First opened in 1910, Hotel Lutetia is perhaps the most famous hotel on Paris’ Left Bank. Built in a unique blend of art nouveau and art deco styles, it became a high-end haunt of the city’s literary and arts establishment. Pablo Picasso was a frequent guest, as were writers Andre Gide, André Malraux and Samuel Beckett. James Joyce wrote much of Ulysses while ensconced in the celebrated hotel.
Since the middle of the 20th century, Hotel Lutetia’s fortunes have been mixed. It changed hands many times, had moments of rejuvenation — such as when fashion designer Sonia Rykiel supervised a major refurbishment during the 1980s — but ultimately could not compete with the grand “Palace” hotels of the Right Bank.
Closed in 2014, the iconic property has undergone a four-year renovation, opening the space up and filling it with light. The results attempt to retain the hotel’s legacy while positioning it as Paris’ latest ultra-luxe destination.
- Architect
Jean-Michel Wilmotte strove to re-create the original splendor of the property.
Check out the intricate ceiling moldings in the lobby or the recovered fresco
that fills the bar.
- Locals view the
Lutetia as the most Parisian of hotels. The renovation plays up to this, with
recurring images of the oared sailing ship that appears on the crest of the
city.
- The exterior of
the historic hotel has changed very little and still looks stunning as the late
afternoon sun hits its façade. Look out for the vine motifs sculpted by Léon
Binet; they are a reference to the vineyards that grew on the land before the property
was built.
- Spacious,
elegant and helmed by Nicola Battafarano (formerly of
Chiltern Firehouse), Bar Joséphine serves international fare and
an inviting jazzy ambiance.
- This is a grand
luxury hotel with 184 rooms, but it feels intimate and the service personal.
- While there is a
bar, lounge and large breakfast room on property, the hotel is adding a signature restaurant, Lutetia
Brasserie, in 2019. Chef Gérald Passedat, of Marseille’s Le
Petit Nice fame, will helm the kitchen.
- Akasha Holistic Wellbeing
Centre has six treatment rooms, a sauna, a steam room, a Jacuzzi, a gym
and an indoor 17-meter long swimming pool.
- Bar
Joséphine is named after
legendary dancer, entertainer, resistance
fighter and civil rights activist Josephine Baker, one of the hotel’s most
famous guests in its former heyday.
- Rooms are
tastefully decorated in beiges and blues, the favorite colors of architect
Jean-Michel Wilmotte. Each accommodation also features unique Murano glass wall
lights and brushed oak floors.
- Unlike many of
the city’s luxury hotels, the majority of the bathrooms here offer large
windows, while all have heated white marble floors and walls as well as toiletries by Hermès.
- The property’s 47 suites are all enviable retreats, but the seven signature accommodations are highlights. Two of these ultra-luxe hideaways feature private roof terraces with unbeatable Eiffel Tower views.
- Just down the
street, find Le Bon Marché, the oldest and most exquisite department store in
Paris. A trip to the food hall is a treat not to be missed.
- Le Jardin du
Luxembourg, one of the most pleasant parks in Paris and the setting of one of
Andre Gide’s novels, is just a few steps down Rue d’Assas.
- The original Poilâne
bakery, where Lionel Poilâne created some of the finest loaves in France, is
still in operation today at its original location less than 850 feet from the Paris
hotel at 8 Rue du Cherche-Midi.
24-hour room service 
Babysitting services
Bar
Fitness classes
Gym
House car
Indoor pool
Meeting rooms
Pet friendly
Restaurants
Spa
