As other reviews state, this hotel is one of the "older" US chain properties. Pleasant & nice & clean, but nothing even remotely approaching 5 Star. And, like the usual drill for US hotel chains, they confuse the fact that upgrading the lobby & public areas, & throwing in some new bedding, etc. in the rooms, "does not" qualify to retain a 5 Star ranking. This is not unique to Marriott, since it is standard operating procedure for all US chain hotels which are often some of the first to open in new "hot" spots like Dubai. The Sheraton Creekside & Radisson are the same. Dubai is a location flush with "true" 5 star properties, so don't waste your money on the Renaissance (or Sheraton, Radisson, Crown Plaza etc). Once you leave the public areas of The Renaissance it is a "standard issue anytown USA" hotel. Small bathrooms, sliding door closets as your enter, with some newer furniture. The housekeeping is great, etc., but that does not change the "fact" that this is an OLD, WORN, where any renovation money has been spent on the public areas. IF you are using points to stay here like we did, then bingo, you are home free & it's worth it. But to actually pay a 5 Star price to stay here would boggle the mind. Spend your money at true 5 Star properties which are all over Dubai. Don't waste your money staying in a typical US chain property that has simple seen some comestic upgrades. I agree that the location is good & will only improve once the new metro line is completed, which runs right in front of the hotel. Just 3-4 blocks directly behind the hotel is the Deira area which is lined with pleasant restuarants. In fact, the Marriott, only 10 minutes walking distance from The Renaissance is a factually better hotel.

I stayed at this hotel for a week and found it to be very pleasant. Good rooms and very friendly staff. the Spice Island restaurant is excellent and well worth a visit.

My wife and I stayed here for an extended stay in Feb 08. The hotel is one of the 'older' (for Dubai) 5* properties, but is in excellent condition and very clean.
Location is good; a short ride from the airport, near the JW Marriott in the Muraquabat section of DXB (across from the police station). Some shopping nearby - 15 min walk to Gurrair Mall; but probably need a cab for most trips (esp in summer). No problems getting a taxi (5/6 minute max wait; usually within a minute or 2). Getting a taxs can be a major headache in Dubai, so availability is a major plus.
Reception efficient and very friendly/curteous. Guest services very helpful for gifts, information, etc., during our stay.
Room on 2nd floor average size. Had a comfortable king sized bed, several pillows and a nice comforter. Two smal chairs, desk with chair, small table, several magazines/tourist books. Older TV with good selection in English, Arabic, German, French, etc. Nice bathroom with usual amenities, inlcuding terry cloth bathrobes and slippers.
The room was clean and service efficient and unobtrusive.
There are a couple of excellent buffet restaurants - Spice Island (general buffet) and Sails (seafood). Highly recommended for a reasonable price. The bar/club was also nice; has a section for cigar smokers, pool table and an OK band for dancing. No noise problems in the room.
The outdoor pool (on the 5th floor, I think) and exercise room are adequate.
Overall a good, solid choice. Not the newest or flashiest, but very clean and with a friendly, helpful staff that tries hard to make your stay enjoyable.

If you want a convenient location, good service and a nice place to stay , this hotel is a good option. But it is not in the league of other 5 star beach/resort properties along the Jumeira beach in Dubai, but very comfortable and functional for a business or short shopping stay. The best about the hotel is the staff, who is always ready to help with cheery attitude. And the concierge level service is far better than anywhere in the US at the chain's properties. The food offered at the lounge was outstanding throughout the day so one would not necessarily has to go out to eat.