hockeyinsider

I've stayed there every year since it opened. I've had several friends and colleagues stay there. Everything has always gone well. The only downside is the lack of a lounge -- they could at least offer complimentary drinks in the mini-fridge or a free cocktail, something -- and some design flaws in the bathroom. You get turndown service, the breakfast is more than sufficient, the restaurant is good for dinner and actually has non-hotel guest clientele, there's a spa, and the concierge is very good.

Others on here have had similar good experiences.

I guess what I really like about it is the location. It's within walking distance of everything, except the Eiffel Tower (unless you like long, long walks), but in a more typical and authentic Paris neighborhood.

I would like to stay at Prince de Galles, a Luxury Collection Hotel just because I like luxury hotels but I don't know if the extra points (or money) is really worth it because I don't see how it could be that much better than the Renaissance. Plus, if I had the money, as opposed to traveling on someone else's money or my points, I would stay at The Ritz, The Peninsula or the Four Seasons.

EuropeanPete

hockeyinsider

I'm not disagreeing that the building and decor will be nicer and the staff even better. I'm merely saying that for the price the Renaissance Republique is very good and I don't know if I could justify the extra money -- if it were my money -- for the Prince de Galles, Luxury Collection if I was going to spend most of the day out and about in Paris.

ohmark

As to Renaissance Republique, only the Marriott website. Because several categories of rooms show the same minimum and maximum, have my doubts as to the accuracy as to any particular category. But, like the property description and what hockeyinsider has to say about it. However, not sure I want to take a chance on a room that is just too small for two.

ohmark

Love the location of Renaissance Vendome, but loathe to pay the exorbitant add-on cash rates when using points, for a three category upgrade to the property's smallest human-sized room. Any comments about the nearby Westin Vendome? Thanks.

Gringuito

hockeyinsider

I can't imagine they wouldn't upgrade you from a small room. Email the hotel and see what options they will give you.

hockeyinsider

Did you complain? Obviously, either the front desk gave you the wrong room or the Marriott application was incorrect. That's a big deal that I would have addressed.

As for the Renaissance Republique, it's a city center hotel. Are you platinum or platinum premier? There may have been no upgrades available. Who knows.

miles4CDG

Love the WPV, however I am biased, having stayed here many times over the years. Concierges, SPG Guest and Front Desk teams here terrific! Rooms vary in size, but from the pictures I've seen online of the Renaissance, they are generally larger, and you can get some great views over the Tuileries all the way from the Louvre to the Eiffel Tower from the rooms facing rue de Rivoli, as well as some nice views of the Tuileries from the rooms towards the corner on rue de Castiglione. Even the courtyard facing rooms have good light. The bathrooms are not quite state-of-the-art (that is being generous) however they are spacious, and for us not a deal breaker. Platinum breakfast buffet is solid, you can also order off the menu. Gym is small, no windows. We never dine on property other than an occasional Plat breakfast, so can't speak to that. And there are often good rates. Just rebooked our upcoming stay with a nice price-drop. ^

ohmark

Thanks.
Thoughts on likelihood of upgrade from superior to deluxe or higher for pp, for award stay in late July?

hockeyinsider

I think you will be lucky to get anything other than what you booked at any chain hotel in central Paris. July is the busiest time of the year for tourists in Paris.

rfrost

Having only stayed at the Westin twice (both times in the last twelve months, once as a Gold, once as a Plat), I don't share all that enthusiasm. It's a very good location, and generally not priced outrageously. I've had decent-sized rooms, but checkin can be a zoolike experience and I find the hotel impersonal and rather charmless in any event. I do like most of the concierges, although I found one of them rather unhelpful and supercilious. I had a big problem on my last stay trying to print something in the business center, and it took quite a long time to get real help.
Everyone, of course, has a different frame of reference. My go-to hotels in this century (in the last one I favored small & charming Left Bank hotels) have been LeGrand and, since it opened, the Park Hyatt Vendome, but I've stayed in both many, many times, so have been treated very well (particularly at the former). (Ive also stayed in all of the icons over the years except for Le Bristol and have to say I love the George V but would make the Ritz my home if I had the choice.)

ohmark

Not necessarily my experience. But, would present a particular problem for award stays at Ren Republique where the listed size (on the website) of the triple upgrade "Artist Studio" room widely varies from unacceptable to okay, and at the WPV where the superior rooms (only ones listed on website for awards) also vary from very small to slightly larger than very small. Not a problem for a single traveler, but very small spaces for more than one.

hockeyinsider

You are being unreasonable, in my opinion. Absent paying for an upgrade or using suite night award certificates, I doubt you will get a complimentary suite upgrade in July at any central Paris hotel. But again, I would proactively reach out to several hotels to see if you can confirm an upgrade pre-arrival.

Kacee

Since you've never stayed in either property, you're just speculating about actual room size. Please don't present that as fact.

And if you want a suite, book a suite. That's what many of us do.