I’ve already shared the story of how I was able to fly to New Jersey for the night so I could attend my elementary school reunion. I also shared how I ended up picking a hotel so I could use the free night from Sharon’s Marriott Business credit card.
How was the hotel I booked with my free night certificate and would the room have been worth the $300 price they were charging for a night when I was staying there?
Renaissance Newark Airport Hotel
1000 Spring Street
Elizabeth, NJ 07201
The Renaissance Newark Airport Hotel would have cost $300 or 25,000 Marriott Rewards points for a one night stay. I used my free night certificate from the Marriott Business credit card, which costs $99 a year.
The hotel is located across Highways 1&9 from Newark Airport. There’s a shuttle to the airport but since I needed to rent a car for my stay, I chose to park at the hotel, which cost me $16 for the night. It was a 5-10 minute drive but I’d suggest using a map application as the roads around Newark can be confusing to those not accustomed to New Jersey traffic signs.
Check In
I arrived quite early, around noon. Upon getting to the hotel, I was told my room was not ready as the hotel was fully booked the night before. I asked the front desk if I could store some items in their refrigerator until my room was ready. Part of the reason of the trip was so I could bring some some pierogi and pizza from New Jersey. They had no problem with this request.
I returned after having lunch with my uncle at Jose Tejas, one of the restaurants Sharon and I will purposely travel to so we can eat there, and checked into my room. Since Sharon’s a Marriott Platinum, I received a room on the top floor, right next to the club lounge.
The Room
The room was located on the 10th floor, around the corner from the elevators and across the hall from the club lounge. Since I was only staying for the night, it was sufficient for my needs.
The room had a hallway entry with a closet and the bathroom along the right side.
The bathroom was a decent size, with a pedestal sink, toilet and a bath/shower combination with the highest shower head I’ve ever seen.
I mean I understand some people are tall but I’m six feet tall and this thing was way over my head.
The king size bed was plenty big for just me and I was glad I had a nightstand regardless of which side of the bed I decided to sleep on.
The room had a comfortable desk and chair, something missing from many hotels nowadays. I was able to get work done with no problems, using the premium Wi-Fi. I can’t comment on the TV as I almost never turn it on when away from the house.
A good part of the cabinet space in the room was taken up by the in-room safe. I know how unsafe these safes are, so I kept my computer with me for the entire stay.
Final Thoughts
The Renaissance Newark Airport Hotel was nice. All of the hotel staff I dealt with were polite (a rarity for New Jersey) and the room was clean and quiet considering it was across the street from the airport. Since my room only cost $99 plus $16 for parking, it was a great value. If I were paying for the room, I’d consider one of the other hotels in the area.
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This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary
