Oak Brook, Ill Renaissance vs Marriott
 

Does anyone have experience with these two hotels and what are the pros/cons? Will be in town mid-October for 4 days. Thanks.

I've never actually stayed at either, but do stay in that area a lot so have seen both hotels and would tell you that the Renaissance is nothing special and I wouldn't pay much more for it compared to the Marriott.

If you're not married to the Marriott chain, the Hilton Suites Oak Brook would be a much better choice in my opinion, especially for a four night stay, it's about a 1/2 mile from the Renaissance and a mile from the Marriott.

Having stayed at the Renaissance AND the Hilton Suites, I agree 100% with Beckles. The Renaissance is not what I'd expect from that brand. Rooms are smallish, and not very furnished, IMO. I certainly won't pay a premium for it. Have not stayed at the Oakbrook Marriott. But the Hilton Suites is decent, and often has good rates. For a lower priced alternative, consider the Hilton Garden Inn as well. It's across from the Hilton Suites, and both are close to Oakbrook Center. While there, go to the Clubhouse for lunch or dinner. Wonderful place.

I have stayed at the Marriott and its average for a Marriott. My biggest complaint is the doors are paper thin, I think they're made out of balsa wood. If you have a noisy hall (there was a family reunion when I was there last) then you will hear EVERYTHING.

If price is an issue, I would also look at the Courtyard in Oak Brook Terrace, IL just a short drive away. I stayed at this newly remodeled Courtyard last month and it was definitely one of the nicest Courtyards I have ever stayed in. New renovated rooms are a definite improvement over the old Courtyard look.

Bonus MR Points for Oakbrook Marriott Stays
 

I picked up a promo that will get you 2,000 bonus Marriott Rewards Points for your 1st stay at the Oakbrook Marriott, 3,000 for your 2nd, and 5,000 for your 3rd.

You have to have the promo certificate (which I can send you) to get the bonus. Its also good for the Marriott Suites Downers Grove which is only about 5 miles from the Marriott.

Let me know if you're interested.

Premium for Ren vs. Marriott???
 

Several postings talk about the expectation of a higher price or premium for Ren over Marriott. To me, between Marriotts and Rens, price differentiation depends on the particular property and location. I don't presume that, in general, a Ren is more or less expensive than a Marriott.

Indeed, the Ren in Oakbrook is often priced at a similar level to the Marriott there. Sometimes there isn't even much of a premium over the Courtyard (nor is the Ren Oakbrook worth a premium in any way shape or form). BUT, having said that, you can likely get more for around the same price at the Hilton Suites in Oakbrook. I do presume that, unless one must stay at a Marriott property for points/stay or other reasons, one would want more comfort and space at a similar price. That points to something like the Hilton Suites and not the Ren.

Have stayed at both a number of times. The Ren used to be something else- a Crowne Plaza? I now do prefer the nearby Hilton Suites, or even the very nice Sheraton Four Points (converted Wyndham). If I had to really choose a Marriott property, I'd probably go for the Courtyard in Oakbrook Terrace.

At this Ren they have now put chains on the little balconies of the corner rooms, so you cannot even step out onto them anymore. The balancing fact is that from this property you have a number of nice restaurant choices a short walk away at the mall (add at least another 5-10 minute walk if staying at the Marriott; if staying at the Courtyard, it is a drive).

At the CY you will also get guaranteed (and free) HSIA. The Four Points is one of those that does still not offer HSIA (despite the 4Pts mandate to do so).

I have stayed in both the Ren and Hilton Suites in Oakbrook. I preferred the Hilton Suites - much bigger room and it seemed much quieter to me. I expected the Ren to be much nicer than it was but found the rooms to be small and nothing special.