I've never stayed at the Outrigger/Marriott, but the Renaissance sure *looked* a lot nicer. I was Gold when I stayed there and had a special rate in the highest category of room, so I don't know what they do about upgrades.

The room I stayed in was called the Mokapu Wing. It's a separate building from the main hotel, closer to the beach. Only catch is that the 1st floor of this building has a hedgerow view, while the second floor of the building has a spectacular ocean view. (We spent 1 night on the first floor and asked to be moved to the second for the rest of our nights.)

If they offer you an "upgrade" to the 1st floor Mokapu, you might consider declining it in favor of a (technically lesser) upgrade to a main-building ocean view room. Or ask to see the room to see if it suits your needs...

Our rate included 2 full buffet breakfasts every day, so I don't know what Gold or Platinum status would get you for free. The buffet was among the nicest breakfast buffets I've ever seen (served in a wonderful open-air restaurant overlooking the grounds and ocean) and I'm sure they charge about twenty bucks a head for it. It's up to you whether breakfast is worth that kind of money...