Fouquet’s New York: a five-star escape with a Parisian soul
A romantic staycation with art deco glamour, standout service, and one room service fail I’m still thinking about
This is From the Window Seat, a series of deeply researched, design-forward dispatches for people who believe in the art of traveling well. From immersive itineraries to standout hotel reviews, each one offers everything you need to experience a place—or a property—with intention and great taste.
Are there any places in the world you just feel pulled to, inexplicably? Paris has had this sort of magnetic effect on me for as long as I can remember. It’s certainly not an original thought, but there are plenty of other places that people romanticize—Maldives, Amalfi Coast, Santorini, etc—that I’ve never really been drawn to.
Two years ago, when I finally got to visit Paris for the first time (for my wedding, no less), it was everything I’d hoped it’d be and more. And ever since, I’ve yearned to go back far more than I’ve had the urge to go somewhere new. And sure, I might live in another iconic city just across the pond, but still, the longing lingers.
So when Valentine’s Day came around this year and both my husband and I were drowning in work, I had my sights set on a romantic staycation—a quick, easy escape. Instead, he gave me something more special: the essence of Paris, right in our own backyard, by booking us a stay at Fouquet’s New York. More than just a luxury hotel, Fouquet’s is a piece of Paris itself. Established on the Champs-Élysées in 1899, it’s long been synonymous with timeless luxury, French refinement, and impeccable hospitality. Their New York outpost opened in 2022, bringing that same storied heritage across the Atlantic. Since then, it’s earned two Michelin Keys (an Exceptional Stay) and a top spot on my NYC hotel hit list.
Read on for:
The clever design trick I wish every hotel would copy
What surprised me most about the room (and what I immediately tried to steal)
How Fouquet’s redeemed a disappointing dinner with one of the best meals I’ve had in NYC
The cinema, spa, and secret speakeasy that made this feel like a true escape
Whether I’d stay again, and if the price tag is actually worth it