Having stayed in the Champs-Elysees area many times, and walked the boulevard on every trip to Paris, I was very interested in visiting the Hôtel Fouquet’s Barrière. This was the first designated five-star hotel in Paris, and when you think of Fouquet, you think of the famous brasserie and Parisian glamour.
Walking into the lobby of the hotel, you’ll see photos of the numerous celebrities and dignitaries that have visited the Hôtel Fouquet’s Barrière. Prior to my visit I contacted Pauline Darmet, the Sales Manager for Hôtel Fouquet’s Barrière. Pauline was gracious enough to take me on an detailed inspection of the hotel. 
She was very knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and helped me understand the ‘story’ of Hôtel Fouquet’s Barrière.
I’ve known about the famous Michelin starred restaurant for years. It’s history extends back to the early days of cinema, but the origination of the hotel was news to me? Pauline walked me through how the creation of the hotel and their ongoing vision.
The hotel opened in 2006 and can perhaps be described as simple yet elegant. It has all the amenities you’d expect in a five-star hotel, but presented in an almost tongue-in-cheek manner. As it is less than ten years old, it boasts the high-tech amenities that many competitors do not. And one old-fashion feature I liked… the hotel provides personal butlers for their customers.
If you are looking for a boutique hotel, with high-tech amenities, personalized service, and located on the Champs-Elysees… then this is your hotel.
The hotel has 81 rooms, rather small for this part of town. Yet the property does have five restaurants, and through a hallway in the first floor you can walk directly into the legendary Fouquet’s restaurant. There are eleven room types in basically three classes: Superior, Deluxe, and Executive. Those room selections include:
• Superior Room
• Deluxe Room
• Executive Champs Elysees Room
• Deluxe Junior Suite
• Executive Champs Elysees Junior Suite
• Superior Suite
• View Amenities
• Deluxe Suite
• Executive Champs-Elysees Suite
• Duplex Eiffel
• Presidential Suite
Pauline took me through multiple rooms. Unfortunately, not all my photos came out (user error) so a couple of the photos in this article are from their site. My favorite rooms were the Executive class that overlook the Champs-Elysees.
When we first entered this room, I looked out the window, noticed the traffic and continued talking to Pauline. Then I realized that despite 8 lanes of traffic, I heard NO noise. Pauline then explained to me how the hotel was built to suppress outside noise… and it works. I’ve stayed in the Champs-Elysees and the exterior crowd and automobile noise has always been an issue… but not at Hôtel Fouquet’s Barrière.
There’s also the U Spa Barrière. It features a large indoor lap pool, fitness center, steam room and sauna.
The rooms have all the amenities you would expect and more… LCD television mirrors, free wifi and a complimentary soft-drink minibar. The staff is attentive and very well-trained. The hotel does a wonderful job with children – after all, it’s a family-owned hotel. Kids can get a VIP children’s welcome, special in-room gifts or games, kids’ spa treatments, and there’s even a monthly themed workshop for children.
Through our affiliation with Brownell, a Virtuoso Agency, we’re able to get these additional, complimentary Virtuoso amenities:• Guaranteed upgrade at time of booking (up to the Deluxe Suite category)
• American Breakfast for up to two in-room guests daily
• One 50 Euro credit voucher valid for spa treatments
For stays of 3 or more nights:
• One way private transfer
• Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
I liked the “feel” of the Hôtel Fouquet’s Barrière. It was NOT what I expected given it’s location and connection with a Michelin starred restaurant. It was light, airy, whimsical – NOT stuffy or palatial … I forgot I was on Champs-Elysees, and that was a good thing.
For a great alternative luxury hotel in Paris, couples or families, consider the Hôtel Fouquet’s Barrière.
copyright (c) 2013 by Ron Phillips Travel LLC – luxury travel and consultancy. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, Contact Ron Phillips Travel
