Please forgive me if this has been discussed previously...I tried searching but with no luck.

I am in the process of making a decision between Starwood, Hyatt and Marriott for the upcoming year. I will likely have 25-35 stays in whichever program I choose (translating to Gold at Marriott, Diamond at Hyatt and Platinum at Starwood). I do have a preference for more upscale hotels, and my job permits me wide discretion in where I stay.

I have pretty much figured out the equivalents in each program -- e.g. Marriott == Sheraton/Westin (somewhere in between for most) == Hyatt, Courtyard == Four Points, Grand Hyatt == Westin (roughly), Park Hyatt == St. Regis (almost).

I am, however, completely confused about Renaissance. I have stayed at several Renaissance hotels (St. Louis, Gatwick, and a few others I can't remember), and can't discern any consistent difference between them and a garden-variety Marriott. What is the intended market for each chain? Is Renaissance supposed to be more upscale than Marriott, or vice versa? There is nothing on the Marriott web site that even hints at the answer.

Any comments would be much appreciated. If, in fact, the average Renaissance is nicer than the average Marriott, that would be a plus for me. But I honestly can't tell the difference.