The Renaissance Gulshan Hotel in Dhaka is an escape from the traffic filled streets of the Bangladeshi capital, with modern amenities and kind staff.
The travelers found themselves looking for a peaceful staycation weekend to start off the new year. The capital city of this South Asian nation currently has three Marriott Bonvoy properties: a Renaissance, a Westin, and a Le Meridien. After reviewing photos of the property, the Renaissance won out.
In this post:
Location, Arrival & Check-In
Located in the vibrant residential and commercial hub, Gulshan, this 19-storey property sits a mere 12 km from the country’s main international airport, Hazrat Shahjalal International. The 211-roomed property offers business traveler and leisure seekers a reprieve from the honking of cars, rickshaws, and CNGs below.
The property is relatively new, and travelers are greeted with a water display while cars are screened by security. Large floor to ceiling windows offer a peak into the lobby and cafe area while pulling up to the main entrance.
Upon arrival, the travelers were met by a bellhop who collected their items from the car and escorted them through a metal detector entrance – a common security measure at most places in the city. The staff inside offered a welcome drink while they collected passports and completed check-in.
With their Platinum Elite Status, the travelers were provided a room upgrade and were first escorted to their junior suites and then to the Club Lounge, located on the 17th floor, to enjoy evening cocktails and canapés.
Hotel Room
Starting off the new year with their elevated Marriott Bonvoy Platinum and Titanium Elite membership, the travelers were upgraded to a spacious corner junior suite. A fruit basket, letter to outline elite benefits, and a handwritten thank you note welcomed the travelers.
The spacious room included a king-sized bed and large couch. The modern decorations stood out and complemented the white walls, but the star of the room were the floor-to-ceiling windows that wrapped around the “L” shaped suite.
A large desk was used work near a two-part closet across from the bathroom. Below the large TV was a fulled stocked mini bar including a Nespresso machine and an assortment of local and international tea and coffee. Beside tables including controls for the lighting and several universal outlet.
The bathroom featured a large glass to see into the bedroom, but also had blinds for those requiring more privacy. The shower itself took up nearly 1/3 of the bathroom with a toilet and single vanity comprising the rest of the space. The shower pressure was excellent and included an impressive selection of amenities. Missing from this room, however, was a tub. The travelers later learned that tubs are reserved for the hotel’s highest category suites.
Club Lounge
The Club Lounge at the Renaissance Dhaka was spacious and oddly quiet during the traveler’s visit. Still, the staff was extremely welcoming and attentive. They refilled drink glasses and food stations regularly and without promoting, and by the second visit, addressed guests by their names and knew their preferences.
The food selection in the lounge, while limited compared to other properties in the the region, was still delicious. A good selection of seasonal fruit and local desserts were accompanied by two meat selections, rice and noodle options, and vegetables.
There lounge itself only offers evening drinks and food presentations in the evening from 6-8pm but during the rest of the day, Club Lounge guests are able to stop by the lounge for soft drinks and/or coffee and cookies.
Amenities
The hotel’s main amenities include a heat-controlled infinity pool on the roof top, a full-service spa, and 24/7 gym with steam room and sauna. All of these are included on the top floor, along with the R-Bar, which offers a festive location to celebrate events or just grab a drink.
The hotel also features a buffet option, Bahar, which includes a delicious selection of local, Asian, and Western cuisine for breakfast and extended options for weekend brunch, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast was included in the traveler’s rate and was filling. There is also a 24/7 cafe in the lobby offering a delectable selection of pastries and drinks.
The food highlight of the property is the steakhouse, Sear. This property serves a variety of locally grown steaks and seafood as well as a selection of handcrafted cocktails.
Conclusion
The Renaissance Gulshan is a welcomed escape for those looking for leisure and comfort in Dhaka. The staff are overly accommodating and the accommodations are comfortable.
During this visit, the traveler’s celebrated a birthday and the staff went out of their way to set-up decorations and provided not one, not two, but three desserts for the birthday guests.
If you are looking for kind, caring staff and comfort in Dhaka, you cannot go wrong with this hotel. The location is central to several shops and other restaurants for those looking to explore outside of the property, while the amenities are enough to keep others entertained if they don’t wish to leave.
Rating:
A Room with a (re)view 