Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center

Great place to stay! Everything you need is right here. The people mover takes you all around the city and its only 75 cents. The rooms are a little dated. There’s a Starbucks, CVS, large bar, and AMAZING views. The only thing is accessing the second floor to get to the people mover. A sweet worker named Anna took us to almost every elevator until we could find it since we had a friend that is handicapped. If we didn’t have Anna that went the extra mile for us, we would’ve never found it! (It’s by the Verizon store and Detroit police station on the 1^st floor)

Poor Customer Service at the Renaissance Marriott Downtown Detroit!
I checked into the hotel and once I got to my room, I noticed two charges for the exact same room rate moments after another. I called downstairs and the lady answered the phone and told me to come down and they will look into it. I went and told her the problem and she immediately said «oh thats your bank». I replied, «Why would my bank charge two room rates moments after another?» She replied, «sometimes my bank does that?» Huh? (First mistake) I requested to speak to the manager and she never showed. She send this complimentary breakfast coupon out, after my pressure for something to smooth it over but he/​she never showed their face after 15 mins of waiting.
So, it seems as though since I used my debit card to pay for the room, it holds two room rates. i called customer service and she was explaining to me what happens as opposed to using the credit card. I agreed and said again, but why the second hold moments later. If its not incidental, a debit card fee, or any other fee, why the second hold moments later. She replied, «maybe she changed the reservation». So she transferred me to another lady who basically was saying the same thing regarding the first hold but couldn’t explain the second. At this point, no one is acknowledging the fact that the lady at the front desk charges me the room rate (which is fine) and probably meant to charge incidental but charged another room rate. Keep in mind, I never even had a hold pending for incidental so we know the room rate wasn’t for incidental.
I got an email from the manager explaining the same thing but said NOTHING about the second charge. She went on and on about the hotel industry and I can always use another card in the future. Never once did she explain why two charges for the same amount was appeared moments after the other and why there was no incidental fee. She also went on to say that the Marriott was not responsible for over draft if any overdraft fees occurs. First, this was a crass assumption because I don’t even have overdraft fees and on my account and second, I mention to the customer service center that «thankfully I had enough to take cover the two charges and I have no choice but to wait.» No one said anything about overdraft fees.
Maybe next time if the young lady was less busy talking about her coworker being hungry and crazy, she would have more time to ask the important questions at the front desk and getting the charges right. I have stayed in many Marriott’s over the past year, this was just a very different experience.

Terrible hotel for the price. The entrance and lobby look amazing, but the linens on the bed were dirty and had holes (rm 2111). The bath towels also had random hairs on them. The front desk person had a terrible attitude as well. Not worth the $ 250/​night.

*** UPDATE to comment below from manager.
I called and left a long detailed message with a representative at Marriott Customer Relations about my experience on ¹¹⁄₂₅. Having not had a phone call back, I called again on ¹²⁄₁ to ask what the heck is going on. They told me that they could still see my comment in the system and that to wait a few more days and they were sure a manager would get back to me from your hotel. It is now 12/​3, and you guys have responded on Unilocal asking me to email in describing my experience and my contact info. Further frustrations…
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Really not what you would expect from a Marriott at all. Huge beautiful building that seems to be deteriorating quickly.
When we arrived the entire building had no water. Couldn’t use the sink, shower, or flush the toilets.
Once water came on again, our shower drain was completely clogged. This was the 1^st of 3 times we needed a maintenance man to come to our room. He opened up the drain and pulled out about 5 years of other peoples hair and nastiness.
Our keys stopped working multiple times a day for our room. Probably had them reprogrammed 20x in 5 days.
Our heater stopped working (wouldn’t turn off no matter what… blasting hot air even set at 65 degrees, This was maintenance guy #2).
I called at midnight asking for blankets… two hours later at 2 am I called again asking where they were. She said she ‘sees me in the system and I will have them in an hour’. I asked her, ‘Are you trying to tell me I am not allowed to sleep warmly in your hotel until 3am???” They got them up pretty quickly after that.
Our bathroom door needed to be oiled so bad that everytime someone opened it in the night it woke up everyone else in the room. This was maintenance guy #3.
The staff was incredibly edgy, and at times down right rude. Maybe this is a DETROIT thing that I am not used to, BUT IT SURELY ISN’T WHAT i EXPECT AT MARRIOTTS. I will say the staff got nicer as the week progressed but the first few days they were really bad. They had the entire Raider’s football team in and a Men’s Wearhouse Corporate Party… maybe they were over whelmed.
The business center. LOL. Good luck in there. Will cost you $ 30 to get anything done, the printer was broken, and the machinery archaic. I thought this place was new?
Good luck getting coffee in your room. The cleaning ladies didn’t have any.
Oh and good luck getting your room cleaned. We only wanted our room cleaned once in the five days we stayed. Finally at 3pm we called to ask where someone was? A woman finally came at 4 to clean our room, only to announce that our room isn’t actually in her section and she would send the other girl. Had to wait one more hour for the other girl.
What the F are we paying for here? You pay a serious premium at Marriott. Albeit cleaner than a Motel 6, but sheesh. I expect so much more.
Still waiting to hear from hotel manager to see how they are going to ‘make it better’.

