If you’re here to find out if you should stay at the Renaissance Hotel while in Aix-en-Provence, I’m here to tell you the answer is yes. The lobby and rooms are clean, modern and spacious. The restaurant food is fabulous. The pool is heavenly. Sadly I didn’t get to check out the spa this trip as they were booked up prior to me booking a room, but I did check out the area, and it also seemed heavenly ~ a very valid reason to make a return trip, am I right?
Hotel Highlights
–Walking Distance into Downtown – the hotel is in a great location with an easy walk to shops and other restaurants, as well as the tourism office.
–English Speaking Staff – if you’re travelling from the USA, speaking French can be intimidating. You’ll feel at home at this hotel. Everyone is very bilingual and friendly.
–Dog friendly – the website says max of one dog, but I called and was told two was no problem. The dogs did cost $35 euro each which is on the steeper side for a dog fee in France, but being able to have them at a nicer hotel is so convenient. They were allowed to join me at the poolside restaurant which was also a plus!
–TV Device Mirroring – while you’re not on vacation somewhere like Aix to sit and watch TV, sometimes after a long day in the sun, sightseeing, or wine drinking you just want to curl up in your robe and put something on. Not all hotels in France provide an option for English speaking TV or Internet TV so being able to broadcoast your Netflix from your phone or laptop is really nice.
–Air Conditioned, Spacious Rooms – neither feature to be taken for granted in Europe. Esepcially if travelling in the peak of summer, or with more than one person. The king size bed, cool air, and lounge slippers and robes make for a perfect night!
–Nespresso Machines in Room – I know I can’t be alone in hating when hotels provide crappy instant coffee. Take advantage of the Nespresso machine in your room when you need a mid day pick me up. You’ll get free Nespresso included with breakfast, but ordering a coffee at the restaurant over lunch will be charged.
If you are a Marriott Bonvoy member, it is the only property currently located in Aix, which is a bonus if you’re in to racking up points and nights. As an admittedly loyal Platinum Elite status holder I try to always stay at a Marriott property when I can, but that aside this hotel was an absolutely amazing stay.
The Restaurants
Atmosph’R
This restaurant is near the hotel entrance and is where both breakfast service and sit down dinner service is served. I am not kidding when I say it is one of the best meals I have ever had at a hotel. The food was so creative, cooked to perfection and the perfect balance of indulgent but not too heavy.
If you are traveling from the USA, don’t be surprised to see the restaurant empty up until 8:00 p.m. Although dinner service starts at 7:00 p.m., the French eat later than you are used to. Make your reservation for then, unless you want to be the only one in the restaurant. Also remember that all your tax and tip is built into the menu prices, just as everywhere in France. What you see is what you pay.
Your dining experience will start off with complimentary bread and olive tapenade, or something similar. If you want to dine as the French do, enjoy this while you sip on an aperitif. Next up I had a starter of crispy sea bream which ended up being fried bream in what almost tasted like salty and cripsy wonton wrapping. The fanciest of fish sticks if you will, served with a creamy and herby dip and edible flowers. Everything about it was perfect. For my main I had chicken supreme in a truffle sauce, which was cooked to perfection. Overly tender with a crisped top and a sauce with just the right amount of truffle, salt and sweetness to it. My side dish was a truffle polenta, which you can’t go wrong with… but I was once again blown away. I mean are you kidding me with the presentation and the actual fresh truffle shavings over the top?! Make sure to swipe through the photos below to see each dish. Admittedly I skipped out on dessert since I was dining solo and full, but if you are dining with others, get the desserts. They looked amazing, and it wouldn’t be a true French dinner without coffee and dessert!
Atmosph’R is where you’ll also get breakfast in the morning. Breakfast is on the pricier end, but I’m telling you it’s worth it! If you have Platinum Elite, remember that complimentary breakfast is an option. I forgot to get a photo of the spread, but you have everything you could want from a cheese and cold cut meats spread, fresh cooked eggs, pancakes and waffles, fruit, salmon, fresh croissants and mini baguettes, sausage, bacon, ETC. You get it. It’s good.
Le Palms
This restaurant is poolside with a very casual but still elegant vibe and incredible service. I had lunch here consisting of lots of rose with a side of fresh tagliatelle and fresh tomato sauce, arugula and lots of shaved parmesan. You’ll also receive bread and bar snacks. Another major bonus is the dogs were allowed to come to this restaurant and received great treatment with their own water bowl service! As always I was eyeing what everyone around me ordered and the salads, burrata entree, and octopus all looked fabulous as well!
The restaurant also has a poolside bar serving drinks to your lounger, as well as lunch trays to your lounger if you prefer to grab a pool spot early and avoid a sit down meal.
The Pool
If you visit in high season, I recommend grabbing your lounger earlier in the day. I got there around 11 a.m. and spots were filling up. Considering the pool was heated, the rose was flowing, and the scenery is tres chic I found myself not wanting to leave. At all. Could have spent all. day. long at this pool. It’s definitely on the more family friendly side, no dance music or party atmosphere if that is what you are looking for.
One night was not nearly enough here, I still have lots of dishes to try, more hours to get in at the pool, and most importantly the spa to check out – I will certainly be back!
*This post is NOT sponsored, I just genuinely enjoy writing about my experiences and helping make your travel planning easier!
If you stay, I’d love to hear in the comments if you enjoyed it as much as I did!