Renaissance La Defense Paris - Paris, France     

My second stay on a business trip. The rooms are standard - comfortable as you'd expect from a Marriott property and refurbished in - I think - about 2006/7. I had no probs my first stay and a blocked bath my second stay - promptly attended to. But the main reason for writing this is the restaurant - La Brasserie. Its a bit of a hidden gem, and frankly, being as La Defense itself is a bit dead in the evenings, you could do a lot worse than staying in and going downstairs - I'd be comfortable entertaining there. Staff incredibly friendly and even said I spoke reasonable French (cobblers!). But nonetheless, if you are travelling to the Western Suburbs on business, or going to a conference in the Palais des congess in Porte Maillot (3 stops on the Metro) - a good bet.

Just stayed at the Renaissance and was pleasantly surprised overall. Yes, some of the bathroom could do with some refurbishment, but for Paris this hotel is not badly situated and can be value for money if a voucher is obtained via e-bay. Felt some of the previous reviews were a little harsh in relation to it's location. Ok the Defense statue isn't the prettiest, but it is next door to a modern shopping complex with everything a traveller would want. Pauls bakery shop is excellent with delicious and cheap cakes & baguettes. One thing to note the shopping centre is closed on Sunday's! The metro line is a 5 minute walk from the hotel. There you can get a 15 minute direct train to the Louvre & a 10 minute journey to the Champs elysees. One thing to note, if you are only using the metro & not the RER (railway) from La Defense you dont need zone three on your one day travelcard (cheaper). To get to the Renaissance you can get the RER from CDG to Chatelet and then Metro 1 (red one) direct to La Defense or change RER trains at the same location and go direct to La Defense. Single ticket 20 euros for two. Finally the staff at the Renaissance are really helpful and allowed us to check in at 0930hrs without extra charge. This was a blessing after an early flight from Luton!!