R FINDS: Renaissance Hotels Goes Global

Renaissance Hotels, a member of Marriott Bonvoy, has embraced local discovery as its defining feature, connecting travellers with the lively spirit of neighbourhoods worldwide. Renaissance Hotels has a global presence in almost 40 countries. Through carefully planned areas, the leadership of Renaissance Navigators, and its yearly Global Day of Discovery—a celebration of local companies conducted at each of the brand's 170+ hotels worldwide—each property captures its surroundings' distinct culture and personality.

Discover Local Treasures with R FINDS

The launch of R FINDS, a global digital marketplace that celebrates and supports local artists, creators, and small businesses while putting visitors in the centre of the communities where Renaissance Hotels coexist, gave the company's celebration of localism new meaning on November 19, 2024, the tenth anniversary of Global Day of Discovery. R FINDS, which started with 175+ products representing Renaissance Hotels' 175+ properties worldwide, is more than just an online marketplace; it's a cultural bridge that gives tourists from all over the world exclusive access to small businesses and hidden gems in each property's neighbourhood.

Renaissance Hotels' Navigators, the company's on-site specialists with solid ties to the neighbourhood, have assisted in curating the new platform. The Navigators' experience gives customers a genuine method to find and support the best and frequently hidden creative businesses in the communities they call home. It also offers the best local finds for visitors to enjoy, shop, sip, and see. The selection of products, which range from artisanal cuisine and handcrafted goods to wearable art and custom home décor, has been carefully chosen to capture the unique character of Renaissance districts. The commission-free marketplace directly benefits the small companies that drive these communities by giving local entrepreneurs and artisans worldwide visibility at no extra expense.

“With the launch of R FINDS, we’re evolving Global Day of Discovery from a one-day celebration of localism to a platform that fosters meaningful connections year-round,” said Jennifer Connell, Vice President and Global Brand Leader of Premium Distinctive and Collection Brands at Marriott International. “This digital marketplace connects travellers instantly to unique makers from around the world, proving that our commitment to generating positive and sustained impact for our neighbours extends far beyond the walls of each hotel.”

Along with US merchants like Chicago's Sunday Standard, Texas' Ox & Pine Leather Goods, and New Orleans' Meyer the Hatter, international retailers will feature products including Amorío from Mexico, EIRA from India, Larimar from the Dominican Republic, Suraquia from Spain, and Mince from Thailand. Other marketplace attractions include fragrances, vintage posters, watches, jewellery, home items, wallets, and clothing. Items like the brand's specially mixed honey kit will be offered in early 2025. Three distinct tasting characteristics representing three locations—Edisto Gold Honey from Charleston, South Carolina; Heaven's Honey from Chicago; and Manoa Honey & Mead from Wahiawa (Oahu), Hawaii—will be included in the honey kit. Additionally, the kit will contain matching cocktail recipes selected from the Evenings Ritual program of each nominating hotel.

The website takes an editorially driven approach and includes contributions from celebrity guest editors, including James Beard Award-winning chef, artist, and campaigner Sophia Roe and other well-known tastemakers, together with carefully chosen content from Wallpaper magazine. By providing insightful viewpoints on the people, goods, and tales that distinguish each neighbourhood, R Finds upholds Renaissance's dedication to daily discovery.

“Arriving at a time of the year when countless small business owners that make up our vibrant communities are being recognized and supported, I’m honoured to help craft, shape, and share the stories of local communities that connect to travel experiences,” said Sophia Roe. 

“R Finds is a natural platform for stories that reflect the commitment Renaissance Hotels has to make an authentic difference in local communities – and creating memorable, meaningful experiences for travellers.”

On November 19, Renaissance Hotels worldwide commemorated the Global Day of Discovery. The debut of R Finds served as the focal point of the celebration, which included immersive, community-focused events at each location. By bringing together tourists and residents worldwide, Renaissance Hotels' new platform celebrates its properties and the inhabitants and communities that contribute to each place's allure.