This post is part of a series on my favorite spots in Phoenix. To read the other posts, follow these links: Swansong (Best places in Arizona), UnderTow, Barber Parlor, Phoenix Breweries, Changing Hands / First Draft Book Bar, Bonus Round, Camelback and Central.
I love to travel, and part of that experience is learning to find places you like to stay. Hotels have always had a magical connection for me: From all the times I stayed at Walt Disney World during preview days at hotels soon to open, to tiny hotels and motels scattered along I-10 we’d stay at on our road trips to California, hotels have always been something to look forward to and enjoy. It’s no surprise then that one of my favorite places in Phoenix would be a hotel: The Renaissance in Downtown.
The Marriot Renaissance Phoenix
Since we arrived, the Renaissance went through a bit of a, well, Renaissance! They painted the exterior and did massive renovations along Adams St., altering the interior, redoing the bar, and fixing up the lobby area. They put in a new bar, Dustcutter, in the lobby shortly before we left, and this place has such a charm to it: wooden rafters, cowboy tools hidden tastefully in nooks and crannies, and an overall great theming to match the Arizona theme. That’s one thing I really appreciate about the Renaissance hotels: They try to subtly incorporate local symbols, industry, and themes into their hotels. In Phoenix, it was the 5 Cs of Arizona: Cotton, Cattle, Citrus, Climate, and Copper. The results are really astounding, as you can find little hidden details every time you visit or walk through. Just an amazingly relaxing atmosphere!
My Wedding
Another reason I love this place is the experience I had here with my wedding. I got married in October 2016, and we had the Renaissance as our venue for our ceremony and banquet. The entire process was easy to understand, they worked with us on a payment plan, the cost was not prohibitive, and the execution was amazing. Carol, the wedding coordinator there, was phenomenal. Everyone on staff was so polite and easy to work with. I’ve heard horror stories about weddings going amiss but ours went off so smoothly it was hard to believe. The food there was incredible as well. Our menu request was to highlight local foods, and highlight they did: tacos, meats and cheese, vegetables, everything was unique and had a great taste. Our request to have local beers and two signature cocktails was met with enthusiasm as well. All of the amazing memories I had there with my friends and family definitely added an infinite number of layers to my love of this establishment, no question about that.
So if you’re in Phoenix and you want an incredible hotel experience, stay at the Renaissance. If you don’t stay there, at least drop into Dustcutter for an appetizer or drink!
Two Second Street 