Marriott Rewards (including Ritz-Carlton) - Ritz LLV vs JW Marriott

Hi -

Have searched and seen good posts on both, so thought I'd try a side-by-side comparison. How do people feel about the Ritz Lake Las Vegas versus the JW Marriott Las Vegas?

To shed some light - I plan to use MR points - 150,000 for 5 nights at Ritz, 110,000 for 5 nights at the JW. I will be travelling with my wife and 6 month old infant - we are headed to a wedding on the strip but want to stay away in a quieter place with the child. My in-laws will also be out staying somewhere, and will babysit, so that's all good.

Would most likely be interested in some gambling, some laying by the pool, and where might be best to be able to have a 6 month old. Plus I'm always in for a good value - I have talked to the Ritz about getting a room better than the standard room using points - but to no avail. Perhaps at the JW?

Any and all comments are welcome.

Thanks!

Sorry I can't help you with the question you asked, but you might want to check travel packages 084-087. As you probably know, you get a certificate for 7 nights and a substantial number of frequent flyer miles. It sometimes makes sense even if you don't stay the full 7.
Have a good trip,
Mark

While I haven't stayed at this particular Ritz, my experience in the past is that RC's are always well executed. I have stayed at this JW, and although it's off the path a bit in Summerlin, it's a fine property, with plenty of amenities, including a small casino.

I typically stay at one of the downtown M properties (the Marriott Suites across from the convention ctr is my current choice), but I've also recently stayed at all the others (2 RI's, CY, but not the Fairfield).

I am planning a stay the first week in Feb at the Hyatt (former allegiance) at LLV just to maintain my points, and I'd be happy to swing by the Ritz for you while I'm there, although w/o staying at the property, I'm not sure how much value that would be to you.

I'm another person who has no experience with the RC but who would assume it is excellent. What I can tell you is that the JW is one of the finest Marriott properties I've ever had the pleasure of staying at.

With the one exception of trouble finding a valet parking attendant at 4 AM one night coming back from the strip, guest service was OUTSTANDING. I got a platinum upgrade to a wonderful suite, and really enjoyed the Gustaf Mauler signature restaurants (as well as the Irish bar so authentic it was actually disassembled, moved from Ireland, and rebuilt there!). We didn't hit the casino but it looked to have all the amenities (if not the crowds). The pool was fantastic--we really enjoyed getting a little cabana, drinking fru-fru drinks, and eating snacks there.

Since it saves you 40,000 points and I don't know what you'd be giving up by not being at the RC, I highly, HIGHLY recommend the JW!

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CO plat, UA prem; Marriott plat, Hyatt plat, Hilton gold, Starwood gold, Fairmont gold; Avis select, Hertz 5-star, all the others base level... ;)

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[This message has been edited by socrates (edited Mar 23, 2004).]

Some opinions on the JW in this thread:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum63/HTML/002904.html

Can anyone shed some light on the recent expansion of the JW properties? For years there were only a few, and now it seems to be a major thrust of Marriott to build and acquire many more.

Also, how does the JW stack up in the hierarchy of Marriott properties? Is it considered more upscale than the Renaissance and Marquis?

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CO plat, UA prem; Marriott plat, Hyatt plat, Hilton gold, Starwood gold, Fairmont gold; Avis select, Hertz 5-star, all the others base level... ;)

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[This message has been edited by socrates (edited Mar 23, 2004).]

Thanks, Socrates! I really appreciate the way you share your knowledge around here.

So if I was to put together a top-to-bottom list of Marriott brands based on perceived prestige (or at least the way the marketing folks would like them to stack up), it would look like this, right?

Ritz-Carlton
JW Marriott
Marriott Marquis
Renaissance Hotels & Resorts
Marriott Hotels & Resorts
Marriott Conference Centers
Marriott Vacation Club
Courtyard by Marriott
Residence Inn by Marriott
Fairfield Inn
TownPlace Suites
SpringHill Suites

I know that doesn't work perfectly, as the bottom properties kind of blend together. Also, it depends greatly from location to location (some Renaissance are fantastic while others are a bit tired). But, in general, is that how they stack up?

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CO plat, UA prem; Marriott plat, Hyatt plat, Hilton gold, Starwood gold, Fairmont gold; Avis select, Hertz 5-star, all the others base level... ;)

I can't really provide input on the two hotels you're considering now, but whether you spend 110k or 150k points, that's a lot of points, especially when I know the Hyatt Lake Las Vegas can be had pretty inexpensively at times, especially through Priceline, you might want to consider that instead. For the Hyatt I wouldn't expect you'd pay more than $500 for the entire stay through Priceline.

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[This message has been edited by socrates (edited Mar 23, 2004).]

What's Bvlgari? I'm familiar with the jewelry maker but not the hotel...

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CO plat, UA prem; Marriott plat, Hyatt plat, Hilton gold, Starwood gold, Fairmont gold; Avis select, Hertz 5-star

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[This message has been edited by socrates (edited Mar 23, 2004).]

Bump. Anybody with experience at both properties?

We attended a meeting at the Hyatt though we did not stay there as it was so far away from the strip. The hotel is lovely, the restaurants are very expensive and a small casino. The Ritz too is lovely with expensive restaurants and the all over Ritz feeling. The shopping court or Italian Village is not yet quite full with shops, but it is a pleasant detraction. The homes in the area are magnificent. We preferred the casino at the Ritz. Both properties were quite quiet during the week unless a meeting is being held there. As I recall the attendees staying at the Hyatt did not like staying so far out with limited choices for dining or even a snack. There is nothing else nearby. Hope this helps!

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by cactuspete:
Bump. Anybody with experience at both properties?</font>

Stayed at the JW in January. Nice room(awesome bathroom w/rainfall shower and spa tub) but very far from the strip. If you plan on going downtown more than once, I would not recommend the JW. About a 20min drive w/light traffic.

BUMP

Anybody have anything new to add regarding this property? I'm giving my wife a spa treatment for our anniversary (She's paying for my golf) did anyone go to the spa and if so how was it?