We are in our fifth day here at the Renaissance--a nice looking hotel with good-sized well appointed rooms. Two drawbacks need to be mentioned.

First, since there is no-smoking indoors, the courtyard with the pool and hot tub are CONTINUOUSLY packed with smokers, including a CIGAR smoker and at least a handful of cigarette smokers who have been out there every day we have been here and every time we go out. Others complain at the pool about the smoking but the employees simply shrug and say this is the designated smoking area.

Because of the architecture, a canyon of smoke results from the large and continuous traffic of smokers and it turns the otherwise scenic and pleasant pool area into a smoking lounge--open to the sky but surrounded by four walls of hotel with VERY limited ventilation.

Secondly, as you walk into the bedroom, the bathroom is on the right with a pocket door that not only has no lock, but no latch or closing mechanism. It rolls open between one and two inches automatically preventing bathroom privacy. There is simply no way to close the sliding door without it sliding back open. This is not a problem for me as I am traveling with my spouse of 30 years but it could be a concern for others.

Room is nice, hotel is quiet, view of mountains if fine and food is good.

This is a fine hotel for a single businessman. It's not geared to women or couples, and certainly not children. It's blasted all over that it's a totally non smoking hotel, which is why we stayed there, and yet, as soon as you walk out into the small pool area, people are smoking like chimneys right next to the door. There is very little sun on the pool and no ambiance whatsoever. The room was comfortable, great bed and linens, but pretty boring. Only mirror outside of bathroom was inside closet. Didn't eat at restaurant because I checked the room service menu and it was outrageously overpriced. $4.oo for yoghurt. The main problem I had, though, was that I requested a handicapped room and the bathroom was so poorly designed that it totally flooded when you showered, so I was standing in 2" of water (don't dare dry your hair-but no mirror in bedroom) out of the shower and I'm very unsteady already having just had hip surgery. I called down tothe front and was immediately moved to a more easily accessible room. I've also spoken directly to Marriott management and and they were very concerned and helpful. All in all, everyone at this hotel was really nice, especially the doormen, and the rooms were comfortable, but they need better, more reasonably priced food, , a smoke free pool, and more tourist amenities. It is Vegas, after all.

Recent trip marked a third stay at this15-story hotel. It is located about two blocks off The Strip, next to the Convention Center and the Hilton. If you prefer to get some exercise, the Wynn (North Strip) is an approximate 20 minute walk from the property. Lovely rooms with lux comforter, flatscreen tv, and Starbucks coffee. Free parking (as is true in most of LV). Friendly staff.

More a business hotel than a vacation property though. Pool is not in a secluded location – rather right off the lobby and receives heavy viewing traffic. Internet service is expensive. Nice alternative though to the louder, casino-oriented places.

This hotel was a nice surprise as I am not so familiar with Renaissance hotels. Rooms were tastefully decorated, requested early check-in which they nicely accomodated, had a terrific lunch in the Envy restaurant , staff very pleasant. Club lounge above average. Only downside is the pool area - nice enough but quite small and the area pretty much loses any sun after around 1pm when the buildings block it. Good place to stay for business and avoid distractions of the casinos - but the casinos are easy enough to get to - there is a monorail stop across the street from the hotel at the Convention Center which goes all the way down the Strip. If you like sushi, try Shibuya or Sushi Roku - both great - but bring your wallet (or your winnings!)