the last dozen or so posts are generally right on in suggesting this is a good place to stay. I agree and won't repeat what they said.

-- the light rail is $1.60 from BWI airport and leaves you off at the convention center - 3 (long) blocks away

-- you can avoid the cost and hassle of going out to breakfast by getting pastries, cerals, milk, etc, from the CVS, two blocks away on Lombard Street.

--the aquarium gets very crowded as the day goes on, but was pleasant first thing in the morning.

Stayed 3 nights at the hotel. Great location. Room was adequate and what was to be expected for the price. Hotel pool was fine and very good for our 4 year old. Free fruit and bottled water at the pool. Location is great. Right across the street from the harbor. Lots to do with kids. The NY Yankees were staying the weekend we were there, so security was a bit crazy in the hotel. Once they left it all calmed down. Staff was friendly and helpful. I think the Ren is a bit closer to the action than the Hyatt. We did not go into the Hyatt so it may be nicer. Not sure. The hotel is about a 20 minute drive from the airport and cab is about $25.00 with tip.

Stayed over saturday night for 189. Fee for parking is 21 or 28. Best location right across street from inner harbor. Excellent shopping mall in hotel called the gallery. More shopping and food courts in inner harbor connected by walkway. Room is clean standard you would expect. Pillows are a little too fluffy and bed very firm. Room looked very well kepted. Staff very friendly. Nice pool, whirlpool, and sauna located together. On eighth floor yet heard street noise at night. First time in Baltimore and very impressed. Inner harbor area laid out beautifully drawing large crowds for dining and sight seeing. Baseball and football stadiums close to harbor area. The planning commission deserves huge raises for their work done. Very clean city. Attractive buildings and churches throughout the town. Would like to see Fells point but didn't have time. Style of buildings looked Federalist. Coming from New York city, our city council should be ashamed of our filthy streets, ugly skyscrapers and general clutter. Take some pointers from Baltimore how to revitalize a city. Ate at Phillips, service ordinary, crab cakes very good.

My friend and I traveled to Baltimore on a whim. We had a cell phone and a USA guidebook, which had a number for the hotel. We called the Renaissance on our way into the city, and they had a room for us at $89 a night. What a deal!

The room was huge, the beds were unbelievably comfortable and the location was perfect.

We splurged the next mornng and paid for the hotel brunch -- I think it was about $15/person. Food was pretty good, but I doubt I would pay for it again, if I ever stayed there again.