Thanks for the history lesson, USirritated! I love learning little tidbits like that. Given the ownership of the Scottsdale Marriott Suites, I'm surprised they've let it get so dreary in decor. Even the Hyatt Place across the street looks like a bustling, modern hotel in comparison.

I have a funny story which explains why I don't stay at the Renaissance Scottsdale Resort anymore (not that I never world, but it is my bottom choice in Phoenix). Several years ago my wife and I stayed there over a holiday weekend. As a platinum I was indeed treated very well, including the upgrade to a full casita with outdoor hot tub and complimentary breakfast. Being a young couple, we were eager to hit some dance clubs and figured Tempe (home of the University of Arizona) would be the place to go. We went to the concierge desk and asked for recommendations of places to go for dinner and then dancing in Tempe. The concierge, a stereotypically Scottsdale woman (dressed, surgically altered, and made up to look a lot younger than she obviously was) said she really couldn't help us. We persisted, and finally she said in a perfectly snooty voice, "Well, most of OUR guests don't go to TEMPE," even turning up her nose at the name of the nearby suburb. We couldn't help but giggle as we walked away from the concierge desk. We had a great time in Tempe, by the way, finding things on our own...