Review: Renaissance Paris La Défense Hotel | Marriott Bonvoy

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.

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.

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

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).

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.

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!

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.

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.

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

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.

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.