Hey Now, Renaissance By Marriott is Looking Pretty Good These Days

September 18, 2009 at 9:08 AM | by juliana | 0 Comments

Last year, we toured the Renaissance Pere Marquette in New Orleans and we were a little shocked at what we saw. This was a Renaissance hotel from Marriott? B-b-b-but it was so chic and cool. And (gasp!) sexy.

Yes, it's true, we thought the Renaissance brand from Marriott Hotels was sexy. Back then, a hotel rep told us that it was all a part of the rebranding of Renaissance. Well, it looks like the rebranding has been completed. And as the NYT recently reported, even the logo got a little tweak too:

The unveiling is meant to call attention to the metamorphoses of Renaissance, which has spent more than $2 billion in recent years to move the brand away from bland, partly with sleeker interior design. Renaissance also has a new logo: formerly full of ornate, maroon flourishes, the logo has been edited down to a cleaner, modern letter: R.

While we agree with the Times that the upgrades are formulaic--flat screen, iPod docking station, simple bed linens--the Renaissance rebranding makes a great difference to folks who stay in Marriott hotels for loyalty program points but often find themselves a little underwhelmed by some of the Marriott flagship properties.

To celebrate the new look, Renaissance is offering up 13 experiences for guests to buy or to bid on like an auction via American Express. The current promotion is for the The Mayflower in DC (aka Spitz Tryst hotel) but we've got our eyes on the Mardi Gras package at the Renaissance Pere Marquette which goes up for auction on 9/19 for two days only.

It includes:
· Three nights in deluxe suite
· Tasting menu at the Chef's Table in the kitchen at MiLa
· Exclusive viewing of the parades on St. Charles Street's Intercon Stage, with Bourbon Street balcony passes
· Ride in the Krewe of Endymion Parade, and end the evening at the Endymion Ball in the Louisiana Superdome with limo transport
· Couples massage at The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans
· Dinner at Le Cote Brassierie at the Renaissance New Orleans Arts Hotel with a parade view
· Enjoy the Krewe of Bacchus Parade and front row seats at Irvin Mayfield's Jazz Playhouse
· Breakfast for two each morning plus brunch at Brennan's restaurant
· Nightly turn-down service

And of course, you must use your Amex to pay for it all. Still, having been inside this Renaissance by Marriott, we can assure you, you won't be disappointed. Rates at the Renaissance Pere Marquette regularly start at about $129 a night. However, we found rates for $99 a night this weekend. Sexy and affordable!

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