Originally Posted by neo_781
I'm not sure I agree with that assessment. I stayed at the JW in New Orleans thinking that it would be more special than the Ren or Marriott but it was not so. In fact I think the Ren Pere Marquette is a much nicer property and only a block or 2 away so its not location either.
I'm in agreement with others here and think its marketing and that people will pay more per night just because.
In most cases, I get the Renaissance vs. Marriott brand distinction. Renaissance tends to be a smaller, more boutique-y hotel in most places I've visited, whereas the Marriott is typically larger and with larger meeting spaces. Renaissance seems a bit more "chic" in a lot of places. It's a bit like a W vs. Westin comparison. Well, loosely like that...
At least, this is what it seems like to me in New Orleans, Des Moines, Seattle, Maui, and Chicago. I always look for Renaissances when I travel - I prefer that style as long as I can confirm that it's a good hotel in general.