ohmark

Haven't stayed there in years. Many folks think the best hotel in downtown Detroit is the Athenium but, of course, it's not Marriott.

mlscribe

Stayed there a couple of weekends ago and also in December, and it was fine. A big place and a bit spread out, but up-to-date and in a good location.

There's also a Courtyard across the street that's connected to the Ren Cen by skywalk if you want to try that option.

ContinentalFan

Well, I am glad to hear that the hotel has improved. I last stayed there in 2001 and had a truly awful experience. I found myself drifting over to Hilton. I was disappointed by the way Marriott handled the problem: I got the impression that the hotel was so bad I should grin and bear it, the CS people could help. At least it's good that the hotel is now better than it was six years ago.

Ringside

I am trying to decide between the Marriott Renaissance Center and the Courtyard Downtown. The advantages of the courtyard seem to be a larger room and LCD TV. Anyone have any input?

Thanks.

socrates

I much prefer the CY over the MHRS

cyberdad

I much prefer staying in Windsor. Cheaper, cleaner, and safer. At least IMHO. No Marriotts over there, so I prefer the Holiday Inn Select about a mile up the road from the Ambassador Bridge.

(Ask for an upper floor facing North and you get a view of the Ren Cen!)

SomeGuy

If you don't like heights, the Ren Center doesn't start until the 9th floor. Also, I have to crank the heat up at night, otherwise I freeze.

Michigan Czar

I prefer the CY, easier to get in and out of and the rooms are larger.

TravelingWookiee

I've not stayed at the Marriott myself, but I know plenty of colleagues who have. Almost universally, they've not been happy with the experience. Until the restorations of a few of the historical hotels (i.e., the Cadillac) are completed, I think downtown Detroit will be lacking someplace one could truly recommend.

You may want to consider other nearby areas instead. Southfield and Dearborn aren't too far away and they may have nicer options for you.

dcpatti

I too find the Ren Center in winter painfully cold but after a couple of complaints, I started calling their Housekeeping when I land at the airport and asking them to pre-warm the room for me. They actually do it about 75% of the time when I ask first. I do love the views from the higher floors and there's a lot to do in the Ren Center complex (even a movie theatre) so I am not bored on a longer trip. I have never stayed at the Courtyard so I can't really compare but I like the facilities at the Ren Center enough that I haven't been tempted to try somewhere else. The rooms are OK, not stellar, just your generic Marriott room, but the view and the option to get out, stretch my legs, and not have to have every meal at the hotel bar without actually having to drive anywhere really appeal to me.

ohmark

Au contraire: http://www.atheneumsuites.com/02/main.html

dioxide45

We stayed at the Renaissance Center over Thanksgiving 2004. The serviced was non-existant. Tried calling "At Your Service" but never received an answer. Had to physically go down to the lobby to order room service. I guess they were all tending to Ashley Simpson and the MTV crew who were all staying there at the same time. When watching her MTV show we recognized the hotel and realized that it was the exact same day that we were there. I hope she received better service than we did.

nwaaok

Ive been to the Ren Cen Marriott tons of times for events and meetings. I agree that service downright sucks. The property itself though is probably the nicest in downtown Detroit. If your looking for a more well rounded experience, I suggest either the HGI Downtown Detroit or either the Southfield Marriott (15 mins from Downtown) or the Livonia Marriott (20 mins from Downtown).

glg

It's been a few years, but I thought the CY was nice. They're connected by a skyway, so it's easy to get between. There wasn't a fitness center in the Ren (this may have changed?). Instead they sent you across the street to the CY. Nice pool and fitness center in the CY (bigger than your usual CY).

MIFlyer

They have both been under constuction over the last several years. We tend to stay at the best rate between the two, but always stay at the CY if it's available at a good rate. We have consitently received better upgrades at the CY. Marriott gets a small plus for the view and Seldom Blues lounge. CY has better rooms, better upgrades, and Sweet Lorraines restaurant. Access to the People Mover is a little easier at the CY (if it's running).