I stayed at this hotel because I am an elite member and have always been extremely pleased with the Marriott brands. Even after reading other negative reviews, I decided to stay here rather than at the Marriott Suites across the interstate. Although the suites had many rave reviews, I chose the Renaissance for the view and the package deal (Escape! Shopping).

For only $159 a night, I got an Executive Suite that included a late night snack with wine and continental breakfast. The snack had to be requested each night 30-60 minutes ahead of time and was different each night. To enjoy the continental breakfast, you had to go the hotel restaurant only to receive cereal!!!

Now for the service and staff of the hotel or lack thereof. Upon arrival, I was checked-in in an almost rushed fashion. There was no recognition of my elite status or welcome gift as with most other hotels. When entering the room, it was spacious, but slightly dated and worn. There were two beer caps on the floor and a rather humorous white stain on the seat of the desk chair. My request of a downtown view was not honored. The bed was extremely comfortable. The bathroom was on the small side, but amenities were wonderful. I am planning on purchasing some of the Lather products.

On my second night in the hotel, the shower handle broke and rendered the shower unusuable. I immediately called to have it fixed. After an hour, the engineer left to look for a replacement part. We were leaving to enjoy the Saturday night and I stopped at the front desk to request a phone call if we needed to move. The rude staff informed me that I just needed to check the front desk when I got back, even if it was late and they would tell me if I needed to move. I did this and at 2am was told I would be moving. I had to request assistance with my bags!!! The only good side was that I finally got a view of downtown, but no other apologies were made for the inconvenience.

Once in a functional room, pleasant sounds of drilling and hammering provided an unrequested wakeup each morning at around 8:30 and throughout the entire day until around 4.

At checkout, an error with the bill (phone & internet charges) had to be fixed. Once again, the staff made no attempt to apologies and did not act as if you were a valued customer at all. Gathering from the patrons of the hotel bar, this hotel is primarily a place for Southwest Airlines employees to stay so they aren't concerned about making any good impressions.

Overall, the rooms are okay, but slightly dated and damaged. The staff could've come straight from a Comfort Inn as far as I'm concerned. Everyone from the front desk to the engineer to the bartender showed unpleasant and rude behavior. The maid service was friendly though. I would NOT recommend this hotel unless you get a package deal and even then, don't expect anything more than a place to sleep. They couldn't care less about how enjoyable your stay is.

Over all enjoyed my stay. Very clean. Staff was great and very friendly. The toliet wouldn't flush in my room but they fixed it within a couple of hours. Room was large.

Be prepared, food is pretty pricey at T-Bones the steak/seafood restaurant in the lobby. But the food was very good. As far as I can tell there really isn't any other restaurants within safe walking distance, other than a Denny's I can just make out in the distance on past several large empty parking lots. Steaks run $30 on up (And I mean just the steak) Then you have to pay $8 for a potato, $8 for a salad, $6 for 6 aspargus spears $3 for a glass of tea...So be prepared. Atleast I haven't ate alot of carbs while on this trip.

There is really nothing around close by (walking distance) except the convention center/market area and major roadways. There is some sort train that runs back and forth that you can hear in your room.

Be sure to fly into Lovefield. Cab fares are under $20 but if you fly into the other airport you are looking at about $50.

Another person mentioned the 2 flight climb to the pool area. The fitness area is up there too. It is a strange climb, metal stairs and such. Compared to all the granite and the italian chandelier it's a bit shocking to see this part of the hotel.

Non smoking hotel which is fine. But what is nice they have a little patio area to the right of the front doors with tables and chairs.

The Renaissance Dallas is a throwback to the '80s, when I'm sure it was considered very glamorous. But today it feels very dated and more than a little run down in places.

However, I got a rate of $109 per night through the hotel's Web site, which made it a good value. And as long as you have a car, the location is pretty great (close to downtown and Oak Lawn). They also have free parking; a bonus when compared to downtown hotels.

The Renaissance has a lot of work to do if it wants to re-capture its youth. Nonetheless, it has some good things going for it.

My husband I have stayed here a few times. We love the view as well as the free breakfast. We are platinum members and usually always get a free upgrade without question. This is a fun relaxing place to spend a few hours of downtime. Room service is open until midnight, which is also nice. I love the larger King room! The work out room is a bit scary getting there, I don't recommend you go alone. But if you just want a very comfortable place to relax, and enjoy the view, I highly recommend the Renaissance Dallas Hotel.