For A Touch Of Paris In New York, Book A Night At Hôtel Barrière Fouquet's New York

Groupe Barrière, a prominent French company known for its century-long history of sophisticated hospitality, has firmly established itself as a European hotel leader. The group has an impressive reputation with 19 properties based mainly in France, including renowned hotels like the iconic Fouquet's Hotel in Paris and the relaxed Le Carl Gustaf on the tranquil shores of St. Bart's. In a bold move, Groupe Barrière made its first foray into the United States in September 2022. Hôtel Barrière Fouquet's New York, designed by U.K.-based Martin Brudnizki Design Studio, opened its doors in the tony downtown neighborhood of Tribeca.

Occupying a calm corner of Greenwich Street, the eight-story hotel features a classic red brick façade and a distinctive red awning synonymous with the group. Grid-pane windows, evocative of old New York, add an elegant touch to the exterior. As you approach the main entrance, you'll encounter chic moms pushing strollers and fleets of black Escalades dropping off fashionable guests or the occasional celebrity, lending liveliness to the quiet block.

Enthusiasts of French culture will delight in the hotel's art deco-inspired design, though you needn't be a Francophile to be smitten with the property. With its geometric patterns and gold-leaf antique mirrors, the interior pays homage to the splendor of the past while retaining an air of modernity. The cozy lobby, resembling a comfortable living room, invites guests to relax with a book, laptop, or, come dusk, cocktails. I arrived an hour before check-in, so I sank into a plush couch and flipped open my XPS. I cranked out a few emails while friendly staff doted on me with recurrent inquiries about water or snacks.

Let me pause for a moment to comment on the reception by the staff. Having lived in New York for over two decades and stayed at dozens of hotels, I can’t recall receipt of such a warm and generous welcome as I had at Hôtel Barrière Fouquet's New York. These days, this is not normal in New York – or Paris. There’s been a loss of gracious hospitality, perhaps a remnant of the three-year pandemic and ongoing staffing issues. Whatever the excuse, what a treat to be treated like an old friend at Fouquet's.

I finally ascended to my room, a Prestige King on the sixth floor. Room layouts were disproportionately generous for New York City, and exuded residential charm like old-world herringbone wood floors and a fabulous pink lacquered cabinet that opened to reveal a stocked bar. I spent the afternoon working on an article, so I was thankful for the spacious desk, fast Wi-Fi, and seating area by the window when I needed a break from the keyboard.

Overall, the hotel’s 97 guest rooms are thoughtfully decorated in soothing French lavender, pale pink, cream, and green palettes. Brudnizki's design seamlessly incorporates elements of the surrounding cityscape, a detail I immediately caught after studying the playful wallpaper patterned with sketches of the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and Tribeca landmarks. The bathrooms, finished in top-to-bottom viola Calacatta marble with gold accents, exuded tasteful opulence, featuring dual vanity sinks and a spacious shower stall. I was living in my dream bathroom.

The intimate interiors of the common spaces pay tribute to Parisian style showcasing mohair velvet upholstery in warm burgundy and yellow hues and a mix of modern and vintage artworks on the walls.

The hotel boasts three dining concepts. Daytime cafe Par Ici, set in a lush, greenhouse-style courtyard, serves a vegetarian-focused menu. Titsou, a guests-only cocktail lounge evoking a speakeasy set behind an unmarked door off the lobby, serves beautiful cocktails to beautiful people.

The most extravagant experience is Brasserie Fouquet's, an outpost of the famed bistro near the Champs Élysées. The restaurant attracts well-heeled guests and loyal locals drawn to rich brasserie classics like French onion soup, escargots, and Dover sole, as well as its lively ambiance. The menu was designed in collaboration with Michelin-three-star Chef Pierre Gagnaire.

I was lucky enough to nab a last-minute table at 9 PM. Having poked my head into the room during the day, I had already fallen in love with the sumptuous red and black décor and stylish bar, which also inspired me to reconsider my outfit for the evening. With a suitcase of wrinkled linen after a ten-day trip in Sicily, I went out and shopped for a dress at a local boutique so I’d arrive très chic.

Once seated, I sought advice on the menu from the sommelier, an old friend and wine colleague, Jonathan Charnay, who had previously been with the prestigious Masa group. I had no idea he’d moved to Brasserie Fouquet's (lucky them!), so it was a charming surprise to reconnect during dinner. We selected a standout bottle of Passopisciaro Contrada C 2019, a wine from Mount Etna based on the red Nerello Mascalese grape. In fact, I spent the week prior in Sicily tasting wines around the island for work, so it was a fitting bottle for a reunion.

Charnay helped me select the French onion soup and fluke crudo, plus Dover sole meunière and Elysian Fields lamb chops. Harboring a personal obsession with this bistro staple, I savored every bite of the rich onion and beef broth, chunks of bread soaked through but still sturdy, and tore off strips of the golden, crispy cheese. I could have ended the night there, but what fun would that be? The fluke was a perfect foil to the unctuous soup with its light and bright flavors. The star of the evening, however, was the Dover sole, perfectly cooked and beautifully flavored with brown butter, parsley, lemon, and capers which offered zing and brine to each bite. We skipped dessert and opted for a glass of 20-year tawny port from Sandeman, naturally, as a wine professional does.

Unfortunately, an early departure to the airport precluded enjoyment of the hotel's signature Parisian breakfast, including freshly baked croissants. However, at dinner, staff generously packed up the breadbasket, including mini baguettes or batons, along with a pat of creamy French butter to enjoy a perfect buttered bite on the Airtrain to JFK.

The property has a few other amenities worth knowing. A private cinema called Cannes hosts regular screening events for locals and guests, plus a fabulous looking (and smelling!) spa with a comprehensive gym, can be accessed on the bottom floor. Unfortunately, I had no time to try either. Five ADA-compliant rooms, thoughtfully designed, can also be booked by those with special needs.

Groupe Barrière's Hôtel Barrière Fouquet's New York encapsulates the essence of refined French hospitality, providing an elegant haven in the heart of Tribeca. With its distinctive design, impeccable and warm service, and festive dining options, this establishment blends the best of French luxury with New York City's vibrant energy.

Hôtel Barrière Fouquet's New York, 28 Desbrosses Street, New York