Hôtel Barrière Le Fouquet’s Paris

Hotel Fouquet's Barrière may have opened in 2006, but its Haussmann-style facade looks historic (it is part replica), and its famous restaurant dates from the nineteenth century. The hotel has quickly established itself as one of the top luxury options in Paris, and its celebrity cachet certainly helped; Fouquet's restaurant hosts special events for the nominees for the the Césars (the equivalent of the French Oscars), and bronze plaques bordering the entrance are engraved with the names of many celebrities who have already visited this establishment.

Theatrical touches throughout also subtly point to the hotel's relationship with the cinema. The large lobby is decorated in gold and black, and the dramatic front desk is lined with backlit glass that resembles big rectangular crystal pendants. The interior design is contemporary, but oversized, curved gold sofas reflect surrealist influences.

The hotel's entrance is at the very beginning of the Avenue George V, and the restaurant is directly on the Champs Élysées. This is an exceptional address one one of the most beautiful avenues in the world, and it is right in the heart of the Golden Triangle shopping district, so-called for the famous designer shops on the Champs Élysées, Avenue Georges V, and and Avenue Montaigne. The popular sights of the 8th arronidssement, such as the Arc de Triomphe and the Grand Palais, are within walking distance. For other sights, the metro is adjacent to the property, and the staff can also arrange chauffeured car service.

The hotel's 81 rooms are available in five different categories, but all are sophisticated and spacious; they start at 400 square feet. Many have red bedding and dramatic gold padded headboards, which makes them feel almost regal. The big black marble bathrooms have mosaic tiling, separate tubs and walk-in showers, as well as TVs in the mirror. Notable amenities include separate mahogany dressing areas, quality robes and slippers, and (in many) Nespresso machines. The high-tech rooms also have iPod docks, flat-screen TVs with international channels, and free Wi-Fi, but some may find the fancy lighting controls a bit too complicated.

Dogs are allowed, and many room categories can accommodate extra beds or baby cots.

Originally opened in 1899 as a simple guesthouse for the coachmen who had chauffeured Parisian ladies to the Champs Élysées, Le Fouquet's is now one of the most famous restaurants in Paris. It hosts the official party that follows the César Awards (the French equivalent of the Oscars), and politician Nicolas Sarkozy celebrated his victory here in 2007. It is one of the places in Paris to see and be seen. The hotel's other restaurants include the Michelin-starred Le Diane and the Provencal restaurant La Petite Maison de Nicole. Several bars are open until late.

The hotel's spa area is gorgeous, featuring a large indoor pool in a wood-paneled room, a sauna, hammam, and a well-equipped fitness center with wood floors and lots of mirrors. Despite the hotel's grown-up vibe, it is surprisingly kid-friendly, offering gifts for kids upon check-in and kids' menus in two restaurants; many room categories can accommodate baby cots or extra beds.

In addition, the hotel has implemented a number of eco-friendly initiatives, such using rainwater for gardening and sourcing local, organic cuisine for the restaurants.