I have stayed at the St Loius, MO Renaissance and also the Marriott there. Both are close to the airport. The Renaissance was $10/night cheaper (but parking was not free there) and about the same quality as the Marriott, overall the Renaissance was a slightly better value.
Renaissance hotels are participating in the 5K pts per 3 visit promotion, though I am not sure if all the properties are participating. I saw a full page Renaissance ad in USA Today which gave me the impression that most (if not all) Renaissance are participating.
I think Renaissance is just a step ahead of Marriott. I particularly enjoy the wake up call with your choice of coffee, tea ,or hot chocolate delivered to your room with the morning paper.
Renaissance does participate in the 25K promo, but it's best to check with Marriott customer service before you make reservations to find out if a particular Renaissance property is a participant in this promo
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"The problem with Socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money." Margaret Thatcher
I believe all Renaissance participate in the (Rewards ponits) promotion, but not in the Marriott Mileage program. And as pgupta011 says "Renaissance do not qualify for the elite bonus or the (soon to be discontinued) air/car bonus".
And yes, Renaissance are in average "above" (better) than Marriott. Just 2 examples of outstanding Renaissance hotels: the Mayflower in Washington D.C. and the Stanford Court in San Francisco.
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I would rate most Rennaissance hotels more than just a litte above Marriotts. I would always choose a Rennaissance property. Staff training and attitude is a cut above. The Rennaissance Madison in Seattle is one of my favorite hotels. Service is always outstanding and they never fail to recognize and reward repeat customers.
It seems it varies by location! Ren should be better according to the marketing, but it is not always, eg Wash DC Ren.
The JW Marriott is actually the top of their line with the exception of the RitzCarlton's they manage! Compare the DC JW Marriott to the Ren and you'll see quite a difference!
FFLASV- Have you ever stayed at the Olympic Four Seasons in Seattle, my favorite in town. The Marriott Sea-Tac is basically an airport hotel rather useless for downtown business. However, wrestling fans note that Hulk Hogan stays here!
and yes, the Four Seasons (Olympic) in Seattle is top, but also high-priced. I paid there, nov-98, weekend-rate, $210 - at the SEA-TAC-Marriott (where I only stay one night, if I arrive late, or depart early at SEA-TAC airport) my weekend rate (AARP) is $82.
Another hotel in SEA I am a real fan of (but also on the higher price side) ALEXIS hotel - on first Ave. in easy walking distance from Pioneer Square (and very near to my favorite steak Restaurant: the Metropolitan Grill). And a NO TIPS policy at that hotel.
I haven't been at the Mayflower Ren for over 3 years but my experience there was that it was not that great and a colleague complained bitterly to me about the room, food and service during the trip. I think it was undergoing renovation at that time. Has it in fact been recently renovated?
I've always preferred the Park Hyatt (M St) but it has not been quite as good lately. Since Ken Jurand (former chef) and the old manager left, it is not the same but still excellent.
All the Marriott's in DC are, in my opinion, mediocre (Wash DC Marriott is poor and in a less desirable location and I can't imagine why Marriott bought the former Sheraton up by the zoo) but the JW is pretty good (especially on the Concierge Level) and a fine location.
For value, I like the Latham. Good room, great price!
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Raeban & I stayed at the Mayflower last month. Had a corner junior suite. Everything in nice order and decent service (for America). We even peeked into the ballrooms late at night -- they also appeared to be in good order.
Sure beat the heck out of the Hyatt on Capital Hill. Stayed on the Regency Club level, attempted to visit the closet they call a "lounge" -- really poor...
The Rennaissance Hotel at Times Square, NYC is a pretty nice hotel. Stayed there twice.
But unlike you general, All I got was a U-S-A today. No breakfast food or anything like that.
The layout though is wierd since it's built on part of a small block. Front Desk is on the third floor. You have to take an elevator to everything and corridors can be narrow.
It was also the hotel where Randy had the Freddie's in January. the staff was helpful, the food good. I liked the breakfast there.
The Renaissance opened when it was owned by the candy and cat food people (Nestle also owns Carnation and Fancy Feast cat food... the preferred food of my dear cat, YAZ.)
Rudi- Perhaps we can clear up some confusion in this thread! The Ren Mayflower, as was pointed out, is a former Stouffer and fine property. I like it, despite the fact that the rooms are rather small for a hotel of this price and caliber. My initial comment compared the JW Marriott to the D.C. Ren, which is near the Convention Center, was a former RAMADA property and in my opinion is not very fine! I prefer the JW Marriott, where among other things, they call you to confirm prior to arrival and ask for any special requests so that they can accomodate you in advance!
onefreeman- Agreed! Park Hyatt>>>Grand Hyatt>>>Hyatt Regency. The Park is my preferred DC choice. Superb rooms, service and food as well as location. I stayed at the Hyatt Regency only twice, both times in the Regncy Club. The second time was due to overbooking at the Grand Hyatt, which incidentally does have a good Regency Club. It seems that the Regency is often available for a good reason!
