CULTURE JUNE 4, 2024
The family-run Barrière Group is known for a distinctly French form of luxury and art de vivre and yet in New York, the luxury hospitality group has created something a little different. Hotel Barrière Fouquet’s New York exists as an enthralling union between the industrial cool of Tribeca and that ever-alluring French panache one expects. Located ideally between Desbrosses Street and Washington Street in the heart of the Tribeca North Historic District and befitting its location in one of the city’s most coveted neighborhoods, the property delivers sophisticated hospitality laced with intimacy. Guests can expect everything from tastefully designed interiors and gourmet experiences to the state-of-the-art Cannes cinema.
In an ode to the charming 19th-century architectural vernacular of the Tribeca neighborhood, the firm Stephen B. Jacobs Group created a building that is at once contemporary and lost in time with its red brick façade and large grid paned windows featuring elements of stone and cast iron. As impressive as the exterior may be guests are bound to be taken aback upon discovering the art deco-inspired interior.
Designed by the internationally acclaimed Martin Brudnizki Design Studio, which has projects such as Annabel’s in London and The Beekman hotel in New York under its belt, the property stays suspended between the modern industrialism of Tribeca and the elegant classicism of Paris and the Barrière brand. This seamless symbiosis between two sensibilities that are an ocean apart is guided by art deco. Interestingly the style originated in France before finding its way to the United States, much like Barrière.
The Paris-meets-New-York ambiance of the hotel is evident in design elements such as custom wallpaper in the guest rooms featuring a lavender toile de Jouy printed with scenes from Tribeca – women carrying Birkin bags or a pigeon clutching a croissant in its beak. Patrons of the hotel in Paris might recognize the brand’s signature scent, Fugue à Paris, used throughout the New York property, while others will be sure to notice works by local artists adding a touch of urban grit or fabric panels lining the ceiling, loosely inspired by the Abstract Expressionists.
The signature and distinctly French lavender color is also incorporated throughout the 97 guestrooms including an expansive Penthouse Hospitality suite and an exclusive two-bedroom suite, which can be combined to create a stately three-bedroom residence. Carrying a residential flair each of the rooms seem to evoke an elegant Parisian retreat. Imagine striped borders on the walls, decadent drapes, quilted headboards, art deco-inspired furniture, and grand European-style chandeliers creating the most elegant stay. The penthouse hospitality suite, also known as Le Grand Appartement Terrasse, expands significantly upon this experience with elements such as Burr walnut, gold leaf, antiqued mirrors, and plush fabrics along with large terraces.
While the hotel offers an array of dining options firmly rooted in French culinary savoir-faire courtesy of Chef Pierre Gagnaire – the owner of six Michelin starred restaurants around the world – Le Vaux Rooftop is perhaps the most enticing as its newest addition. Inspired by the gardens of Vaux-Le-Vicomte and Versailles Le Vaux is a tranquil haven with lavender-green hues and furnishings. Guests can indulge in a delectable menu featuring blueFin akami tuna crudo, Maine lobster skewers, and more. For a more laid-back evening simply order a drink as you admire magnificent views of the Hudson River.
“The rooftop is an essential part of the property’s storied history and underscores the incredible experience guests receive at every touchpoint of their stay with us. An amazing add-on to our already incredible offerings, we anticipate Le Vaux becoming one of the most coveted spaces in New York this season, only accessible with a guest room key,” says Adam Klein, vice-president of Hotel Barrière Fouquet’s New York. From US$ 1 000/night.