My experience couldn't be more different. I'm a plat who stayed multiple times in a tiny, non-upgraded room and dealt with the most indifferent staff I've encountered at any property.

The 9th St property ALWAYS either has the lounge open on the weekend or provides free breakfast coupons (that are good either for the buffet or the same amount off a la carte ordering). Their staff is great, the rooms are modern and clean, and I've had upgrades all the way up to the Presidential Suite. Location depends on what you're going to see, but I find it more convenient to the places I usually visit than the Mayflower. But even if it was tucked far away, the hard and soft product at the 9th St Renaissance have been vastly superior in my experience.