Infinitely Barrière

By Gabriella de la Torre, MBA in Hospitality Management, Mexico & USA, 2012-2014 2nd Year

On a rainy day in Paris, 12 IMHI students were invited for a private tour of the Hôtel Fouquet’s Barrière situated just steps from the Champs-Elysées. We were welcomed into the cozy and luxurious interior of the hotel lobby by Hugo Miara, a fellow classmate who is in his second year of apprenticeship as the assistant to Monika Moser, Director of Rooms and Spa, herself an IMHI alum.

We were divided into two smaller groups and led throughout the hotel by our classmate, Hugo Miara, and Laura Garcia, Senior Butler at the hotel. They showed us the various public areas of the property, including the Michelin-starred restaurant Le Diane and the U Spa, as well as various suites.

Having participated in visits of luxury properties in Paris last year, I was genuinely delighted by the ability of the Hôtel Fouquet’s Barrière’s to mix the traditional lavishness of Parisian luxury with contemporary and innovative elements in terms of service and culinary offerings. It was also a unique opportunity to be led throughout the property by one of our own fellow IMHI’s, who demonstrated a profound understanding of the hotel’s operations and greater business strategy.

At the end of our visit, we were joined in the lobby by Monika Moser, who answered our questions regarding the current status and future for the hotel. She also offered advice to us regarding our time at IMHI, highlighting the importance of complementing the knowledge we gain in our courses with a greater understanding of the trends and evolution of the hotel market.

Overall, it was an infinitely enjoyable visit that allowed us not only to learn more about the hotel itself, but that also permitted a glimpse into the day-to-day of fellow IMHI’s who are or will soon be leaders in the hospitality industry.