Sorry to say, but I cannot give this hotel a glowing report, other than the location. You can not get much more "in the middle" of Times Square. If I were excited about walking the sidewalks with mobs and hoards of people who frequent this tourist area, I might consider staying here again. But crowds of this size are not my thing!
My room was comfortable enough. Two double beds. Lots of pillows. For the most part, a comfy sleep. The AC works well. The view was looking down onto 7th Avenue and not directly onto Times Square. The bathroom is adequate, but I wish it had a separate shower from the tub. Plenty of towels on hand. The soap, shampoo, etc. amenities were lacking when I arrived, but they got somewhat replenished when my room was cleaned (on the SECOND day). My room was not touched the day after my first (of 3) nights here. I had been out for pretty much the whole day and was very disappointed to find that nothing had been cleaned or replenished. It was late in the day, and I had plenty of towels and coffee for the next morning, so I did not bother to call anyone. I am typically not a complainer. Some people might try to get some extra Marriott points out of the situation.... not me. I looked for a wall mirror and finally found a full length mirror on the inside back of the closet door. A bit unhandy. The closet is big enough and there is a good supply of hangers. Tea and coffee making facilities are here. Ice is delivered in the evening, along with turn-down service and chocolates, if you want them.
Don't move anything in the mini bar because you are automatically charged, even if you did not take it! There is at least a warning sign to let you know this. I hate those fridges like that. There are times when I like to place small bits of cold food in the fridge, but when the mini bar socks it to you, I don't even try to make space for any left overs I might have in hand!
The internet in the room is fast, and is free for me as I am an elite with Marriott.
The Executive Lounge on the "L" level (one floor above the street) has a fantastic view of Times Square. But I can't wrap my mind around an Executive Lounge that ISN'T an exec lounge after 10 in the morning! I enjoyed having breakfast with a view. The food was pretty basic 'continental' breakfast items, but tasty. Scrambled eggs, bacon, pastries, cereals, some fresh fruit, hot oat meal, juices, and coffee.
There is no private executive lounge in the evening. I love having a place to go for a glass of wine, some hot dishes, finger foods, maybe dessert. This lounge, however, opens to the public at some point in the late afternoon and throughout the evening. Elite members have vouchers which are good for 'purchasing' some, but not all, of the items on the menu. Alcohol is not free. The menu is appetizers and finger foods for the most part.
I am not sure why this Renaissance ranks a category 8 with Marriott (if you are using points). I expect a lot more when I'm paying the price I paid to stay here!! Not worth the money, in my opinion, unless location is your primary concern.
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