Item: Renaissance Paris La Défense Hotel
Rating: 9.4
Author: Marie-Claude Ravary

Renaissance Paris La Défense Hotel – Reservation

During a recent business trip to Paris, I allowed myself a “little pleasure” by taking advantage of the Marriott Bonvoy promotion, which allowed me to obtain 1,000 points and a bonus Elite night credit.

Here is my feedback from my recent stay at the Renaissance Paris La Défense, a 4 star hotel belonging to the Marriott group.

This Marriott Bonvoy Premium Distinctive hotel is distinguished by the colors, materials and textures used in the dressing of its common areas and its rooms.

Presented as the only lifestyle hotel in La Défense, the design is modern with elements reminiscent of the industrial style. The premises are designed to echo the neighborhood, both in the chosen decoration and through the temporary exhibitions and Renaissance Evenings that take place there.

Review: Renaissance Paris La Défense Hotel | Marriott Bonvoy - Renaissance La Défense Paris-02

Earning Marriott Bonvoy Points

The best way to earn Marriott Bonvoy points for free stays at over 8,000 hotels worldwide is to have the Marriott Bonvoy^® American Express^®* Card (and/or the Marriott Bonvoy^® Business American Express^®* Card).

In addition to the exceptional welcome bonus of each of these two cards, you’ll earn 2 points per dollar on all your purchases and 5 points per dollar at any of the Marriott establishments. On top of that, every year, you’ll receive a free hotel night certificate (worth 35,000 points) and 15 Elite Night Credits toward your Marriott Bonvoy status.

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Marriott Bonvoy^® American Express^®* Card

American Express Marriott Bonvoy

Annual fee: $120
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$700Total$700Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.: $700
Welcome offerAfter $3,000 in 3 months: Up to 70,000 points

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on American Express's website

Apply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).

The Marriott Bonvoy^® American Express^®* Card is the best credit card in Canada for free hotel nights.

New Cardmembers can earn up to 70,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® points with the current offer:

Earn up to 60,000 points after you spend $3,000 on your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership.
Plus, earn 10,000 points after you spend $500 on your Card in your 13th month of Cardmembership.

The annual fee is $120, and there is no annual fee on Additional Cards, so you can add a partner or a family member at no extra cost.

Every year after your first Card anniversary, you receive an Annual Free Night Award good for a redemption of up to 35,000 points at eligible hotels and resorts worldwide. At a valuation of 0.9 cents per Marriott Bonvoy point, that certificate is worth roughly $315, which on its own more than covers the $120 annual fee. That is the main reason to keep this Card year after year instead of cancelling it.

To get the most out of the certificate, aim it at a night that would otherwise price close to the 35,000 point ceiling.

The Card also gives you 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year and automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status. Those credits count toward the next Elite tier, so you begin every year 15 nights ahead of where you would otherwise start.

You move up to Gold Elite status automatically when you reach $30,000 in purchases on the Card in a year, or when you combine 10 qualifying paid nights within one calendar year with the 15 Elite Night Credits from your Card.

Marriott Bonvoy points are generally valued at 0.9 cents each. On that basis, the 70,000 point welcome offer is worth about $630, and an Annual Free Night Award used at its full 35,000 point ceiling is worth about $315.

Marriott Bonvoy points pull their weight on free nights rather than on gift cards or merchandise, which is why this Card should be judged on the hotel stays it produces.

You earn 5 points per dollar on eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels and 2 points per dollar on all other purchases. Points can be redeemed for free nights with no blackout dates at more than 7,000 hotels around the world.

The Card carries a solid package of coverages: $500,000 travel accident insurance, flight delay, baggage delay, lost or stolen baggage and hotel or motel burglary at $500 each, car rental theft and damage up to $85,000 for rentals of up to 48 days, Purchase Protection for 90 days and a one year Extended Warranty.

Two things to plan around: the 2.5% foreign transaction fee on purchases made in a foreign currency, and the 21.99% purchase interest rate, which makes this a Card to pay in full every month. Like all American Express Canada Cards, no minimum income is published for this Card, and you can see whether you would be approved before you apply, with no impact on your credit score.

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American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, we may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.

Annual fee

Primary card$120

Additional card$0

Annual income required

Individual$0

Household$0

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

5xMarriott Bonvoy hotels
2xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,210

2nd Year Value$312

Travel insurance

Delayed BaggageUp to $500

Lost BaggageUp to $500

Flight DelayUp to $500

Hotel BurglaryUp to $500

Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded

Extended Warranty+1 years

Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days

Review: Renaissance Paris La Défense Hotel | Marriott Bonvoy - Renaissance La Défense Paris-08

Renaissance Paris La Défense Hotel – Summary

Here is some information about the hotel, which also has a ^{1,000 square meter} meeting space:

Date of last renovations	2016	Number of rooms	330
Restaurants	Yes	USB sockets in the room	Yes
Accepts animals	Yes, with an extra charge	Smart TV	Yes
Mobile card	Yes	Shower/Bath	Bathtub – Shower
Balcony	No	Accessible for people with reduced mobility	Yes
Parking	Yes 30 EUR / day	Lounge	Yes
Gym	Yes, 24/7	Breakfast included	With status
Pools and Spas	No	Room with kitchenette	No

Review: Renaissance Paris La Défense Hotel | Marriott Bonvoy - Renaissance La Défense Paris-07

Renaissance Paris La Défense Hotel – Location

Located in the heart of La Défense, you will stay in the dynamic business district of Paris, easily recognizable by its Grande Arche and its Parvis where many activities take place.

