Hotel Review: Novotel Paris La Défense

Background:

I needed a place to stay for 2 nights in Paris and I wanted a good value option for me and my friend. The Novotel Paris La Défense worked for me because this was my third time in Paris, and I love the La Défense area as it sits right on metro line 1. That line is an amazing line with newer metro cars and stops at most of the tourist stops. Last time I was in Paris, I stayed at the Melia Paris La Defense so I knew the area really well.

I found a Hotwire hot rate for a 4 star in the La Defense area for under $100 a night and the amenities matched the Novotel, so I booked. 

*Spinning wheel*

Congrats: you’re staying at the Novotel Paris La Defense.

Cool beans! The rate on the website was $180 and I don’t really stay at Accor hotels much so I didn’t care about earning points.

The TripAdvisor reviews were a bit negative, with some bashing the “non renovated” room while others praised the renovated ones. I assumed I would get a non renovated room as I booked a secret Hotwire Hot Rate and I of course I did end up getting one. But it was better than expected! 

Check In:

I arrived at the hotel from the metro station right outside the hotel (Esplanade de La Défense). The Novotel is connected to its lower-end sister property, Ibis, but they have separate entrances. The lobby was standard, and it was interesting that it had a foosball table! Check In was quick, and I quickly got my keys.

Novotel Paris La Défense Room:

The room was pretty non-renovated but clean for the most part. It looked like a typical Novotel, very similar to the other 4 Novotel’s I’ve stayed at.

Novotel’s never really have 2 beds, so we got one with a Double Bed plus a pull out couch. We got a weird room where the pull out couch was 2 single beds. Thankfully there were 2 because one of the single beds was broken.

The sofa bed wasn’t too uncomfortable and I have no complains. I’ve been in way worse rollaway beds before. It was pretty clean, minus a few breadcrumbs on the broken bed.

The bathroom was renovated which was nice. Shower was fine, but I did find it weird on the toiletries. They only gave shampoo, body gel and a bar of soap but no lotion…

The typical Novotel configuration existed where the toilet was in a separate chamber than the bathroom and sink. Definitely both pros and cons to that.  Pro: multiple people can be getting ready at once. Con: if multiple people are getting ready at once, if you’re on the toilet and finish how do you wash your hands?!

There was a hot water maker with coffee+tea packets as well as a mini fridge which I appreciated! No iron or ironing board however.

A pet peeve was that the AC didn’t work. But it was only 50’s/60’s outside so inside wasn’t too hot but it was a bit stuffy.

Overall, the room was quiet and nothing really huge to complain about! I’m not a huge fan of Novotel properties as they are very “boring” but I do applaud them as I haven’t had a “bad stay” at a Novotel. They are solid 3.5 star hotels with no surprises.

View:

Surprisingly we had a peek a boo view of the Eiffel Tower from the 4th floor #Score!

Service:

Housekeeping service was solid and they were friendly. Front desk was adequate for French/Parisian standards.

Upon checking in, I noticed there was a fridge for usage and a sign that said “Free bottle of water” but there was no bottle to be found? So when I went to the front desk and then told me to go to the restaurant.The lady at the restaurant was confused and told me to leave because the restaurant was closed but the front desk agent called her to provide clarification. I then got a 1L bottle of Evian. 🙂

The next day housekeeping left the correct Evian (small bottle) in the fridge.

Other Amenities:

There’s a fitness center on the 12th floor but I didn’t have time to use it. It’s open until 10pm.

The Verdict:

While the Novotel Paris La Défense could use a refresh, the room was generally comfortable to stay in, and there was not anything inherently wrong with the property. However, I believe there are too many other options in the area and Paris in general. I would definitely try another property on my next visit. 

Happy travels,

Ty

Have any questions? Comment below or email me at takeofftotravel@gmail.com. You can also view all my other posts here! Thanks for stopping by!