Renaissance Paris Vendome Hotel

I was shocked that this is considered 5 stars. I almost never book on points but was doing a solo weekend w/o my family and decided it was a good time to take a risk. Upon check in, I received surely one of the worst rooms in the hotel - on the first floor, above a noisy restaurant/bar and with a broken air con during an extremely hot period. Fortunately, when I was unable to fall asleep at 11pm because of the thumping bass (and inability to open my window to try and cool down), they changed my room. However, the hotel had no mini bar nor room service. The sheets were scratchy and then room was otherwise tired and beat up. However, the worst part of the experience was when I was blow drying my hair after a pre-dinner shower, and housekeeping had walked in on me (and scared the heck out of me as a women traveling alone). I did not report this to the hotel as I did not want to get the housekeeper in trouble, but a basic part of training should be that if you see someone in a towel, you immediately leave the room. While the location of the hotel might be 5 stars, the lobby, rooms, etc. very much felt like a 4, realistically 3 star experience.

We paid to have a 2 bedroom room with 2 full washrooms for our family. They said the suite had “technical difficulties” ( found out the air-conditioning was leaking into the bedroom). They put us into a much smaller room one that had a pullout couch instead of a separate full bedroom. The washroom in our en suite did not have any toilet in it either they told us that they would credit us back the difference when we went to leave, they still have not credited us back that difference. They said the management wasn’t able to, but they would take care of it later. They then stop responding to any of our emails and further inquiries They said that they have a zero refund policy. We tried outlining that we’re not asking for a refund of the room we were in, but simply to be compensated for the difference between the room we paid the room we were given as it was a significant difference in price. Feels like some type of scam, not impressed and would not recommend.

This is a small hotel that excels in service. All staff were quite pleasant and responsive. We included breakfast in our reservation and it was quite good. They have a continental buffet setup with eveything from cereal to bread and cold cuts. They also have to order service with coffee, tea, eggs, omelettes, potatoes, pancakes, etc. The rooms and public areas were very clean. The location is very centralized a few blocks from the Louvre, banks, and restaurants. The room had windows that we opened for fresh air (no need for a/c as it was April). The bed was very comfortable. We booked the largest room available short of a suite and it was quite small. We were three and the roll-out barely allowed space to walk around. This is why I gave four instead of Five stars. For two people I'm sure it would be adequate. Overall, we had a great stay as we didn't spend much time in the room anyway.

For $1,800 per night, I expect much much more. I am currently a Titanium Bonvoy member and choose Marriott properties because, in theory, I should be treated better. I should expect to show up at 3 pm and have a room ready for me. For the money I’m paying for a suite, I expect a large, spacious, quiet room. When promised a free breakfast, I expect a free breakfast. Instead, there was no room ready for me until close to 4 pm. I was promised free breakfast, but was charged for it. And some new mysterious charges just popped up on my credit card today. I did not feel welcome in this property and was not happy with the suite. The room was simply two small rooms with a connecting door. I could have and should’ve stayed at the Ritz.

We spent five nights at Renaissance Paris Vendome and enjoyed every moment of our stay in this comfortable and safe hotel. The location is perfect: a block from the Tuileries Gardens and a metro station, a short walk to the Louvre, Place de la Concorde, Musee de l'Orangerie, shopping, everything you would want to see is within a walk or a metro, you will not need a car if your stay is within Paris. The front desk is multi-lingual, and will welcome you with English, but try to learn at least a little French to enhance your stay. The rooms are nice with a great layout of bed, wardrobe area, small refrigerator, big bathroom, tv. A few rooms have a small balcony that overlook the Parisian side-street below; our room had an inner courtyard view which we appreciated as we are light sleepers. The lobby provides couches, chairs, a morning coffee service, afternoon complimentary wine/drink on most days (I believe Tuesday through Saturday afternoon, but double check), a few French magazines to enhance/practice your language skills. Next to the lobby is a concierge desk that readily helps with directions and suggestions. The hotel has a small gym on the underground level - weights, a sauna and steam room, men's and women's lockers with showers, towels, and sandals. The hidden gem at this hotel is the pool. It is beautiful. It is not a lap pool, but more a spa sanctuary, with exquisite green tiles, wood wall accents, a skylight, five lounge chairs with towels. There are two jets that allow some swimming against a current, but really it is a space of luxury, contemplation, immerse yourself in aquatic relaxation. The space is a unique and unexpected addition to the stay. The hotel also has a restaurant at ground level across from Reception. The buffet breakfast can be included in many room rates, I recommend you eat breakfast here. There is a vast, vast array of baked goods, baguettes, meats and cheeses, yogurt, fresh fruit, coffee/tea/water, plus you can order cooked to order items such as eggs, pancakes, omelettes. Definitely see if you can include breakfast with your reservation. Eating a hearty morning meal allows you the freedom of a happy day in Paris without quickly becoming hungry during your visits to museums, shopping, etc. The staff at breakfast are authentically welcoming and personable - especially Reuey and Sofiane, who go the extra step to enhance your morning entry into the Parisian world. One of us celebrated our 60th birthday in Paris, and the hotel on multiple occasions added to the celebration with marking of the day. We enjoy memories of a lifetime of our trip including the stay at Renaissance Paris Vendome. We highly recommend this property to you and loved ones.