartbeat. In 2009 Travel&Leisure magazine rated The Battle House "One of the Top 500 Hotels in the World".

Cheers.

It looks like people here are fans of the Battle House, but it also looks like golds don't get breakfast coupons like they do at the Mobile Riverview Plaza. As far as I see, that would be the only reason to not stay at the Battle House, no? But it's better in most other respects? Just want to make sure I consider all my options after a less than stellar hotel choice last vacation.

I am a local MOBilian that works in downtown MOB.

Pick the Battle House!! The other Renaissance is often packed with convention-goers given that it is connected to the convention center.

I can't speak to breakfast as my stays there are typically during weekends; however, as a consolation, there are great breakfast spots within walking distance if you don't want to pay the hotel's rate but are willing to pay elsewhere.

What month are you considering coming?

Tip for the property - request a room in the historic part which fronts Royal Street. Also, be sure to visit the Spa if you're so inclined -- it is great!

Feel free to PM me for more info on the MOB area.

It looks like people here are fans of the Battle House, but it also looks like golds don't get breakfast coupons like they do at the Mobile Riverview Plaza. As far as I see, that would be the only reason to not stay at the Battle House, no? But it's better in most other respects? Just want to make sure I consider all my options after a less than stellar hotel choice last vacation.



it's not even close...battle house all the way...

Thanks everyone! Battle House it is.

it's not even close...battle house all the way...

+1 to this. Friends don't let friends stay anywhere except the Battle House.

+1 to this. Friends don't let friends stay anywhere except the Battle House.

To be honest, the negative reviews on TripAdvisor kind of freaked me out. But I'll take that chance.

To be honest, the negative reviews on TripAdvisor kind of freaked me out. But I'll take that chance.

I just went through the last 3 pages of TA and didn't see anything too awful. If the choices are BH vs. Riverview, BH all the time.

The Hampton Inn & Suites that's downtown also gets lots of love but that's OT for this thread.

I can't speak to breakfast as my stays there are typically during weekends; however, as a consolation, there are great breakfast spots within walking distance if you don't want to pay the hotel's rate but are willing to pay elsewhere.

Since the Ren Plazaview doesn't provide brekkie coupons & Battle House only does for Plats, could you mention a few of the great breakfast spots so that if others ever stay in the area they'll know. Thx!

Cheers.

I just went through the last 3 pages of TA and didn't see anything too awful. If the choices are BH vs. Riverview, BH all the time.

The Hampton Inn & Suites that's downtown also gets lots of love but that's OT for this thread.

Especially since I'll be lucky to hit 15 Marriott nights this year. :mad:

Since the Ren Plazaview doesn't provide brekkie coupons & Battle House only does for Plats, could you mention a few of the great breakfast spots so that if others ever stay in the area they'll know. Thx!
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Yes - I'd be interested. Unless the hotel restaurant is pretty good.

ETA: LedgeT, you made a room request suggestion. Do I need to call the hotel directly for that? I didn't see a place to request anything when I booked online.

Since the Ren Plazaview doesn't provide brekkie coupons & Battle House only does for Plats, could you mention a few of the great breakfast spots so that if others ever stay in the area they'll know. Thx!

Cheers.

Sure! A couple of great breakfast spots are Serda's & Royal Street Cafe. Both are within walking distance of both the BH and Ren Plazaview.

For lunch, check out Mama's for some awesome soul food, Heroes for a sports bar scene and don't miss Spot of Tea for lunch or dinner - it is amazing.

Hope this helps!

A: LedgeT, you made a room request suggestion. Do I need to call the hotel directly for that? I didn't see a place to request anything when I booked online.

You can call the hotel and request or put it in the comments field when you book the reservation. If you've already booked, I would just call and request.

Sure! A couple of great breakfast spots are Serda's & Royal Street Cafe. Both are within walking distance of both the BH and Ren Plazaview.

For lunch, check out Mama's for some awesome soul food, Heroes for a sports bar scene and don't miss Spot of Tea for lunch or dinner - it is amazing.

Hope this helps!

Thanks - your fellow FTers appreciate it!

Cheers.

These are two of the best Rens in the entire chain, and they are a block from one another. Hard to believe there are two such great choices in Mobile.

If you have never been to the Battle House before, stay there. The hotel is beautiful. Plan to stay in the lobby for at least an hour, staring at the dome. There is so much to digest in the dome's interior painting. The rooms are swank, the CL top notch and the service pitch perfect.

With that said, I actually like the set up in the more modern "Other Ren" a little bit better. The views are cool, there are more dining choices in the hotel and the rooms are a little quieter.

Again, you won't go wrong with either hotel. At this point, I go with whichever is less expensive for the night needed.

Thanks, I was starting to get worried as I have my husband booked into the Riverview for the Port Authority conference in October which offered either htoel at convention rates. He's more about comfort than atmosphere, and it is all weekdays.

Thanks, I was starting to get worried as I have my husband booked into the Riverview for the Port Authority conference in October which offered either htoel at convention rates. He's more about comfort than atmosphere, and it is all weekdays.

When it's a conference/convention I usually go w/ what's more convenient, as I'm hardly in the room/hotel anyway. But on holiday or non-conference biz trips, I go w/ the neater, historic, more grande dame properties.

Cheers.

When it's a conference/convention I usually go w/ what's more convenient, as I'm hardly in the room/hotel anyway. But on holiday or non-conference biz trips, I go w/ the neater, historic, more grande dame properties.

Cheers.

+1 to this. If it's a convention/conference, I go with whatever option is closer and more convenient.

VickiSoCal's husband will not be disappointed with the Riverview.

Sure! A couple of great breakfast spots are Serda's & Royal Street Cafe. Both are within walking distance of both the BH and Ren Plazaview.



Who needs a stinking average hotel breakfast when you got these local choices? I may have to plan a road trip to Mobile....

Who needs a stinking average hotel breakfast when you got these local choices? I may have to plan a road trip to Mobile....

I was thinking the same thing, especially after reading about the Battle House's history & seeing the pics on the website!

Cheers.

I stayed at the Battle House last night (Saturday) on a free night cert redemption.

As a Gold, was upgraded to the club floor (7) and was advised that the lounge is OPEN on weekends - at least for breakfast - and was advised there was a continental breakfast provided. Unfortunately, I didn't get to check it out.

Battle House wins my vote every time.

I stayed at the Battle House last night (Saturday) on a free night cert redemption.

As a Gold, was upgraded to the club floor (7) and was advised that the lounge is OPEN on weekends - at least for breakfast - and was advised there was a continental breakfast provided. Unfortunately, I didn't get to check it out.

Battle House wins my vote every time.

Thanks - will update the sticky.

Cheers.

Thanks - will update the sticky.

Cheers.

FYI, was also advised that this was a *NEW* change. I'll have another weekend stay in a few weeks & will post an update.

FYI, was also advised that this was a *NEW* change. I'll have another weekend stay in a few weeks & will post an update.

Please do; much appreciated!

Cheers.