Review: Renaissance Paris Arc de Triomphe
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We just got back from a family trip to Paris, where we stayed at the Renaissance Paris Arc de Triomphe hotel. Here is our review, with plenty of photos.
Background
How we booked the Renaissance Paris Arc de Triomphe with our points
We booked this hotel 3 weeks before our arrival. Since the hotel is a Category 9 property with Marriott Bonvoy, it cost 45,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night, or 135,000 points for 3 nights.
I earn points with my Marriott Bonvoy™ American Express® Card (and its generous welcome bonus). So I instantly converted 45,000 starpoints from the SPG loyalty program into 135,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
45,000 Marriott Bonvoy points / 15,000 starpoints per night is high, but it’s about average for the French capital. And since the Canadian dollar isn’t doing well against the euro, using points was a no-brainer. See for yourself:
Converted to Canadian dollars:
Here, 45,000 starpoints saved me $2,000, which puts the value of 1 starpoint at 4.44 cents, well above our valuation of 2.7 cents.
Contacting the Renaissance Paris Arc de Triomphe before arrival
We made a point of emailing the front desk and the concierge to make sure:
- that our Gold status would be recognized at the hotel (especially for breakfast)
- that an upgrade to a family room could be considered
- that a babysitting service would be available
The replies were quick and clear every time. The concierge suggested 2 babysitting services, and we were very happy with them. Well done!
Marriott Gold status recognition at the Renaissance Paris Arc de Triomphe
As a Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite member (status I get through The Platinum Card from American Express or the Business Platinum Card from American Express), my status was fully recognized by the Renaissance Paris Arc de Triomphe. We received:
- Early check-in (we checked in at noon)
- Late check-out (we could have checked out at 3 p.m.)
- An upgrade (from a standard room with 1 double bed to a family room with 2 queen beds)
- Complimentary breakfast
The Renaissance Paris Arc de Triomphe: a luxury hotel in the heart of Paris
The hotel’s location is perfect for exploring Paris. A metro station (Ternes) is just a few metres away. And you’re within walking distance of the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs-Élysées and Parc Monceau. Plus, if you want to go shopping, you’ll find what you’re looking for on Avenue des Ternes.
Even though the hotel is on a major boulevard leading to the Arc de Triomphe, the rooms are quiet. We had also considered the Renaissance Paris Vendôme, which is even more central, but its rooms looked much smaller.
Arriving at the Renaissance Paris Arc de Triomphe
At the foot of the hotel, you’ll find several shops as well as the entrance to the Salle Wagram (a performance venue).
You have a direct view of the Arc de Triomphe. A photo in front of the hotel at night:
To give you an idea of how close the Ternes metro station is, here is a view from Place des Ternes.
A check-in counter is reserved for Marriott “Elite” status members. We arrived around noon, and our room was ready but hadn’t been inspected yet. During this process, which took 10-15 minutes, the front desk offered us refreshments at the bar… as well as a hot chocolate and games to keep our daughter busy. A nice touch!
After about ten minutes, the front desk gave us our keys and confirmed the upgrade:
The family room
Both elevators are “colourful.”
The hallways leading to the rooms are fairly understated.
Hotel rooms in Paris are usually small. This one was a good size, above average in any case. We never felt cramped.
The two queen beds:
The TV and desk:
The lounge chair by the window:
The minibar / coffee corner:
With an excellent Muscadet:
Much appreciated: free bottles of Evian water on the nightstand.
The small balcony overlooking the Salle Wagram, the hotel restaurant’s terrace and the famous Paris rooftops:
The bathroom
With a tub-shower combo, the bathroom was also a good size for Paris.
A nice stylistic touch, with half an Eiffel Tower reflected in the mirror:
Breakfast
Thanks to our Marriott Gold status, we were entitled to the breakfast buffet every morning, and we weren’t disappointed! Breakfast is served in the restaurant (the hotel doesn’t have a private lounge for it).
You can ask to be served a hot drink, or help yourself at the machine provided.
Mmmm, good cheese!
As you can tell from these photos, it’s hard to be disappointed by a buffet like this! Everything on offer, from savoury to sweet, is varied and high quality. Being Marriott Gold saves us about thirty euros per person every day, which is significant. Plus, children’s seats were available.
The gym
I have to admit: I didn’t use the gym. But I did take photos for you! It’s quite well equipped. Plus, a mini bar offers free Evian water and energy drinks.
Our verdict on our stay at the Renaissance Paris Arc de Triomphe
The Renaissance Paris Arc de Triomphe is an excellent choice for a stay in the heart of the action in the French capital. The 15,000 starpoints / 45,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night are well spent here, especially for those with Marriott Gold status.
These 15,000 starpoints can be earned with the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card (or its business version, which individuals can also get) or by converting 30,000 American Express Membership Rewards points from one of the 4 cards that earn Membership Rewards points.
Marriott Gold status comes with The Platinum Card from American Express (or its business version, which individuals can also get).
- Annual fee
- $120
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$600Total$600$100 deferred bonus, excluded from the first-year estimate and not counted in this total.Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $600
- Welcome offerAfter $3,000 in 3 months
- Up to 70,000 points
Apply Now
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”).
- Annual fee
- $799
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$1,190Total$1,190$510 deferred bonus, excluded from the first-year estimate and not counted in this total.Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $1,190
- Welcome offerAfter $10,000 in 3 months
- Up to 100,000 points
Apply Now
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”).
- Annual fee
- $250
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$1,020Total$1,020Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $1,020
- Welcome offerAfter $12,000 in 12 months
- Up to 60,000 points
Apply Now
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”).
- Annual fee
- $799
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$1,360Total$1,360$680 deferred bonus, excluded from the first-year estimate and not counted in this total.Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $1,360
- Welcome offerAfter $15,000 in 3 months
- Up to 120,000 points
Apply Now
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”).
- Annual fee
- $150
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$700Total$700$100 deferred bonus, excluded from the first-year estimate and not counted in this total.Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $700
- Welcome offerAfter $5,000 in 3 months
- Up to 80,000 points
Apply Now
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”).
Go further with Marriott Bonvoy
To maximize your stays and points earning, check our complete Marriott Bonvoy program guide and our best Marriott Bonvoy credit cards ranking. For personal use, see the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card. For business expenses, the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card earns points on every business purchase. And if a points purchase promotion is running, take advantage via our Marriott Bonvoy points purchase guide.