If there is a choice between a Ren and a Marriott in a destination, I tend to favor the Ren. In Chicago, for example, the Ren is much nicer and stylish than the Marriott. Across the board, usually they are decorated more nicely and the rooms look less like your typical standard hotel room. As has been mentioned, they're not as hip as a W, but they have some character. The service - and this just might be a coincidence that we've encountered - also tends to be better at the Rens.