I am a regular at the Hyatt Vancouver, and enjoy the property. The staff is excellent, the rooms are good Hyatt quality. I rank the Renaissance much lower then the Hyatt, and would pay the extra $5 in a second to stay at the Hyatt.

The Renaissance is a fine hotel, but not nearly as nice as the Hyatt. The location of the Hyatt is better (but it is further from the water). If you can get a good rate you may also want to look at the Pan Pacific (better then the Hyatt). Many people like the classic Hotel Vancouver above the Hyatt but not me. The Hyatt is one of the better hotels in downtown Vancouver and is generally very nice. The Renaissance is fine, but there are probably a half dozen or so I would rank above it.