After a few weeks’ break due to a tough COVID, and tests that remained positive, I’m back in Paris for professional reasons.
Since my last trip, the restrictions have not improved: you now need a declaration on your honor to leave the UK, a COVID test on the way out, another on the way back, a mandatory 10-day quarantine on the way back and two additional tests on D+2 and D+8. A hell and a lot of money, limiting travel to what’s strictly necessary.
I’ll spare you, by the way, the Eurostar journeys, which were nothing to write home about… apart from the 3-hour delay on the outward journey!
Booking
I booked the hotel about 1 week before my arrival. The Renaissance Paris La Défense was previously unavailable, or too expensive for my business budget.
I decided to make a reservation at this hotel, which I know from having stayed there over 10 years ago after a trip to Nigeria, but which didn’t leave me with a lasting impression: apart from the very old-fashioned rooms, I was very ill that night.
It’s therefore booked at a special rate of just €100 per night, including breakfast. A real bargain.
Arrival
I arrived at the hotel in the late afternoon by Uber. It’s always hard to find the entrance to La Défense hotels, but my driver was very experienced.
As soon as I arrived, I sensed that the hotel was empty, or almost. No one in the lobby, very few staff at reception.
As soon as I arrive, I’m called by name: I must be the only, or the last, person to check in that evening.
The receptionist asks for my discount form and welcomes me. She informs me of an upgrade to a Junior Suite on the property’s third floor, as well as the availability of the 24-hour Club Lounge.
She also tells me that breakfast can be served either in my room or in the Club Lounge, and I choose the latter… I’m sick of having dinner where I sleep!
Room
The suite was, as I said, on the 3rd floor of the property, in a corner.
Access to rooms is by elevator, of course, and these are currently being renovated to optimize their use.
I’ll always use the same elevator, and I’ll always be alone, which is a sign of the hotel’s low occupancy rate.
The Junior Suite was very spacious, even though everything is in the same room. The entrance leads directly into the living area.
A separate toilet is located to the right of the entrance. After the entrance, the lounge area with a large sofa and coffee table is on the right. The desk separates this living area from the night space, and is a good size. The bed is very large and quite comfortable.
The bathroom, on the other hand, is still as it was in the ’90s and, like the rest of the room, would have benefited from a thorough renovation.
To finish, a video tour:
Hotel facilities
The hotel is equipped with a fitness room, located on the first floor of the property, near the reception desk.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, it was open 24 hours a day, with a gauge controlling the number of users.
The equipment is very recent and the latter is a nice size. I’ll use it one of the mornings, early.
Food options
The property has a bar and restaurant, which remain closed due to the restrictions in force on French territory at the time.
On the other hand, as I said earlier, the Club Lounge has remained open, with hot and cold drinks available 24 hours a day, and breakfast served.
It will be copious, even if the choices are limited and must have been made the day before.
I’ll be using the lounge space to work.
Departure
Check-out was fast, but I should have checked the bill as I was mistakenly charged for one of the breakfasts. This will be corrected after an e-mail to my Ambassador.
Bottom line
A more than acceptable stay for excellent value for money. Great !
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