Renaissance Sao Paulo Hotel

From the outside, the shiny red and silver Renaissance Sao Paulo towers 25 stories above head -- a formidable presence in the leafy Jardins neighborhood. Inside, the atmosphere is bustling and cosmopolitan, full of people in suits hurrying to or from meetings, bridal parties toasting, friend groups drinking and catching up, and sports fans cheering on games. The vibe is like Sao Paulo in miniature, with a tone that’s busy and chic.

The massive, modern lobby is decked out with lots of black marble, dark wood, fresh flowers and orchids, and contemporary furnishings, adding an air of formality to the business-centric hotel. In the front of the lobby, guests hang out around a chic bar and lounge area that serves coffee, cocktails, and sushi. There are plenty of chairs and tables available, providing ample space to meet or plug in a laptop. In the evenings, there is a reception featuring a different drink each night. Adding to the buzz is a live jazz band that plays several nights a week. By the elevator bank, a dramatic floral display changes regularly. In the back of the lobby, escalators lead down to three full floors of meeting and event space, a main attraction for the hotel’s largely corporate clientele. The Renaissance is part of the Marriott brand and it offers perks, like a private lounge and free Wi-Fi, for Marriott reward members.

The hotel is centrally located just a block off of Paulista Avenue, Sao Paulo’s main thoroughfare, and hub for shopping, dining, and cultural activities. Set in the trendy Jardins neighborhood, the hotel is also walking distance from Oscar Freire Avenue, which is known for luxury shopping boutiques. It's less than a five-minute walk from the Consolacao Metro station, and it provides easy access to the city’s public transportation system. There are a plethora of restaurants and cafes nearby, and a major grocery store and a shopping mall are just a few blocks away. It's about a 40-minute drive to Sao Paulo International Airport.

The massive hotel features 388 rooms and 56 suites, which include Deluxe Rooms (starting at 323 square feet), upgraded Club Level Rooms, and six different sprawling suites. Rooms of all levels include coffee/tea facilities, air-conditioning, and individual climate controls. Flat-screen LCD TVs feature satellite and premium channels like HBO, National Geographic, Animal Planet, and ESPN. Minibars are stocked with wine, beer, and coconut water (fees apply). King, queen, or double pillowtopped beds have plush featherbeds and duvets. All rooms have a sitting area with an arm chair and ottoman and writing desk with Eames-style chair.

The rooms are styled with contemporary decor in a neutral color palette accented by warm wood trim and occasional accents in deep red. Marble bathrooms are notably upscale; all are spacious with granite countertops, robes, a bidet, a walk-in shower, and a deep tub. A full set of amenities is provided, including bath salts. The suites also include whirlpool tubs and extra details like flip flops or a bathrooms scale. All rooms have big windows, and rooms on upper floors rooms feature panoramic views across the city. Despite soundproofed windows, it’s possible that some rooms will experience a bit of the city's infamous street noise. Connecting and wheelchair-accessible rooms are available. Wi-Fi is free for members of the Marriott rewards program, which is free to sign up for.

Features are aimed primarily at business travelers, and the hotel is a popular spot for business lunches. Terraço Jardins is the main restaurant, featuring Brazilian and international fare for breakfast (not included in the rates), weekend brunch, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet-style, while dinner (Monday through Saturday) is served a la carte; favorite dishes include grilled octopus, heart of palm stew, and sandperch cooked in a handmade clay pot. Terraço Jardins occupies a bright, airy space with a large wall of windows that creates an atrium-like feel. Located next to the fitness center, Bytes is an all-day grab-and-go cafe featuring a healthy salad bar, sandwiches/wraps, fresh juices, and coffee and has a row of computers available to use. The Living Lounge Bar & Sushi off the lobby provides coffee, cocktails, and sushi in a chic, yet casual, atmosphere. Across from the sushi bar is the hotel's sleek lobby bar, open throughout the day and late into the night. Room service is available 24 hours. There is an evening reception in the lobby with a different drink featured each night.

The spa was renovated in 2017 and is updated with a modern style, offering a sauna, steam room, large whirlpool tub set in an atrium, and a full set of spa services. There are 10 treatment rooms for facials, body treatments, immersion baths, and massages -- including Shiatsu, hot stone, and Ayurvedic. The spa sells an array of Brazilian products, like Vela candles (made in Sao Paulo), Amazonian passion fruit oil, Simple Organic skin-care products, and Fenix incense.

The bright, 24-hour fitness center -- nearly 2,700 square feet and said to be one of the largest in Latin America -- is furnished with a variety of LifeFitness equipment (treadmills, cross trainers, climbers, bikes) and includes a steam room and sauna. Fruit, water, earphones, and towels are provided, and personal training, yoga, and other fitness classes are available for a fee. The outdoor pool is on the small size, and despite being on a lower level of the hotel it’s remarkably quiet considering the location in a busy neighborhood. There is a handful of loungers scattered around the pool, and a small bar where guests can request food and drink service.

A top-floor space called the Individual Zone is a private lounge for Club-level guests, featuring a private breakfast service, evening refreshments, TVs, Eames-style black leather reclining chairs, and panoramic views of the city. A small business center in the lobby offers a few computers and a printer, while a full business center on the floor below includes additional equipment. Below the hotel, three full floors are dedicated to a massive event space with 15 rooms of all sizes, from small meeting rooms to large weddings or conventions. There is even a theater with live performances such as comedy shows. Full-service catering packages are available, as well as a separate lobby and entrance for events. The hotel’s “Navigator” desk offers free weekly walking tours of Paulista Avenue. On-site valet parking is available for a fee. Wi-Fi is free for members of the Marriott rewards program, which is free to sign up for.