Fodor's Expert Review Hôtel Fouquet's Barrière

Steps away from one of the world's most famous avenues, this newly spiffed up luxury hotel, adjacent to the legendary Fouquet's Brasserie at the corner of the Champs-Élysées and Avenue George V, is recognizable by its uniformed valets, parked sports cars, and elegant Haussmannian entryway. Also appreciated for its peaceful garden courtyard, views of the avenue, generous pool, and chic bars, Fouquet's is a Paris institution.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Be aware that the hotel will still be under renovation till the end of 2018, but assures that guests will be none the wiser.

room

For this stylish renovation, designer Jacques Garcia veered away from his usual boudoir-like decor (which you'll find in the Marta bar) in favor of highly refined "Empire"-inspired interiors, featuring a muted palette of dove grey and taupe punctuated with burnished gold or bronze, sleek mahogany, plush carpets, and luxury fabrics. Rooms are much larger than the Paris average, and some offer stunning views down the Champs-Élysées or the Eiffel Tower.

Some rooms with upper-floor terraces offer views all the way down the avenue, a stunning scene at night.

bathroom

Glamorous, generously proportioned baths are done up in chic black and gold, with luxury fixtures, mirrored TVs, huge baths and walk-in showers, heated floors, and luxury bath products.

lobby

Past the reception area you'll find a series of small lounges connected with the various bars and restaurants, plus the first-floor garden terrace. All of which are open all day and some well into the night.

pool

The 15-meter pool—one of the largest in a Paris hotel—and "acqua circuit," with bubbles and counter-current, are a big draw for this hotel.

spa

The Diane Barrière spa offers five treatment rooms, including a double, and all the luxury beauty and wellness treatments you would expect, plus a hair salon, steam room and sauna.

gym

Part of the spa, the well-equipped gym offers all the latest equipment, plus free water, drinks, and snacks, a steam room and a sauna.

dining

Most famous for it's sophisticated 19th-century brasserie (now with an updated menu of French classics by Michelin-starred chef Pierre Gagnaire), you'll see photos of all the luminaries who've dined here, from Marlene Dietrich to Nicholas Sarkozy.

Le Joy gastronomic restaurant offers a softer atmosphere than the panelled, time-burnished brasserie, and access to the spacious garden terrace, for lunch and dinner.

drinking

Locals and guests alike flock to the three hotel bars, the brasserie's sophisticated L'Escadrille, refined Le Joy bar, and the gorgeously opulent Marta, where Garcia worked his usual magic. Or you can dine or drink on the sidewalk terrace for some excellent people-watching right on the avenue. Expect weekend DJ nights at L'Escadrille and Marta, when the chic locals descend.