I've stayed in both. Honestly, as noted in prior comments, it's 2 different experiences. The JW is one of the more luxury oceanfront resorts out there which is not AI, the other being the Kempinski (no longer part of Ritz). It is no longer "attached" to the Marriott next door, which will re-open as an AI. The restaurants on-site are very good, the breakfast buffet is awesome but I suspect no longer free like in the past. Still, the best rate here is a breakfast rate. The Renaissance Marina is styled as a business hotel. Attached to a high end mall with many offerings and a nice deck with fast casual and fast food offerings, as well as some nicer sitdown restaurants. The on-site pool is tiny, as well as the hot tub. But Ren customers do have free access to a private beach club less than a mile away. There is a free hotel shuttle that takes you there, or just walk (it's just past the SLS, to the right). You must get a ticket from the front desk to get into the club area - which has 2 large pools (one for adults only), beach area guarded so few waves, and a small set of exercise stations. I've never seen it packed, so if you are looking for tons of people, don't choose this. Also, if you purchase something at the beach club, you must settle your account with them. The food and drink are good. Breakfast amenity allows you to get the continental breakfast (fruit and bread only), and an upcharge opens up the full buffet. As noted, 2 very different experiences. In addition to these 2, note the 2 Westins and the Aloft - which might be available.