Okay quick update for anyone looking to book the mid-tier/upscale properties:

The short version: if you value service (soft product) then go with the Ren for now. If you’d rather hard product, the Sheraton is the way to go.


Renaissance (Corner King Jr. Suite)
- Service is excellent. Staff is very friendly, made an effort to remember my name, sorted out a bunch of IT issues at the front desk, very personable
- Lounge is open (on 28th floor) with limited service (prepackaged snacks)
- Breakfast benefit offered without question or fuss for Guest + 1 Member in Hotel Restaurant,
- In my opinion, the property went above and beyond to deliver on breakfast (free $27 Crab Benedict for breakfast, yes please!)
- Room is reasonably well maintained, if a bit dated. Shower pressure is excellent, real glassware in room, easy to access outlets
- The bed is a bit springy, reminds me of some of the older Courtyard/Sheraton beds in smaller towns/cities
- Not all light fixtures tied to wall switches; had to hunt down how to turn the lights on and off (nightstand and floor lamp)
- Aveda toiletries in mini-bottles, imo the best toiletries in Marriott’s upscale tier (i.e. I prefer these over Westin/Sheraton/etc.)

Sheraton (Booked Base Room 1 King -> Platinum Upgrade to Deluxe 1 King City View High Floor)
- Checked in pretty late, front desk was very professional, not as friendly as the Renaissance, but friendly by Seattle standards
- Lounge is not open (on 32nd floor) — breakfast benefit offered in “breakfast room” on 32nd floor, presumably “converted” lounge?
- Room in Pike Tower appears recently renovated, some wear and tear in the bathroom, but room furnishings look modern and feel great
- Lousy water pressure; they’ve installed the low flow shower heads found across many other Marriott properties, like using a sprinkler
- Some outlets difficult to access, but difficult to compare against the suite
- No glassware, still shrink wrapped plastic cups
- bed is much better than the Renaissance (you don’t feel the mattress springs …)
- Well lit, plenty of lights to turn on and off as needed
- I don’t recognize the toiletry brand, but it’s been over 2 years since I’ve stayed in a Sheraton, seems nice enough


W was a bit out of reach at $154/night when I looked. Maybe another time. I hear their bathroom kinda sucks tho.