I am staying at the Renaissance Paris La Defense. I understand that this hotel is some what outside Paris, however I am staying there for free. I been told that the metro is just 300 meters from the hotel. Is that correct? Also, I would like to know if someone has stayed at this hotel and get some first hand information. Does anybody knows how safe is the area and metro during the night? How much will a taxi will cost me from Grande Nord Station to the hotel? Any idea?

Any information about the hotel and the area will be greatly appreciated.

Regards,

Luis

I was in the lobby of the Renaissance in May. The people were very helpful in giving me directions to find an antique automobile museum this spring. Though when I got to the museum I discovered it had very recently closed. It's not the location I'd pick to stay, but a free room in a very nice hotel? I'd be all over that.

I was there on a Friday afternoon. It was busy with business people scurrying about. Most of France's major corporations are headquartered there. From what I've read it has a tendency to empty out in the evenings and on weekends. Probably the one thing that might bother you a bit would be walking with no one around in the evenings. It wouldn't bother me at all. It's all very open as you walk from the metro station past the left side of the grand arch and over to your hotel. It is about 300 meters from the metro station. For your own peace of mind you might want to plan your first night back before dark to see how you feel about it.

I've also read that you can have trouble finding restaurants that are open in the evenings & weekends. There's a big underground shopping mall that has a huge (I think) Monoprix in it so you can buy stuff there.

You'll have to be careful with the Metro. La Defense is in zone two. You'll need a valid ticket if you take a faster RER into the city rather than the Metro. I have no idea about taxi costs.

On a few separate visits I've enjoyed a meal at the Bistro Romain, near the base of the Arche - had a lovely foie gras and brioche starter there one time and duck main meal another.

I also always enjoy a wander around the art exhibit at the top of the Arche and a tea stop in the cafe up there. I've not eaten there.

As has been said, the area is very quiet at night, and also on weekends. It's handy for a little shopping though as the shopping centre has a large french supermarket, possibly Auchan, I forget, which is a good place to pick up a few bits to take home.

As above, I'd not choose the location if I were paying, but if it's a nice hotel and you've a complimentary room, it's a worthwile trade off, IMO.

La Defense is a white collar working area (major corporate offices, etc). Metro / Rail stop is there. Take the rail to get anywhere faster (same station, just different train). Paris metro is very extensive Get a pass. Take the free hotel.
Rush hour is busy at this station.

We stayed there (for free) a few years ago (so keep that in mind) and the hotel and rooms were fine (business hotel--nice rooms, nothing special though). The location is a bit outside Paris, but we got up early in the morning, went to the metro station (yes, an easy walk) and came back late at night after spending the whole day in Paris (there is nothing to see in La Defense). We would have liked it if it were more centrally located, but given the free stay in a nice hotel, it was well worth it. Late at night seemed safe, just very very empty. But I didn't encounter druggies or panhandlers or anything. Just...nobody. I guess bring a whistle or flashlight if you want to feel safer. As everyon else has said, it's a business area, so during rush hours there's tons of people, but all working folks in suits, and you'd be taking the metro the opposite way so they really wouldn't be in your way or anything.

Also, there is a McDonald's between the hotel and the metro station. We found it a good quick place to get breakfast before sigtseeing all day in Paris (I know eating McD's in paris is criminal, but it's better to be a full and happy tourist than hungry and scowling).

No idea about taxi costs. Enjoy your stay!