24 Hours at the Majestic Barriere Hotel

I arrived to this hotel without any expectations as I had a rateof 75€ per night for a Two Bedroom Deluxe Suite, which would normally cost approximately 3.000€ per night. Of course breakfast was included. As always you have some second thoughts if they do not accept this rate, so it is always better to ask experts. So did I and insisted to get the Suite at the booked rate. 

At arrival we were warmly welcomed and accompanied to the Lobby. After check-in, which was very fast and kind, I was greeted by the Asisstant Manager and told that the room was ready at 2.00 pm. So we went to the Rue Antibes, the more affordable option to the La Croisette.

When I returned to the hotel at 4.00 pm I was asked for a confirmation and a very kind front desk employee showed me to the luxurious Suite. Unfortunately it was an old Suite and not like expected in the new part of the hotel, but who is discerning at this unbelievable rate? After a few minutes we got a tray of welcome amenities including Macarons, Chocolate, bottled water, apple juice and a fruit plate. The view was so impreesive that we bought some food in a local goods shop and had dinner on one of the most impressive terraces we have ever stayed at, of course with Lounge Music from the Fouquet's Restaurant and beside the breath-taking views over La Croisette and the Palais de la Festival. This might sound like a Fairytale ... in fact it was supposed to be the highlight of the trip (which was topped by the lovely and superb Byblos Saint Tropez)!

The music got more silent around 11.00 pm and when we went to bed at midnight there was nearly mo noise from the terrace on the pool.

The suite itself was about 90 square metres with two bedrooms, both with spacious bathrooms ensuite and of course sea view terraces, too. The bathroom was really old-fashioned with only two large towels, hotel-own toiletries and a very small toilet room where you had to keep the door open while seating on the toilet. The worst of all was, that turndown-service has been forgotten and when they came, after I called them, they just brought chocolates and put the bed in correct order - no water, nor did they replace the towels or toiletries.

Breakfast was very disappointing for this kind of category, the normal price, reputation and location. The breakfast is served until 10.30 am but the buffet was not replaced although there were still many guest in the restaurant at 10.45. This would have been a nice touch. 

When we checked out we received a totally correct bill and a very competent female staff (sorry I did not see the name tag) was doing the check out. The bellmen did a great job and were very kind, too.

In fact it was a really great experience but when I have to pay the normal price, I would insist to get a new room or stay at another Luxury Hotel on the Croisette.

Anyhow I would like to thank the Management of the Majestic Barriere Hotel for the nice amenities, the warm welcome and hosting me at this special price. Our above written review is our personal opinion and hasn't been influenced.

My Trip to Paris - Part 1

As I reported in the prvious post, I was going to Paris last Monday. Now, after a week, I settled again back in Austria and I am glad to report you from my stay at two of Paris' most memorable hotels and also two of the more extraordiary restaurants!

As we were flying to Brussels, due to business reasons, we decided to take the Thalys train to the capital of France - Paris. To be honest, this was a great choice - after 1 hour and 20 minutes we reached the Gare du Nord in the center of Paris, without any stress. Of course Paris would not be Paris without a bit of stress, the taxi drivers striked and so the metro was the only (affordable) way to reach our hotel - and believe me, it was not the most luxurious way! 

Our first hotel to be tested was the Fouquet's Barriere, one of the latest five-star hotels, opened in 2006 in addition to the famous Fouquet's restaurant which already existed before the opening. We were impressed of the warm welcome, where we could let all the hustle and bustle of the city behind us, outside this modern Parisian Palace. After doing the check-in in the wonderful lobby, we were accompanied to the spacious room. 

The room itself was very generous, with a spacious entry, separate toilet, walk-in wardrobe as well as an oversized bathroom, including double sinks, an enormous separate shower and a tub with built-in television. In my opinion there could be better toiletries or even branded ones, but they will be replaced every day! The beds were excellent and there was no noise from outside. After a day of walking in Paris, you can refresh with a choice of 22 beverages from the minibar, which is included in the room rate!

As one of few Parisian hotels, the Fouquet's has an indoor pool, which is the perfect place to escape and relax after a rainy and cold winter day. Due to the fact that there are only four lounge chairs, it might look crowded at peak hour, but the pools (beside the normal indoor pool there is also a hydrotherapy pool) are spacious enough to immerse yourself. 

The best way to start the day is with a perfect breakfast at the Le Diane restaurant. The buffet, with high quality products, is on the small side, but everything you need can be ordered upon request. 

We would also like to mention the wonderful concierge staff, who made it possible to get to the top of the Eiffel Tower without waiting in the queues for 1-2 hours and without booking a ticket online 1 month in advance. They even reserved a table at nearby Market restaurant. 

As one of Paris most elegant and most stylish places to stay, the Fouquet's is the perfect place for everyone seeking to be in the heart of the shopping district of Traingle d'Or and all those loving modern French design paired with perfect service.

Click here to view more information about this hotel!