VIBE

Unless we’re talking the latest designs by Chanel, anything with even the faintest whiff of “nouveau” about it is bound to cause the Parisian haute society set to discreetly wrinkle their noses…making 21st century Hôtel Fouquet’s Barrière’s success on the ultra-luxe scene quite a coup indeed. Granted, it’s a spin-off from the legendary Le Fouquet’s brasserie, which has more than a century of experience impressing the blue blood set, but there’s still an unmistakable contemporary edge to this hotel’s signature eco-friendly “Dignified Luxury” concept. The sweeping marble staircases, gilded mirrors, mahogany furnishings, and miles of velvet may reference tradition, but the clean curves, cutting-edge high-tech amenities (think scanners in every room and LCD TVs hidden in the bathroom mirrors), and bubbly, down-to-earth service unabashedly emphasize its relative youth.

GO HERE WITH

Significant other; the girls - for a shopping extravaganza; family; yourself - for a pampering retreat

WHY WE LIKE IT

We love the extravagant take on hospitality–not only does it not scrimp on the small stuff like many other luxury hotels have taken to doing (mini-bars and Wi-Fi are complimentary (excluding alcohol)), but it even goes above and beyond with extras like personal butler service for every guest and complimentary 24-hour security detail (should you be VIP enough to require). Plus, because it’s a new hotel, the rooms are more spacious and better appointed than those of most competitors.

AMENITY WE LOVE

The personal butler service, plus the ultra-chic indoor pool surrounded by dark wood paneling and chilled-out seating.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

Those steep prices. And we would have selected a different color scheme–there’s a bit too much brown and gold for us, but that’s a matter of personal preference.

GOOD TO KNOW

The hotel sits just across the street from the George V Métro station, making public transport very handy. (Although with the Arc de Triomphe and the shopping delights of the Avenue des Champs-Élysées only two blocks away, you might not even need to take the Métro.) Le Fouquet’s brasserie is well worth a visit; it’s been a hangout for the cinema insider set (think everyone from Marlene Dietrich to Jean Luc Godard) since it opened in 1899, and it remains a prime people-watching spot. Last but not least, if you’re really looking to splash out, check out the Grand Suite de Paris (where Sarkozy celebrated his presidential victory)–it goes for a mere EUR 15,000 per night…

CLOSEST COMPS

Gramercy Park Hotel (New York); L’Ermitage Beverly Hills (Los Angeles); The Connaught (London)

Read more about Hôtel Fouquet’s Barrière in The Diary

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