This place used to be much nicer. I was just there earlier this week for a conference and the room was disgusting; mold In the bathroom, old discolored towels, stained bedding… ugh! To compound the misery, the food was the worst I have ever had. Cold, overly salted, not cooked or over cooked. Never again!

This hotel could be great if more attention was paid to the details.
Architecturally, the hotel is a magnificent building but the structure design certainly shows its age. The view made for an amazing morning view watching the sun rise over the city of Windsor.
Complaints include missing bell hops during check in, broken appliances in the room, «fresh linens» that still had wine stains in them, and waiters who would rather wait until the next presidential election to check on our table.
Would I stay there again? Probably, but it’s unlikely it will be my first choice next time I visit Detroit.

I’ve stayed at the Detroit Marriott RenCen three times in the past month, and each time was an overall positive and comfortable experience. The entrance to the hotel has security so I’ve always felt safe here. Check-​in is easy, but there usually only seems to be one employee manning the front desk which makes check-​in take longer than if there were multiple concierge clerks. The location is near so much stuff including the Greektown Casino, and the area seems safe to walk around during the day.
Each room I’ve been in has been spotlessly clean and comfortable. Staying on the tower levels, I’ve been in rooms that had amazing views of Canada or downtown Detroit. Buying wi-​fi is also easy. One of the best things I can say about this hotel is that whenever I’ve ordered room service the employee over the phone has told me my food will be there in 45 minutes and the food has always come in about half that time. The turkey burger is very filling and comes with chips.
Besides the concierge seeming understaffed at times, another downside is that the hours of other places in the RenCen seem inconsistent. I went to the Starbucks one day around noon and they were already closed. The gift shop at the Marriott is great– with many snacks and tourist gifts, but also frequently closed at odd times. The Marriott does have a restaurant bar across from the front desk (named Volt-​only in Detroit!) that is open for most of the day, and has good food (the breakfast buffet is solid).

I stayed at this hotel while visiting a good friend in Detroit for her wedding. Overall, I’d say that this hotel was very accommodating and clean. It was very interesting having GM cars line the bottom floor. The room was clean and spacious and the view was outstanding. We were on the 60^th floor and looked straight into Canada. I was a little disappointed there was no fridge, but I don’t consider that to be a big deal.
What knocks this hotel off down several stars is the so-​called valet service. They handed me a valet ticket that had three options for car-​retrieval. Option 1 — there was a number I could text that alerts the front desk in advance that I want my car. This number was blacked out in permanent marker. Option 2 — there was a number I could call that would alert the front desk in advance that I want my car. That number was also blacked out in permanent marker so I couldn’t read it. What is going on? Finally, I could scan a QR code to alert the front desk in advance that I wanted my car. To no surprise, that code didn’t work.
Ergo, I had to go to the front desk to tell them I want my car. Of course, this is fine. I asked them why the ticket was blacked out and why the code didn’t work. They simply shrugged their shoulders and «I don’t know, it doesn’t work.» Okay… so 45 minutes later the car FINALLY pulls up. The valet is quite rude and rushing us… and when he realized that I wasn’t going to leave a tip due to extremely sub-​average service, he became almost hostile.
The hotel is nice but you have to get your Valet service act together. The lack of professionalism and working product is a substantial knock on the overall experience.

