My only stay at RC they gave me a very poor room and as others have noted, you won't get lounge access. Essex House has (generally) treated me quite well across numerous stays. While it is not a luxury property, it is historic, and the common spaces (especially elevators) are nice. The lounge is good if you want a decent free breakfast (it's the restaurant buffet) but otherwise the lounge is just a windowless room on the ground floor.