Fodor's Expert Review Renaissance Paris Vendôme

Hiding behind a classic 19th-century facade, this fresh, contemporary five-star Marriot hotel adorned with subtle Art Deco touches has much to recommend it. Under a huge atrium skylight, the lobby's polished black-marble floors, hardwood furnishings, and urban-chic design set the tone for a truly Parisian experience, near great shopping and dining all in the beating heart of Paris.

YOU SHOULD KNOW The hotel has been undergoing extensive renovations, while remaining open, slated to be completed sometime in late 2018.

room

Rooms have all the modern amenities, with warm wood accents, original artwork, and huge comfy beds, all designed to feel like a cozy living room--for now, anyways. The rooms will be undergoing renovations starting in Fall 2017.

Though there are 10 rooms with balconies, and views of the charming Paris rooftops and a corner of the Tuileries from the higher floors, four ground-floor patio suites have their own private terraces in an intimate courtyard.

bathroom

Bathrooms are spacious and modern, with separate tubs, showers and toilets, and luxury bath products by Bulgari.

lobby

The newly refurbished lobby offers several comfortable seating arrangements, along with a "library," a hidden cocktail bar and a very good restaurant. Guests are welcome to lounge with a hot beverage and a newspaper.

pool

One of the nicest features of the hotel, the pool, though subterranean, does have skylights and is large enough for laps. Relax in style on comfortable lounge chairs before heading to the sauna or steam room.

spa

A small spa offers pretty much every face and body treatment you'd need, plus the usual manicures, waxing, etc.

gym

The fitness room is quite small but still well-equipped, and personal training sessions can be booked by the hour.

dining

One of Paris's standout Mediterranean-Middle Eastern restaurants, in a chic retro atmosphere designed by Paris interiors star Dorothée Meilichzon, made a splash when it opened in January 2017. The restaurant is so good that it's not only maintained a buzz but is attracting a local foodie crowd for scintillating dishes that focus on fresh and seasonal.

drinking

Stylish and cozy, this is a great little spot to while away an evening over a superior cocktail. As to be expected from a menu designed by the globe-trotting Experiemental Cocktail group, the drinks—and wine list—are stellar, and the bar snacks are super good.