I enjoyed my overnight stay at the Marriott RenCen. The bed was comfortable and the entire room was clean. We had a great view of the night lights from our #5509 room. First time staying there and yes I did feel it was worth the money I spent booking through Priceline.
Only complaint was the linen, wash clothes, and towels looked old or should I say «dingy». However, as long as they were washed with bleach and hot water, I should be safe. The bathroom was clean and decent for its purposes.
One could tell there is gradual renovations happening so I’ll pardon the out-​dated décor in the halls. Valet was busy but I had to be mindful that it was check-​out time and everyone was leaving at once.
Overall, pleasurable stay and would stay again.

I was debating between 3 and 4 stars and I’ll get to why I rounded down at the end.
Pros: Nice size room. Bed was really comfortable and good size TV. Location was great as well. You are right off the Detroit River and it’s plenty of places along the boardwalk to eat and do. It’s a conference center hotel so it’s extremely large.
Cons: Check-​in absolutely sucks. I’ve never stood in line for 45 minutes waiting to check-​in a hotel. And there were only 6 people in the line. The reps just took their time with checking ppl in and then going back and forth from the back in between check-​ins while ppl were standing in line. Not a good start.
While it was great to be next to the Detroit River, my view was a small opening of it and an empty, vacant room that was under construction. Looked like an abandoned building. I get it may be under construction but not pleasant to see when you wake up everyday.
Bathroom was a little run down. Towels were old. The saving grace was the shower but that’s about it.
Usually I would say 3.5 stars but then I saw the most absurd thing I’ve ever seen at a hotel. A $ 45 AUTHORIZATION CHARGE TO USE THE PRINTER DOWNSTAIRS. Yes, every time you swipe your card to print something or look up something on the Internet, a $ 45 hold is placed on your card EVERY TIME. Who is printing out that much stuff to secure 45 dollars? I printed Erykah Badu tickets not the Bible. Ridiculous.

I cannot say it enough … FAIL. FAIL. FAIL.
Oh the staff try and they are all super nice.
…kudos to manager of the restaurant deserves a medal. She had several hundred angry (I can’t get a room) people descend on her restaurant and she managed beautifully. The food was only ok… but every waiter and bartender was on point.
Further, I noticed that she tried to remedy issues outside her scope …
Like working with the bell captain to get luggage stowed and housekeeping re: status of rooms …
But overall this property is a poor reflection on Marriott!
1. The towels are an embarrassment. They’re old. Greying. Thin. Replace them.
2. There’s a space for a fridge… but there isn’t one?!
3. Despite the issues with check in, not one word from management. A nice letter of apology would have gone a long way.
NEVER again.

The customer service is horrible. I’m a business traveler, the service is definitely not what I’m used to at a Marriott hotel. I’ve been waiting for clean towels since this morning and it’s 12:20 am. I’ve been calling the operator for 15 minutes on the house phone at the front desk and I’ve not gotten an answer, it just rings. There are dirty towels and trash in the halls on my floor. Three people have come in and out of the back office and never acknowledged that I was standing at the front desk. I’ve been waiting for a refrigerator to be delivered to our rooms since Monday and we check out in the morning.
I will not be my choice to ever stay here again.

First stay after achieving Platinum Status with Marriott … of course there woudl be a Penecostal convention going on … and of course the concierge lounge would be overrun with people who weren’t supposed to be there who had big appetites and even bigger mouths, complaining about this (but, you’re not entitled to be in the lounge), that (… but… you’re not entitled to be in the lounge) and several points in between (forgetting the fact that … … you’re not even supposed to be in the lounge).
Things got so bad that the GM had to visit the situation to see for herself … only to be chatted up by another platinum (or so she says) guest who WAS allowed in the lounge but who had to repeat several times «…you know, platinum member means I have over 75 stays at Marriott properties this year?» Yes chatty, platy Kathy … everyone heard you… each of the seventy-​five times you said it.
But anyway, GM, concierge staff … they handled the chaos like pro’s.
The Westin is newer, but for the location, the views (if you get the right room) and friendly and helpful staff, i’ll keep coming back to the Ren Cen Marriott.

