Paris: you love it or you hate it. I’ve visited three times so far and it’s one of my favorite cities on Earth—honestly, I don’t see how anyone can dislike such an enchanting place. The entire country of France is stunning, from the beaches in the South of France to the rolling hills of the French countryside. But there is just something special about Paris that will keep me coming back for more. I’ve stayed in various parts of the city—the first time, near the Eiffle Tower; the second time was down the street from Moulin Rouge. This time around, I stayed at Hôtel Fouquet’s Barrière.
Hôtel Fouquet’s Barrière might just have the ritziest location of any hotel in the entire city, where Avenue George V meets with the Champs-Élysées. The area is conveniently situated near upscale shops, fine dining, and cafés, all leading up to the magnificent Arc de Triomphe in the center of the Place Charles de Gaulle. As an added bonus, if you ride one of those double-decker buses (such a fun way to explore a city like Paris, and such a convenient way to get from point of interest to another) there’s a stop just a stone’s throw away.
Whether you favor boutique hotels or you’re seeking luxury, this hotel offers the best of both worlds. My first impression was certainly a good one, and I really appreciated the individualized attention that all of their guests receive, which was evident to me even prior to my arrival.
It’s the Little Things
Before I even left for Europe, I was emailed a questionnaire from one of the hotel’s butlers. The questionnaire was meant to customize your visit and ensure that everything is to your liking during your stay–everything down to if I’d like a Nespresso machine in the room, to what color flowers and what type of music I’d prefer in the room upon my arrival. The room also includes a mini bar (it’s actually not so mini) that is fully-stocked with your favorite non-alcoholic beverages. These beverages are free, and re-stocked daily. The little things can really go a long way sometimes, and this place excels in hospitality.
Once I arrived, I was impressed with the hotel’s beautiful interior design, from the lovely lobby to the tastefully decorated room. It is no wonder that this hotel is a favorite amongst many celebrities—Scarlett Johansson, Robin Thicke, and Quentin Tarantino, just to name a few.
Capture Your Memories
My husband, Joe, has jokingly said in the past that he’d one day like to hire a camera crew to follow us around on one of our trips. It sounds like a fun idea in theory—after all, what better way to capture your memories? Well, Hotel Fouquet’s Barrière offers this very service with their Lights, Camera, Action! packages. The hotel supplies a professional camera crew to follow you around in Paris and film your vacation—how incredibly cool is that?
They can customize the experience to your liking, taking you to specific city sights based on who you’re traveling with and what type of theme you’re after. For example, if you’re traveling with your significant other, your video can document your journey as you visit the city’s most romantic sites.
But this package isn’t just for lovebirds, either. The staff can customize all types of packages, whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or with family. Packages, which include accommodations and other extras, begin at €1,420 (approximately $1,815 USD) per night. Visit this link to learn more.
Other Fun Facts
Relax at their luxurious spa (U Spa), dine at one of their five restaurants, or have a cocktail at one of their three bars. Be sure to check out Fouquet’s Restaurant, which first opened in 1899 and offers traditional dining. Guests can also take advantage of 24/7 butler service and free high-speed Internet. Once again, it’s the little things.
Essential Travel Information
Flights: There a lot of direct flights to Paris, especially via Air France. You can also look up airfare on FlightHub.com to compare flights from the airport of your choice.
Hotel information: Learn more and book the Hôtel Fouquet’s Barrière for your stay in Paris.
Trains: Traveling throughout Europe is easier, often cheaper, and definitely more convenient than flying–especially if you book a sleeper car for longer journeys. Rail Europe is the best website to book your train tickets.
