Fouquet’s New York review: Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to live inside a macaroon?

I first visited Fouquet’s New York in late 2022, when it had just opened and memories of the havoc wreaked by the Pandemic were starting to fade. The mood in New York felt cautiously optimistic and I was buoyed by the fact that a) the hotel was busy and b) native New Yorkers were already congregating around the speakeasy-style bar. I didn’t know it then, but the launch would kickstart a tsunami-size wave of new hotel openings around the globe.

The hotel is on a cobbled street in downtown Greenwich, but feels decidedly French: from the Cannes-inspired cinema room (above), to the spa that echoes the small chain’s St Barths property.

The man behind the interiors isn’t French at all, but Swedish-born and London-based designer-of-the-last decade Martin Brudnizki. The rooms are all slightly different: sugary pink walls and a pistachio sofa in one; a French navy roll-top bath in a second; custom wallpaper covered in sketches of popular Manhattan and Parisian landmarks in a third.

I stayed for a second time in late 2025 and was delighted to find that little had changed, including the superb bespoke scent — Fugue a Paris — perfuming the lobby. An often overlooked way to make the best first impression.

The rooms

If, for whatever reason, you’ve ever wondered what it would feel like to live inside a macaroon, then look no further than Fouquet’s. I love the decidedly feminine, pastel-coloured bedrooms, but I expect they’re not for everyone. And that’s fine. They’re delicate and comfortable — but never childlike thanks to clever design decisions such as Art Deco inspired furniture and decor, and parquet flooring — and a welcome juxtaposition from the skyscrapers and harsh architecture lingering outside.

Some rooms overlook the Hudson River, and others, on the building’s corners, offer panoramic views of the city. All have marble bathrooms filled with Diptyque amenities.

Eating and drinking

There are three restaurants and a bar, including Brasserie Fouquet’s, a ground-floor-level outpost of the Fouquet’s in Paris (described by Country Life as ‘the Champs Élysées’ silver-screen canteen’, because it hosts the annual César Awards’ dinner and is regularly visited by A-list Hollywood celebrities).

In 2022, beret-wearing staff welcomed diners with greetings of ‘bonjour’ — a gimmick that they have, I’m happy to report, disposed of. It doesn’t need it; it’s popular as is, especially on the weekend, for brunch, with local Tribeca families and groups of friends. The onion soup is particularly popular, served with a pleasingly solid cheese lid.

The other options are Élysée's, which is open all day, and Le Vaux Rooftop, which is located atop the eight-story hotel and only open in the spring and summer months. They make a mean cocktail and the view is rather good too — especially framed by twinkling lights on a balmy New York summer evening.

How they’ll keep you busy

The spa is impressively comprehensive for a hotel of this size and place (there is a sauna, hammam and hydrotherapy pool). It’s well worth a visit and feels light and airy despite being underground. And it would be remiss of me not to mention the gym, which was designed in partnership with DOGPOUND, a cult New York and LA fitness brand that famously prepared Taylor Swift for her record-breaking ‘Eras’ tour. Go it alone with the top-of-the-line Technogym equipment or request a private training session with one of DOGPOUND’s specialist trainers. It is open 24 hours.

What else to do while you’re there

The West Side Highway, a 5.42-mile scenic road running alongside the Hudson River, is two blocks away; The Whitney Museum, with its impressive collection of 20th- and 21st-century American art, is a 25 minute walk.

Click here to read our complete guide to Manhattan, New York.

Who is it for?

I’ve always thought that the hotel’s soft glamour is best suited to small groups of girlfriends; when I was last there New York content creator Audrey Peters was enjoying a solo staycation, accompanied only by her sausage dog.

However, the massive penthouse and adjoining suites might appeal to families, though I’ve never seen any children in the lifts or outside of the restaurant.

What gives it the ‘wow’ factor

Fouquet’s has 97 bedrooms and suites, but it feels like an intimate, boutique-size hotel. There are always guests lingering in the lobby — key for atmosphere, I think — but I’ve never had to queue at the check-in desk or ever felt on top of anyone.

The one thing we’d change

The chocolate Arc de Triomphe waiting for you in your room when you first arrive. I eat the whole thing every single time because I have no willpower, and as lovely as they are, it doesn’t do my waistband any favours…

Room cost from $1,000 per night, based on two people sharing. Visit the Fouquet's website for more information and to book.