Consider Staying at Hôtel Barrière Fouquet’s New York

The Dinogo Perspective

The French brand Groupe Barrière has a long-standing reputation in Europe for its sophisticated approach to hospitality, honed over more than a century. With 19 hotels, primarily located in France, the group boasts the iconic Fouquet’s hotel in Paris and Le Carl Gustaf nestled along the tranquil shores of St. Bart’s. In September 2022, it ventured into the U.S. market with the launch of the 97-room Hôtel Barrière Fouquet’s New York in the vibrant Tribeca district of New York City.

Who is it for?

Fans of French culture will enjoy the hotel’s art deco-inspired elements, featuring geometric designs and gilded antique mirrors. Guests seeking a homely atmosphere will appreciate the apartment-style parquet flooring in the rooms and the inviting lobby, which resembles a cozy living room complete with corners perfect for reading or working. While the hotel offers a serene escape, visitors will find themselves close to the city’s energetic nightlife, with prominent restaurants and bars just a short distance away.

The setting

The hotel boasts an eight-story red brick exterior, featuring grid-pane windows and the distinctive red awning associated with the brand. Nestled on a quiet corner of Greenwich Street in the trendy Tribeca neighborhood, it’s not uncommon to see occasional pedestrians and bike messengers passing by the entrance. I enjoyed dining at local favorites like Estancia 460 and North Bar, where locals gather, as well as my top seafood spot in the city, Lure Fishbar, located nearby in Soho.

The atmosphere

The discreet entrance might easily be mistaken for that of an upscale apartment complex. Upon entering, the cozy interiors designed by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio celebrate the Parisian art deco style, featuring warm burgundy and yellow mohair velvet upholstery alongside herringbone wooden floors. The hotel also boasts a private cinema named Cannes, hosting regular themed screening events where locals and hotel guests come together.

The accommodations

The hotel features 97 guest rooms adorned in soft shades of French lavender, cream, and green. In my junior suite, the bed had an elegant white quilted headboard that reached the ceiling, complemented by a magnificent European chandelier in the living area. Brudnizki’s design also reflects the vibrant city outside, with playful wallpaper in the entryway showcasing sketches of the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Tribeca residents, and pigeons holding croissants in their beaks. The luxurious bathrooms, accented with marble and gold, offer dual vanity sinks and spacious shower stalls.

Culinary offerings

At Brasserie Fouquet’s, a charming brasserie featuring red chairs and a lively bar, chef Bradley Stellings artfully prepares dishes inspired by the renowned French culinary artist Pierre Gagnaire, who oversees the original Fouquet’s in Paris. The menu includes traditional French favorites like steak tartare and onion soup, along with regional delights such as Maine lobster and Blue Point oysters from Long Island, served with horseradish Chantilly cream and beetroot jelly. Be sure to try the Caesar salad topped with succulent lobster slices and fresh herbs.

The hotel’s vegetarian café, Par Ici, is situated within a glass-enclosed courtyard and carefully selects its ingredients from fair-trade cooperatives, farms, and local producers. They craft seasonal dishes like roasted harissa carrots and beet tartare. Each morning, I ordered a room service basket filled with freshly baked croissants, which were wonderfully buttery and flaky, transporting me straight to Paris.

Team and hospitality

The service is laid-back yet attentive to detail. Most of the staff are locals from New York, well-prepared to provide recommendations on the latest happenings throughout the city.

Accessibility features

The hotel offers five ADA-compliant rooms that include bathrooms equipped with grab bars for both the toilet and shower, a shower seat, and a handheld showerhead positioned at a lower height. Light switches and temperature controls are also accessible, and for emergencies, visual alarm strobe lights are provided for guests with hearing sensitivities.

A French approach to wellness

An alternative way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city is to spend an afternoon at the subterranean Spa Diane Barrière. This serene oasis features five treatment rooms, a hydrotherapy pool, a sauna, and a steam room, along with a collaboration with the renowned Parisian skincare brand Biologique Recherche. Notable treatments include the Spa Diane Barrière Facial, tailored to individual skin needs, and a signature massage that blends lymphatic drainage, trigger point therapy, and Swedish techniques to alleviate inflammation.