PaceLaw2012

Scarlett?

Sorry, I couldn't resist.

You mean O'Hare airport. The Renaissance Suites O'Hare is a good choice, apparently. Haven't stayed there personally.

SkiAdcock

I think there's actually a separate thread re: ORD choices, so I've asked the mod (if that's the case) to merge this into the main thread to help the OP determine her best choice.

On a dif note - Welcome to Flyertalk flyermom2!

Cheers.

cyb2888

Just checked into the Courtyard Marriott near ORD. First time staying at a Marriott hotel since the SPG merger. I'm SPG platinum so carried over to Marriott. I am a bit shocked about this place.

Room
Pro : Got upgraded to a suite.
Con : Had to ask for it and there really isn't much of a view

Service
Pro : friendly
Con : new hire (I think) so I had to ask for everything...suite upgrade, late check out...nothing was offered up voluntarily

Welcome amenity
Pro : There are some...let me think...I got to pick a drink out of the little mart...I forgot my toothpaste so I grabbed a tube of that and the front desk said just to take it and didn't charge me.
Con : No free breakfast, (only?) 400 points

Being my first stay at Marriott I wasn't sure what to expect as a platinum. Apparently Courtyard doesn't offer free breakfast for platinum members and you only get 400 points as a welcome.

I'm switching to the Renaissance Suites tomorrow so I'll see what that's like. They do have a club/executive lounge I believe so I'm interested to see how that stacks up.

I would normally stick with SPG but reading up on their experiences with their ORD hotel forums I decided to give Marriott a shot...and with the Megabonus I can hop between the Courtyard and the Renaissance and get my first 2K points :-D

ikwia

I see lots of comparisons between the Ren Suites and the Marriott...but how about between the Ren Suites and the Marriott Suites? Which property is preferred for a Fri night layover?

Edited to add: somewhat off topic b/c this thread is about Marriott-brand properties, but the Sheraton also looks to be an interesting choice, with a concierge lounge open 24/7 and providing evening and breakfast service on the weekend.

NDDomer86

If it matters to you, the Renaissance Suites O'Hare is practically attached to the Cumberland Blue Line Station via an outdoor walkway. The Marriott Suites O'Hare is a 10-15 minute walk underneath the Jane Addams and along a busy street to the Rosemont Station, though I would think that the shuttle could take you there.

The Marriott Suites O'Hare has been recently renovated and is your typical Marriott Suites property, nothing great and nothing terrible.

The same can be said of the Renaissance Suites O'Hare, though the renovations did not do away with the insanely small (24" I believe, yes, that's right I said 24") television in the bedroom of the standard suites.

Both properties have fairly small standard suites though at the Renaissance, they do well to upgrade Platinums to the large corner suites when available.

AATrout

I've stayed at both these properties as well as the FS Marriott on Higgins (the latter after the reno in 2012). Your Suites O'Hare assessment is solid. That hike to the blue line w/bags isn't bad when temps are not at extremes. And yes the shuttle will drop you. Although River Rd is busy, unlike the FSM and Ren Suites, you can walk for a decent meal if you have time: either the Giordanos or Gene & Georgettis I haven't tried it but there is also a good Italian restaurant really close to the Suites O'Hare in the adjacent office park.

At the FSM and Ren, you need the Lounge if your timing permits because there isn't (or wasn't) much for walkable restaurants.

ikwia

I know this is somewhat OT since it is about an SPG property, but....

I ended up going with the Sheraton, which is an all-suites property, and I was very happy with my choice. The lounge is indeed still open 24/7 for beverages and snacks, and they still have breakfast on the weekends an evening service (although I was not there to sample it). The lounge breakfast is on the lower end of what I've seen, but perfectly fine...eggs, bacon, sausage, pastries, yogurt, etc. The exercise room looks to be recently updated, with plenty of equipment in like-new condition.

As an aside, the "restaurant" breakfast buffet was pitiful looking...appeared to have nothing the lounge didn't.

Time traveller

I have an upcoming trip where I am looking to stay at either at the Rennaissance Suites O'Hare or the Marriott O'Hare. From reading the thread, there are many people who prefer the Renaissance because of the all suites. However the Marriott O'Hare has been more recently renovated.

Can anyone post the lounge hours and times when breakfast and evening hors d'oeuvres are served at these two hotels? What are the hot food offerings at these hotels in the evening?

At the Renaissance, you are guaranteed a suite. However what are upgrade chances for a Platinum Elite for a midweek 3 night stay at the Marriott O'Hare?

DELee

Might want to contact the hotel to find out if they have a large convention or meeting that will occupy most of the hotel - thus driving demand and limiting availability of said suites.

David

LPCJr

I think the likelihood of a suite upgrade at the Marriott for 3 nights is unlikely. Marriott doesn't do a lot of suite upgrades and my experience has been that my best chance is when it is a one night stay.

The Ren does have a big advantage in terms of space in the room. The minuses IMO are that they have VERY small TVs, may not be an issue if you don't watch TV, and the lounge isn't the greatest. I can't recall offering specifics, but I just remember the breakfast service not being the most efficient. Service at the OHare Marriott is good.

Also, may or may not be an issue, but parking at the Ren is covered, at the Marriott it is an open parking lot.

Lastly, although you didn't ask about it, my favorite OHare area property is actually the Sheraton. As a Marriott Plat you would get access to the lounge, which is quite good. Also, this is an all suite property and I like their suites better than the Ren.

Hope this helps.

Time traveller

That is a good point about the Sheraton. I wasn't aware the Sheraton was all suites, but it is good to know. Thanks for your comments about the Rennaissance and O'Hare Marriott.

JHake10

It seems Ren and Marriott Suites are decent. Is there an updated consensus for "the best" ORD hotel? I'm just doing one night. Get in at 11 and hopefully late check out next day. Any updates appreciated.

goodeats21

Stayed a night at the Renn Suites O'Hare on Memorial Day due to the storms at ORD.

Room was fine. Not much Ambassador recognition, and lounge closed for the holiday, with no notice at check-in. It did open up Tuesday morning, but they were still setting up the food at the 6AM open time, so all I managed was a cup of coffee.

Tried to use the chat function a couple of times, but apparently it isn't monitored in real time.

UA-NYC

Westin is great - renovated in the past few years. Proper Starbucks in the lobby. Excellent gym. Love the top floor rooms w/the very high ceilings.

JHake10

Thanks! Will take a look at both these properties.