Very well located and easily accessible to public transport services in Paris (RER, Metro, Tramway and even bus), do not hesitate to use Google Maps if, like me, you lack orientation. It’s easy to get lost!

You will have access in 10-20 minutes to the must-see attractions of the City of Light, in addition to residing near the Paris La Défense Arena and the huge Westfield Les 4 Temps shopping center (which houses 2 supermarkets).

Review: Renaissance Paris La Défense Hotel | Marriott Bonvoy - Renaissance La Défense Paris-53

There is no shortage of activities at La Défense! I recommend that you take a look at the Paris – La Défense website to plan your stay.

It is also possible to visit the Grande Arche and admire the historical monuments of Paris, from the top of its footbridge located at 100 meters from the ground. You don’t know where to start your discovery of Paris?

Several tours are offered free of charge (voluntary contributions are appreciated), including this nearly 3-hour guided tour starting at City Hall, next to the Paris tourist office.

Because of its location in the business district of Paris, reminiscent of North American city centers, the Renaissance is primarily intended for business stays.

During the week, the clientele frequenting the premises is likely to be absent from tourist groups, if not children running around the lobby.

Renaissance Paris La Défense Hotel – Check-in

As a Titanium Elite Marriott Bonvoy, I was able to upgrade to a Junior Suite, King Bed and Sofa Bed.

Upon check-in, I was offered 1,000 points as a gift, breakfast, regular points on my stay, a Titanium bonus, and finally, the Marriott Spring 2023 promotion. All paid for with my Marriott Bonvoy^MD American Express^MD* Card!

In short, for a night that cost me €189, I estimate that I recovered theequivalent of €60 in Marriott benefits!

Review: Renaissance Paris La Défense Hotel | Marriott Bonvoy - Renaissance La Défense Paris-48

When I arrived at the hotel, I found it difficult to orient myself. The front door is rather small and looks out onto the esplanade, while on the right is the hotel’s restaurant.

Once inside, I didn’t find it “natural” to have to go to level -1 to check in at the front desk.

The lobby is a very pleasant space, with its shimmering, high-end materials. However, the lack of brightness is noticeable.

Review: Renaissance Paris La Défense Hotel | Marriott Bonvoy - Renaissance La Défense Paris-09

Renaissance Paris La Défense Hotel – Room

There are several room options:

Deluxe room (1 queen bed)
Deluxe Room (1 king bed)
Deluxe room (2 single beds)
Family room (2 double beds and more spacious)
Executive Room (1 queen bed, top floor)
Executive Room (1 king bed, top floor)
Prestige room (2 single beds, 1 sofa bed and more spacious)
Prestige room (1 king bed, 1 sofa bed and more spacious)
Junior suite (1 king bed and 1 sofa bed)
Renaissance Suite (luxurious, closed room to living room, 1 king bed)

As pointed out during my stay at the Courtyard Paris Gare de Lyon, although spacious by European standards, we are far from the larger size of the “suites” in North America.

However, for Paris and especially La Défense, our room was almost as big as a small apartment, with its king bed, desk space, bathroom with separate toilet.

Once in the room, one will notice the quality of the finishes and furniture; distinctive elements of Marriott’s premium brands.

However, we also observe that the hotel being frequently visited, the wear of certain corners of the room and the bathroom would deserve some touch-ups.

I even took advantage of this room during the morning to work for a few hours (thanks to the high speed Wi-Fi!), before leaving it for meetings in Paris.

Renaissance Paris La Défense Hotel – Breakfast

After a great night’s sleep, in the quiet, I honored the hearty breakfast buffet.

Renaissance Paris La Défense Hotel – Other services

Renaissance Paris La Défense Hotel – Fitness room

Moreover, the gym is also difficult to access, being located to the left of the elevators, almost hidden.

However, the interior is very well done and the presence of locker rooms and many devices will delight athletes.

Review: Renaissance Paris La Défense Hotel | Marriott Bonvoy - Renaissance La Défense Paris-18

Hôtel Renaissance Paris La Défense – My general impression

My overall impression is that the Renaissance Paris La Défense hotel, although a little bit out of the center of Paris, is still accessible to the city thanks to its proximity to public transportation.

Although definitely oriented towards a business clientele, you will appreciate the calmness of the place if you visit during a weekend.