When we were choosing which Marriott to stay in Paris, we had a hard time choosing between this one and the Renaissance Paris Arc de Triomphe, so we stayed at both. In this review I will compare the two because I’m sure many travelers are faced with the same decision.
Check-in: We tried to get early check-in to both the Paris Marriott Champs Elysees Hotel (Marriott) and the Renaissance Paris Arc de Triomphe (Renaissance). In both cases, we had to wait for our room because they were getting special rooms available for us (overlooking the Champs Elysees at the Marriott, and a room with a curved window at the Renaissance). No problem, we left our luggage and explored Paris. When we returned (in both cases around 6:00), we were not in the premium rooms promised at either hotel! The rooms were nice; they just faced the courtyard instead. At the Marriott, our luggage was in the room, along with a welcome gift (1/2 bottle of wine, bottle of water and desserts) and our Marriott Rewards gift (1/2 bottle of wine and a fabulous cheese platter). At the Renaissance, we had a welcome gift (bottle of wine and some fishy-tasting crackers) but had to wait for our luggage and rewards gift.
Rooms: Both rooms were nice, a little on the small side and comparable with amenities. The Marriott was elegant, with a nice garden tub and separate shower. The furnishings were elegant, the bed was not as comfortable -- it felt like there was quilt serving as a pillow-top on top of the mattress. The Renaissance was understated luxury -- more trendy furniture but a very comfortable bed. The bathroom did not have a tub, but had a nice rain shower head. The Renaissance was cleaner.
Service: I didn’t think there was any comparison in service. At the Marriott, you would never touch a door – the bellmen/doormen were extremely attentive and helpful. The front desk and concierge were also great – and it was nice to have our luggage taken to our room without request. My husband is a platinum Marriott member, and after reading the reviews of the Renaissance, we were very disappointed with our service. The front desk was great, but that was the extent. We would come home at night, and rather than opening the door, the bellman just stared at us (I thought he was a security guard trying to act hard). It took over two hours to get a bottle of wine that we were promised would be delivered in five minutes. Unless we greeted the reception area personnel first, we weren’t acknowledged. Not typical for a Marriott, being French isn’t a good excuse.
Location: Marriott is in a better location. There were several homeless people sleeping on the grates near the Renaissance.
Restaurant: Breakfast was much better at the Marriott, as was the service. The Marriott was relaxing and bright and cheerful. The Renaissance was more suited for the evening, and the morning servers acted like they had a late evening out.
If I went back to Paris, I would choose the Paris Marriott Champs Elysees Hotel over the Renaissance Paris Arc de Triomphe. Even though the Renaissance bed was more comfortable and I enjoyed the trendier atmosphere, service is #1 and the Renaissance just wasn’t there.
- Paris Marriott Hotel Champs Elysees
- Marriott Paris
- Paris Marriott
