Brussels or Ghent
 

I want to redeem a travel package that includes air miles, so I need a 7 night stay. My first choice was the Brussels Marriott, but it seems to have Mondays-Wednesdays blacked out, so I can't get a full week. The plan was to unpack once and do day trips to Brugges, Antwertp, etc. Would Ghent be a good alternative or is the Brussels Renaissance a better choice? Is the Ghent Marriott in a historic district? I would appreciate input from anyone who knows these hotels.

What elite level are you? Sometimes hotels might be willing to work with you on an award stay if you are a Gold/Plat. So if you decide you really want to stay at the Brussels Marriott, I might try to contact the hotel GM. Depending on their occupancy rate and why they have those nights blocked out, the GM may be willing to open up one room for a high level elite.

I know it doesn't happen all the time, but it couldn't hurt to ask.

since my husband retired, only a silver, but own three timeshares and use the credit card, so have a lot of points.

Ghent really is a wonderful place and a good location. It is centrally located between Brugges, Antwerp, and Brussels. It has a lot of pleasant attractions and some of the charm of Brugges without the hordes of tourists.

One disadvantage with using it as a base is that the train station (Ghent-Saint Peters) is a tram ride away from the Marriott. This isn't too big of a deal, but it can be a bit of an annoyance.

The Brussels Marriott is a short walk from Brussels-Central. This station has frequent domestic service and is just a stop away from Brussels-Midi, should you decide to take Eurostar, Thalys, or other international service.

As far as the hotels themselves, I've stayed several times at the Brussels Marriott. This is one of my favorite Marriott-family properties in the world. The associates are wonderful and the rooms comfortable. The breakfast in the restaurant is quite nice. Ghent's Marriott is relatively new, constructed behind historic facades fronting the canal. I haven't stayed there (yet).

I've never stayed at the Renaissance and wouldn't consider it. The location is rather inconvenient and lacks the charm of the two Marriott properties.

All of this talk is making me hungry for Neuhaus and thirsty for Rochefort...

Indeed Gent is a wonderful town. A few weeks ago I was there and it is a most charming town. The location is indeed good to do city trips to Brugge, Antwerpen and Brussel.
You could also rent a car as an alternative. Marriott has a parking spaces under the hotel.
The Gent Marriott is a nice and new property. For my review see the Ghent Marriott thread.

When in Gent have dinner at Belga Queen one night. It is located in one of the oldest houses of Gent.

Having stayed at both, I'd highly recommend Brussels as a base for short trips if you can manage it. Ghent really lends itself to a few days of walking around soaking up the lovely buildings and very nice restaurants. Rushing off to catch a train every day strikes me as out of sync with its character. The Brussels Marriott, on the other hand, is centrally located near train stations as the already mentioned and just perfect for either day trips or exploring Brussels. Lots to do and see within walking distance.

Ditto what the OP said about the Renaissance - too far off the beaten track.

There's also a Courtyard about halfway between the airport and downtown. I have no info about it.

I'd call the GM in Brussels and ask sweetly...good luck!