I’ve stayed here a few times over the years, especially recently, and found that it’s one of the nicer spots to stay in Detroit.
The place is open to all people and for all events, from wedding parties to family reunions to concert goers to people who just want to party on a Saturday night. The rooms are above average, boasting nice carpeting, beds (very comfortable mattresses, among the best I ever slept on) and great views of the city and sometimes the river/​Canada if you’re lucky. The ice machines always work, they have bars and easy access to restaurants, there is a Starbuck’s inside for a quick pick-​me-​up, etc.
The price isn’t the worst, though it’s not a stay at the Econo Lodge for $ 25. On a summer Saturday you might be shelling out $ 250 for a room based on events taking place in the city, or just for the «grandeur» of the hotel itself. I always was perplexed to find that our most recent room had no blow dryer in it. Even the crappiest hotels I have stayed in have had hair dryers. They also skimp a little on bath towels.
Overall, it’s a nice place to drink, play and sleep. It’s nice to close the shades to pitch black, turn the A/​C down to 62 degrees and sleep like a king or queen, if only for a night. And when you check out, you just have to leave your room and call it a day. Definitely worth a visit.

Stayed here on a Saturday night as we were attending the MoPop festival. I’ve been to this hotel many times and I knew it was going to be busy, it always is. However upon walking in to check in the line was so long it went all the way down the hallway. It took AN HOUR to check into our hotel room and when I walked up to be check in I received no apology for the long wait. Not to mention there were SEVEN people checking in guests! I don’t understand how it took so long considering it took me about 2 minutes. The line should have been moving much faster, and they staff should have been so sorry for the long wait. The room was clean, and nice and we were give a really nice view… points for that.
We didn’t spend much time in the room so when we came back to crash I noticed that they only gave us 2 pillows on each bed… which seems weird as normally they will give you 4 pillows on each bed. A few of us wanted extra pillows so I called hospitality and asked if I could have 3 pillows brought up to our room… she said «I don’t know if I have 3, but I“ll bring you 2» Fine… ok…whatever. About 45 minutes go back and still no pillows, so I call again and I was told that there was a lot of request in front of me and the runner would be there as soon as possible. Ok. Well another hour goes by and still no one came to bring us our pillows. At this point I was SO tired I didn’t even care to call back.
I don’t think I’ll stay here again, you can’t beat the location but I’d be willing to stay somewhere else for a nicer experience.

Great time In The «D» First to hotel. Get ticket band for concert.Styx. Buffet at Andiamos. A bit pricy but ok food. Chicken, salad and a pasta dish for $ 20.00. Concert rite across street. RenCen open all night with nice clean bathrooms, thank you GM !

Room was fine. Clean and decently appointed. However the hotel is poorly designed and staffed. 20 minutes for an elevator to get to your room. 10 to get down. 30 minutes plus for the valet to get you your car. I am way too impatient for this place. Will not stay again.

This is the place to stay during Movement. With VIP pre-​sale, you can also get dibs on some rooms at a discount price.
This year, there were a couple of weddings and a national volleyball tournament happening in the city at the same time, with patrons of all three in the hotel itself. I was impressed that the people we encountered were very nice. Jonathan, in particular, was very fun (ny) when we checked in as he mused about all the different populations in the hotel that weekend. (They offered complimentary ear plugs due ot the festival.)
The staff were able to keep the lobby relatively clean, though at Movement’s peak, there were straggling bottles and napkins all over the place. The woman cleaning our room was nice. The bottom sheet of our bed was definitely not fitted correctly and kept coming off, but it was only a small nuisance.

To say that this hotel has seen better days is pretty generous. I’m generally a fan of Marriott branded properties, but this is not one of them.
When I arrived, the check-​in desk was woefully short staffed. With a line snaking through the lobby back to the elevators, more than half of the check-​in terminals were unstaffed. I almost burst into laughter when the person eventually checking me in casually asked «did you experience any travel delays on your way in?» (I hadn’t until I arrived in that line).
The guest rooms were definitely not up to what I would consider Marriott standards. Doors creaked, walls were banged up, sheets were not pressed, and the toilet needed to be flushed more than once to get everything down.
Worst was that the room was not especially clean. The area near the windows were dirty and dusty. The area behind the bed hadn’t been cleaned in who knows how long. I thought about going back down and asking for another room, but then I remembered that ridiculous line, plus who knows that any other room would have been any better?
Below average Marriott with relatively low rates. You get what you pay for in this case.

One of the best places to stay in Downtown Detroit. Several renovations have made a big difference in improving the experience. The Concierge lounge is very nice. There is also pretty good food options right near by.
The view can be very good — especially if you get a river view. Unfortunately ours view was somewhat spoiled by a stupid decal they put on the side of the building for the upcoming Grand Prix.
If you want to stay downtown and near the river, this is a very good option.