I stayed at the hotel during my business trip to Samara in November 2011. And I did not regret of choice I made. Renaissance is the best hotel in Samara and a little bit expensive. But I think it is worth it.

I arrived at midnight and receptionist offered me a free glass of champagne and did all paper work as fast as she could. I was surprised that the checking process lasted a couple of minutes only. As a gold Marriott rewards member and received an upgrade to a large room.
The room was spacious and clean with separate working and sleeping areas (see attached pictures). I did not find a bathrobe, but after a short talk with a receptionist it was delivered to my room in less than 10 minutes. The furniture was in good condition, but a TV was a very old model. I think management should update TV model to LCD and make me and other visitors to feel that they pay a reasonable price for the room with the modern TV equipment. There were a free bottle of water in the bathroom and one (not free) of Evian in the room. Room’s bar was poor and you need to call to room service and ask them to fill the bar with the drinks on the list. Another minus was a lack of any book with hotel description and booklets with Samara map or Samara’s sightseeing. In my room I found a menu of the restaurant and room service only. Finally, room’s walls were thin and I heard the next room people’s talk and how they were watching TV.

Breakfast buffet was delicious with a lot of different cold and hot dishes. There was a chef who cooked a really good omelet. Welcome drink “smoothie” was a good start for the breakfast.
All staff was friendly and helpful and spoke good English.

Anyway, I still think this hotel is the best hotel in Samara.