bkramt1

Based on my experience, that's the distinction. I stayed once as a Plat with no suite, once as a Plat Premier with a suite.

ikwia

That's sort of funny. I was totally kidding, but maybe that really is what they use as the criteria! I don't see much benefit to Plat Prem vs Plat...if anyone can give me compelling reasons I should be happy I have this status, PLMK...

AceAirspeed

Yes, they still (as of this morning) have free internet in the rooms. Wireless on the 14 & 15 floors (Concierge Levels).

allset2travel

Here is a thread about the ren
http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=340340

ms ga peach

I think jedphx has the RI near the convention center mixed up with the RI @ Hughes Center. The one near the convention center is the typical type with the different bldgs. It IS close to the monorail. But it's an older property. I perfer the Hughes Center location much more.

Also, another option if you are w/o a car other than walking or taking a taxi is to take the local bus. For $5 you can get a 24-hour pass with unlimited rides.

psflygirl

I have to agree .... I have stayed at the Las Vegas Ren 5 or 6 times as a Platinum Premier and have been given a suite each time. In fact, on my birthday (over new years to boot), all 3 rooms that I had reserved were upgraded.

The JW is awesome, if you don't mind the drive/commute in. We stayed there just a few weeks ago for my daughter's soccer tournie. The games were all out in Summerlin and will the crew, we didn't really need to be on the strip. I was upgraded to the 2 bedroom suite .... really impressed the kids Great pool too.

jeffh

Using my points to take my wife on a vacation to Vegas. Have booked both the Marriot Suites and JW Marriot resort on points until I can decide which one to stay in. Can anyone give positive/negatives on one or the other.

Also, first time using points for a room. Do they upgrade Platinum members when we use points for a room?

mbflyflyaway

Welcome to FT....I see you're new so I'll warn you that you will soon be blasted to use the search feature. Problem is, it never seems to work for more than one word searches anyway.

I can't speak for the JW, but I've stayed at the Suites hotel. It's about 3 blocks off of the strip, near the convention center and close to the monorail (that takes you to the south side of the strip). There are no real upgrades in this hotel as all the rooms are the same - when I stayed as a gold (paid reserveration using a heavily discounted rate - ENTertainment I believe, but need the card) I got top floor, corner room. Thought it was an upgrade until I asked. I still didn't complain as I think it's a very nice facility. No concierge lounge, but free breakfast every morning - either buffet or from the menu.

I would hope that the JW is nicer only cause they're supposed to be...but I know nothing about it. There's also a Rennassaince near the monoral station (as well as a Courtyard and a Residence Inn) all within a stones throw of the Marriott Suites.

Hope this helps!

-Mike

kimag

I've stayed at the JW. It's very nice but far from the strip (about 15-20 minutes drive). They have a casino on site but it's very small by vegas standards. The JW is more of a resort. If strip access is important, it may be better to be near the strip at marriott suites. I've never stayed at suites, so i don't know how nice that is. No idea about upgrades for points.

kimag

Did you check hotel prices during the time you'll be there? Since two hotels are offering pointsavers, i'm guessing that it's low season. Weekday prices in vegas are generally low, especially off season. You usually can stay on the strip for $50 to $100 for a 3-4 star hotel (unless there's a convention). On Weekdays, I've stayed at the Mandalay Bay for about $120 and the Hilton LV for $50. Unless you don't want to spend any money on hotels or have tons of points that you want to use up, i'd use the pay method. You'll probably get a nicer hotel on the strip and save your points for more expensive venues.

DJ_Iceman

I've stayed at both. The Suites is a "standard" Marriott Suites--once you enter the lobby you might as well be in Topeka as Vegas. But the location isn't bad, they offer free breakfast for plats, and the staff was friendly.

The JW is an amazing place. It's one of the nicest Marriott properties I've stayed at, and they offer very generous room upgrades. The on-site restaurants are run by Gustav Mauler and are excellent. The downside is that you're a decent drive away from all the tourist stuff, but I actually saw that as a plus. You can go to the strip for gambling, shows, or whatever but then at the end of the day you've got a wonderful oasis to retreat to.

HawkSE

Have stayed at and liked them very much. Though the two proterties meet different needs and both are very different than The Strip's hotels. But that is a good thing for me as my tolerance for the Vegas 'scene' is pretty low as a few hours is all I can take of Casino fare.

The Suites is a business Oasis just across from the convention center. If work is why you are in Vegas stay here, and you want insulation (not everyone does ) from the Casinos, tourists, etc. there is no better place to stay. But the strip is still just a couple of blocks away an easy walk or there is also close access to the people mover.

The JW is a true resort and removed from the city entirely. I would only stay here on a personal vacation that did not include plans for alot of time on The Strip. Other than that I can't add much to the previous posts, other than to echo it is one of the best Marriott propteries I have visited.

Global_Hi_Flyer

Agree with the comments on the Suites. When I used to go to a couple of conventions a year in Vegas, I'd always book ahead for either the Suites or a nearby RI. Quite a relief from the rest of the town.

1Kwoman

Try the Renaissance. It is just off the strip and is really a nice property. The rooms are contemporary and fresh. I have stayed at all 3 and my 2 cents is that the JW is way off the beaten track and dated, the Suites is standard Marriott issue, and the Renaissance is hipper and nicer.

1Kwoman

I agree 100%! This is a great prpoerty!