Don't usually stay in the Times Square area when my DH and I go to the City but I am taking my 16 yr old grand daughter for some theatre this time so thought she would enjoy the glitz. I can earn points at Marriot and I notice there are 2 in that area - The Marquis and the Renaissance. What is the difference. The Marquis is cheaper by $50.00 a day which gives us more play money but is there a big difference in hotels?

Many prefer the Marquis. It's glitzier and much bigger (1,949 rooms vs. 310 for Renaissance). I'd go to the Marquis. Rooms are a good size with floor to ceiling windows.

There is also a Courtyard on West 40th adjacent to TS and there is a Residence Inn diagonally across from Bryant Park...just FYI.

The Marquis is bigger and glitzier but they are both in TS. The rooms in the Marquis are bigger as well

I prefer the Renaissance. I had problems with the elevators at the Marquis once (waiting forever to get one down) and have not been back since. They may have fixed this problem.

I've stayed in 3 of the 4 (all but the Courtyard mentioned). The Marquis is bigger and glitzier (giant open lobby, glass elevators - you get the picture) and your granddaughter will likely like that. The Renaissance, although right in the heart of Times Square (and over the Olive Garden!) is a much calmer oasis in the middle of the Times Square mayhem, but yes, the rooms are smaller than at the Marquis. The Residence Inn is not on the same "level" as the other two -- it is a nice location, but more of a "mid-level" hotel. The rooms all have kitchens, though (we thought that would be nice, and then never kept a single thing in there except for soda), and they serve a free breakfast and happy hour snacks.

Just saw illnative's post, and I do believe they have at least attempted to fix the elevator problem at the Marquis (we had the same problem) with one of those systems that tells you which elevator to take.

Indeed the elevator issue has been put to rest at the Marquis - they spent about 2 mil and the new system works like a charm....

Do you have AAA? You can always get a discount at Marriott by using your card..