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While searching the Net for a hotel in Paris, Renaissance was never on the top of my list because of the weird comments I read here and there... I finally understood the problem: It's incompetent staff.
Before going into the details of the hotel, I just want to say what I expect from a five star hotel in Paris – the least actually… is to come across competent and welcoming staff who is expected to make your stay comfortable.
- A continuously smiling staff - day, all night, which is not the case at Renaissance. No smiles, no good morning, no welcoming gestures... They're frustrating. You feel that their staff is just there to get paid at the end of the month. Impatiently waiting for that…
- The staff should help you start your day on a positive note. They are the first people you see while staying at a hotel, especially at breakfast time.
- A relaxing ambiance at breakfast. Instead, there was loud noise as lunch was being prepared.
- You obviously have the right to take as many photos as you want, so next time, avoid approaching a customer to ask him why he has his camera out! It's an open, public space after all. Consider me a tourist!
Renaissance is a classy hotel boasting large and quiet spacious rooms, a tasty breakfast, fast Internet, a balanced air conditioning system, relaxing beds… Everything you need for a satisfying stay.
The room:
- A large room, for Paris, equipped with a smart TV, a working desk, a sofa and a large bathroom.
- Wooden walls, wallpaper, a large bed, relaxing pillows, a mini bar and safe.
- The bathroom is filled with amenities like a hair dryer, soaps and shampoos, mouthwash and a bath robe. The shampoo is from Tokyo Milk.
- The room is prepared every night and candies are left on the bed with the forecast for the next day's weather and temperature.
- A large glass facade gives a view of the inner courtyard.
All was good. I had a good night’s sleep, enjoyed my morning shower and went down for breakfast. Walking in front of the reception, no one even looked at me or welcomed me with a smile: Shocking!
Nevertheless, breakfast at Renaissance was good, part of a five star experience. But it wasn’t enough to compensate for the lack of “staff finesse” at this hotel.
And cherry on top was when checking out: My room was paid for by the company, maybe a €350 price tag, and we were asked to pay an additional €165 city tax. Let me say it as is "LOL". How cheap that looked and the explanation for it was even cheaper with the reception a staff that lacks professionalism and finesse. I felt like I was staying at a two star.
I believe the staff should go for training at the Sofitel – a few meters away - or any other five stars in Paris to understand how a hotel works. I left unimpressed by this place. I expected more from a five star, especially with the price tag paid per night.
A good stay for a business trip, but not sure I'd come back for pleasure.
