I will admit it – I was nervous that this would be like the other Renaissance hotels – in need of a visit from Extreme Makeover, Hotel Edition. But the Marriott promotion of a $100 coupon for a future stay lured me to the Renaissance Charlotte and also redeemed some of my faith in this Marriott brand. The front desk is actually a series of uncluttered tables that signals this is not every other hotel. The interior design is reminiscent of the Embassy Suites chain – open and square - but with more character. The holiday decorations certainly contributed to this sentiment although the lighting and greenery suggest more than a regular Embassy. We were upgraded to an executive suite which, for all intents and purposes, differs from the other suites in that the executive suite has a boardroom table. The suites offer extra space versus a hotel room – the sitting area works well if dining in – and enhances longer stays. Families and business travelers will also find the extra room beneficial. The downsides to the hotel include a charge for internet use (standard at Marriott and Renaissance hotels), a business center with free internet but malfunctioning computers, a brash front desk associate who discounted my claim that my key would not open the business center, and a location that is not within walking distance of anything sans a series of office parks. A car is essential although for layover stays the airport shuttle and restaurant would suffice. Despite these interruptions, the Renaissance Charlotte Suites did what no other Renaissance has – exceeded my expectation. Yes, I was downtrodden after several Renaissance stays and entered with low expectations, but this one is better than the rest. Overall grade: good but far from excellent.

Requested an early check in (normal check in is at 4:00 p.m.). The hotel booked at least two large conventions and was unable to handle the massive number of patrons. At 4:00, the room was still not ready and people were lined up waiting to check in. All were being told to "check back in 30 minutes." Ice machine was broken on my floor. The telephone in my room did not work. Only has one restaurant on the property; two computers in the "Business Center." And they charge $10.00 a day for Internet connection. I would never suggest a stay in this hotel.

This was my third stay in this hotel and it will probably be my last. Were to start... It took 30mins to check in. The food was subpar and the prices were outrageously high. I reserved three rooms. One was fine, one we couldn't get in, and one had water all over the carpet and smelled like mildew. It took 2hrs to get someone to fix the door to the room that we couldn't get into and I had to request another room without a wet carpet. The staff was somewhat helpful. The rooms were not as clean as before.

My first impression of this hotel is that it reminded me of an Embassy Suites, but a step up. The hotel had anopen atruim with glass elevators when you first walked in. The suites were clean and modern and I liked the subtle touches, such as nice throw pillows on the sofa and warm dark wood around the fridge and microwave. The bed was very comfortable and included a pillowtop mattress. I'm happy to see that hotels now understand that beds are top priority when staying away from home!
We had access to the club level and I was impressed with the morning and evening reception food. It seem to be more extensive than I have seen on other hotel club levels.
I had lunch a couple days in their restaurant and took advantage of the lunch buffets. It was pretty good, the service stood out more than the food. The servers were friendly, knowledgeable and seemed to be a step ahead with anything I needed.

Overall, we enjoyed our stay and would definitely return if the need arised!