Happy:

Given the difference in points (150,000 vs. 225,000) I would take the Renaissance Vendome in a heartbeat, and use the points saved toward another holiday.

I believe this just shows how popular the Marriott CE is for those using points (booking 11 months ahead!?!). But in my opinion, it is not worth a 50% upcharge in points.

Again, I don't believe you could go wrong staying at either property.

Woody

I have been to IC at Castiglione, bad experience. My room was not available because someone else decided to stay longer. So they gave me another room with broken AC during heatwave in July! Consolation? free lousy American style breakfast at the hotel cafe.

Thanks all! Based on the points needed + location + size divided by good vs bad comments and the Renaissance Paris Vendome comes out the winner in my equation. OK, will keep a back up ressie for a little while at the Intercontinental LeGrand just in case.

Thanks again to all you fabulous Fodorites!

The Marriott website photos and write-up of the Renaissance Paris Vendome look great and the location, though perhaps lacking the romance of some other corners of Paris, is central and SO near a main metro line.

Well, I hope you had a great trip since you are coming home tomorrow. You made a good choice in the hotel. I only like to stay in the 1st arr when I go to Paris.

Hiya Sunshine - I have a LONG wait til my trip in April of 2006. Nothing like getting a head start on planning tho!