My vote is JW on all 3 but location depends on what your needs are...they are 1 block from the WH and 1 block from a Metro stop and are connected to National Press Place

In most cases, I get the Renaissance vs. Marriott brand distinction. Renaissance tends to be a smaller, more boutique-y hotel in most places I've visited, whereas the Marriott is typically larger and with larger meeting spaces. Renaissance seems a bit more "chic" in a lot of places. It's a bit like a W vs. Westin comparison. Well, loosely like that... :)

At least, this is what it seems like to me in New Orleans, Des Moines, Seattle, Maui, and Chicago. I always look for Renaissances when I travel - I prefer that style as long as I can confirm that it's a good hotel in general.

I can't think of one reason the JW in DC is a JW; not one. To me it's a typical bizness Marriott & in no way is worth the JW designation (which I normally take as meaning a bit more upscale). Unless it has a fab rate, I'd try one of the other Marriotts in DC and probably will on an upcoming trip. Cheers.

Actually, the count on the website is wrong. At this link, I count 16 US locations, and 17 international.

When did we annex Mexico?? Its 16 North American JWs.

1845.


No wait...never mind...we only got part of it... ;)

My .02 (or less):

Can't remember where I read it, but as I recall it, the DC JW was the first to bear that designation, but purely as an honor for JW, Sr.

This was before the formal establishment of JW Marriotts as an upscale brand and the intention was to establish it a FS Marriott and its design reflects it.

I have no way of knowing, but I wouldn't be surprised if its franchised as a FS Marriott property that is expected to meet that brand's standards in spite of its name and .e standards expected of a FS Marriott despite its name despite that it's listed with the other JW properties.

I have stayed at 6 JW's: Phoenix, Denver, Miami, Caracas, Rio, and Mexico City. The first four have upgraded me to suites, and the last two upgraded me to very nice rooms although not suites.

To me JW's have a different feel to it, with more upscale ambience, decor, service, and amenities. You can count on great spas and restaurants, and more personal attention from the staff. It's worth the difference in price compared to Marriott and Ren.

To me, it all depends on the property. I don't know what standards Marriott has set for the JW brand (maybe Socrates can comment on this; I remember that a while ago Socrates mentioned that originally JW was not to be a separate brand with separate standards, but that at some point corporate decided to make JW a separate brand extension), but as in other respects so much depends on the property's management. For example, having stayed at a number of JW's, I doubt that there is one more deluxe than the Ren Vinoy. The New Orleans properties (I wish them the best) are another example: the JW doesn't seem much different from the FS Marriott across the street, but the two Rens seem a step above.

JW's standards are higher than those of Renaissance & Marriott, to me I'd say they are mostly smaller items but they would be missed if they weren't there (easily overlooked when present but still leaves you with a sense of being nicer than a Ren/Marriott) Hopefully this makes sense

I spent a few weeks at the JW Quito: embassy rate, decent but nothing special room, great view of Pichincha. Concierge service was magnificent; manager at the time was a German gent, who epitomized Teutonic efficiency and order. He was often seen in the lobby.

The Sunday brunch was an astounding presentation. The pastry chef was a very pleasant young lady; I didn't sample the wares, but if they tasted as good as they looked....

FWIW, a high-level guvvie chose this location during my stay. My daily attire by requirement was less than business casual, and I felt a slob not wearing a suit in the lobby. I was never treated less, and send most of my meager business to Marriott.