Amsterdam Marriott Hotel vs Renaissance Amsterdam Hotel

I have not stayed at either, but I would choose the Marriott. It's just down the street from where I live. Lovely neighborhood. Lots of restaurants in the area, either upscale or ethnic. The Vondelpark is a short walk away (4 cafes). Museums? Museumplein is about a 10 minute walk. As is the concert hall.

It's about a 5 minute walk to the Leidseplein, from the hotel, which is a major tram stop.
My friends stayed at the Marriott this Summer prior to leaving on a cruise. They said it was fine.

The Renaissance is located in a very touristy area. Lots of souvenirs shops, Argentinian steak restaurants, pot paraphernalia shops. Also the whole area around Centraal Station is torn up.

My suggestion would be to get a 2 or 3 day tram pass and see the city. The number 2, and number 12 lines go from Centraal to Leidseplein and then it's a short walk to the Marriott.

Bring an umbrella.

I stay at The Renaissance in Amsterdam quite often. I was just there last week and the hotel always meets my needs. If you are gold or above with The Bonvoy program, access to their executive lounge is included. I find the neighborhood for this hotel to be great. It is far enough from the main tourist areas and hugs the Jordaan neighborhood. As you alluded to, it is a quick walk from Central Station compared to the other Marriott. The prior poster is correct that areas around central station are currently tore up, but the immediate area around the Renaissance is fine. The only real decline I have noticed with this hotel is the executive lounge has gone from outstanding to average in the last couple of years. Other than that, nice rooms and wonderful staff. I have not stayed at the Marriott although I can agree with the prior poster that the neighborhood around that hotel is also pretty desirable.

The Renaissance is located in a very touristy area. Lots of souvenirs
shops, Argentinian steak restaurants, pot paraphernalia shops.

I disagree, I would stay at the Renaissance. It's just outside the beautiful Jordaan neighborhood (a UNESCO world heritage site). This intersection a less than a five minute walk from the hotel:
https://goo.gl/maps/1mPjkm7qmpoukr5dA

I've stayed at both hotels over the years. The Marriott is a better quality hotel but the Renaissance is in a better area.

I usually stay at the Renaissance as it is close to Centraal Station (albeit it having to navigate through the construction). It is in a busy area but the street that it is on is relatively quiet and I found the hotel to be an oasis from the city. Quick walk to anywhere.

The Marriott is in a great location and only a short walk to the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum as well as the Lovers Boat Canal Cruise. The Leidseplein tram and the Prinsengracht Canal area is nearby and also lovely. I would recommend the Marriott.

I would also recommend the Marriott if this is your first time - although the historic centre is still beautiful the area around Central Station is horribly crowded and can get seedy at night. However, if you are a night person this might be more fun since you will have a lot of choice in terms of cafés, bars, etc.

I stayed at the Renaissance years ago--I thought it was just fine. I've heard good things about that Marriott when I was back there on business, but couldn't swing the rates (cheap client!). It certainly is in a great location. I'm a lifetime platinum holding about half a million points--if I went back to Amsterdam for pleasure, I'd try to book that Marriott.