rmagritte

Depending on when you're staying this may or may not matter to you, but the Renaissance's CL is open on the weekends, the Marriott's is not. If I recall correctly previous threads also said that the view from the Marriott to the harbor is obstructed unless you're on a pretty high floor.

I have the same decision to make -- I'll be out there in May. Right now I have reservations at both properties while I try to decide.

toura lura

We stayed at the Ren . several years ago for 3 nights. Used points (extra ones for a waterview) and had no complaints at all. Would return anytime.

There was a casino in the basement, convenient to all of downtown, had a 3-season balcony with a great view. We walked all over and one day used the Hop On & Off trolly.

The property does block the views at the Marriott across the street-unless you are way up there.
MaryAnn

ohmark

This is true, but there are many above ordinary rooms at the Marriott with spectacular views. If you are an elite (and more likely to have special requests granted), it is very important to know which floor you need to be above for an unobstructed view and which direction the room faces (water or city view). Rooms come in various shapes and sizes, and such is designated by the last two digits of the room number. Some are significantly better in size, shape, and view, than others. See this long, but worthwhile thread at Tripadvisor for many words of advice as to these issues. http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR..._Columbia.html

travelbls

Mr. travelbls and I enjoyed a wonderful 3 days at the Marriott last Sept. The staff in the CL is really exceptional - I can't seem to remember the name of one in particular, but think it was something like Miranda. Since Mr. travelbls is a MR plat, we were upgraded to an incredible corner room that had a view of both Stanley park and the harbor - the floor was in the 20's I believe. We just happened to be there on the last Tuesday evening of the month, when they host a special event for Golds and Plats with (free) wine, beer and a special spread of appetizers made by the restaurant chef. The focus of the event is to get feedback from their best customers. We just couldn't speak more highly of our experience there, and the food in the CL was great, with hot appetizers in the evening, and some variations for breakfast.
Our next two nights were at the Seattle Waterfront, which has been spoken of very highly by others, but really paled in comparison to the Pinnacle.

DawgmanOH

Stayed at the Pinnacle for five nights in January. As a Plat, was upgraded to a room overlooking the Harbor and CL access. Fantastic stay! Very nice breakfast in the AM and great appetizer food in PM.

Try to stay above the 15th floor (IIRC) to get above the Ren for a view of the Harbor.

Note that there is now a condo going up between the Ren and the Harbor so many of their rooms that used to have a straight view are now blocked.

DJ_Iceman

Now I'm doubting myself and thinking it was actually the Renaissance we stayed at! It's embarassing, because I usually don't forget things like that.

The kicker was the word "Pinnacle" in the Marriott's name, which really doesn't ring any bells. I also don't remember anything between the hotel and the water. Going back ten years or so, was the Renaissance the only one there?

cwm143

Having stayed at both hotels many times the marriott wins hands down! It is one of my favorite MC hotels anywhere.
It's newer is a good way, rooms are great and the beds are excellence.
The Ren. is a bit dated and the rooms mostly small and standard. The only issue i have with both is the price of parking at $30 a night. there is street parking available nearby.

sziv50

Stayed at the Renaissance last week. It is undergoing reservations so if you plan to be there during the day, definitely take that into consideration.

Brendan

Cwm143 probably drove his/her own car up from Seattle, but...
Speaking of parking, a rental car is not needed in downtown Vancouver--think Toronto or New York. & Hertz has an office in the Ren which is closed Tue. & Wed. (!) but otherwise fine for picking up or dropping off a car when it's time 2 go to the suburbs, Whistler, etc. A 24-hour rental can be cheaper than a taxi fare to YVR Airport!

packet

I've stayed at both of them in the past couple months. I don't know if it's just me, but I ALWAYS have trouble at the Marriott. Either they give away my room or flat out refuse to give me my guaranteed room type (and I'm MR Plat). The Ren had quite nice staff but the rooms aren't as nice, although they're currently undergoing renovation.

GrizShel

From those who have stayed at one of these properties recently:
Any updated feedback on either or both of the two full-service hotels in downtown Vancouver?

I believe that the Renaissance property says online that they are undergoing renovations right now which could tilt the balance in favor of the Marriott Pinnacle for now.

Here's one thread from last year with some more property reviews:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=682564

DawgmanOH

Stayed at the Pinnacle for a week in late January. Would definitely recommend it over the Renaissance, especially if you are Plat.

Great lounge very high up with wonderful views. Wonderful breakfast selection.

IrieDame

Absolutely the Pinnacle.

camel589

Stayed at the REN for a week in Feb. It is under renovations as a previous poster mentioned. My room was on the 6th floor which had a great view of the harbour, watched sea planes taking off and the ski mountain across the way was lit up at night. CL was good, but nothing to rave about. Both hotels are across from the street from each other.

cyberdad

Another vote for the Pinnacle. Above average restaurant and CL lounge. Ren accross the street may technically have slightly better views, but the Pinnacle also has rooms with really good ones.