Amsterdam: Marriott or Renaissance?
 

I have friends that have an 18 hour layover in Amsterdam on their way home from Italy at the beginning of November (~5PM to 10AM), and want to use points to stay at one of Marriott properties:

http://www.marriott.com/search/compa...MSNT%3A2%3A0.8

They won't be trying to see any museums, just wandering around that evening, having dinner and some drinks. Which of these two properties would you recommend? The Renaissance is very near the central train station and the Marriott is near Leidseplein, which I understand has a great deal of nighttime entertainment (I'm guessing they'll be staying up late to make as much of their short stopover as possible). For that reason, they're probably leaning towards the Marriott, but please correct us if you think the Renaissance is a better choice.

FWIW, they usually choose taxis over public transportation from the airport, so that probably isn't a factor. Thanks!!

I don't use marriott, so can't help you there.

I would take a taxi to your hotel and then, depending on where the hotel is, use public transportation.

I've stayed there many many times and have used the trams only a couple of times.

For a good restaurant, try Sama Sebo, A rijstafel restaurant. It's near the Museumplein in a very nice neighborhood. It one of my favorite restaurants in Amsterdcam.

http://www.samasebo.nl/en/

We stayed at the Marriott in 2009 using points and really liked it. It was a fantastic location - can walk many places, but also public transportation is right there. Hotel seemed pretty well kept up. My only complaint was all the kids in the lounge for Marriott member's with status (but that is my complaint lots of places!)

If I remember correctly the public transportation that comes from the airport drops you off right in front of the hotel - might want to confirm

You can try asking this question on www.marriottrewardsinsiders.com

Thanks for the responses so far. I (and my friends) aren't concerned with the hotel amenities, both get rave reviews on TripAdvisor and let's face it, they'll only be in the hotel for about 8 hours, tops. The question is more about the two different areas...which offers more for travelers that will be wandering about from, say, 5pm-midnight? Realistically, I think they might hit both areas...wander through the Red Light District maybe, then work their way back to the Marriott on Leidseplein?? Any opinions?

We stayed at the Renaissance in May. It is very convenient to the Red Light District and Old Amsterdam (I would recommend the Hidden Church). Really there is a tram that runs frequently from Central Station to Leidseplein and only takes about 15-20 min. It is easy to go back and forth. The Marriott would have the better selection of night time entertainment if the Red Light districts "entertainments" are not of interest. Seeing the Red Light District is very interesting however.