Having closed its doors in 2014 for four years of intensive renovations, one of Paris’s top properties is open once again.
Hotel Lutetia is the only palace hotel on the left bank of Paris, meaning it holds the highest status a five-star hotel in France can achieve.
First impression: 9/10
A classic example of the majesty of Parisian design, Hotel Lutetia was built in 1910 in the Art Nouveau style. Since then, it has hosted the likes of Pablo Picasso, Charles de Gaulle, Peggy Guggenheim and James Joyce.
The grandiose of the building’s exterior is only matched by the beauty of its newly renovated interior.
Location: 10/10
Situated in the heart of the chic Saint-Germain neighbourhood in the 6th arrondissement, Hotel Lutetia shares its streets with Paris’s high-end boutique laden centre and is only a stone’s throw from the Eiffel Tower which dominates the spectacular views from guest room windows.
The exterior is typically Parisian with sand coloured brickwork and the iconic grey rooftops. It emanates a grandiose sophistication matched only by the rich history that comes with a century of operation.
Rooms and suites: 10/10
The rooms are stunning. The design, which is elegantly modern with a dash of old-world charm, is offset by the library of books each room hosts. Think beautiful little balconies overlooking a cobbled Parisian courtyard with those lovely rooftops stretching as far as the eye can see.
Bathrooms are all marble with a marble bath and separate shower, and we were even be treated to a Dyson hairdryer and other high-end luxuries.
The $160 million refurbishment has combined cutting edge design and tech with the historic touches that this Art Deco grande dame truly deserves.
Drinking and dining: 9/10
Eating, drinking, wining, dining. Guests staying at Lutetia have no shortage of opportunities to get the taste buds rampaging.
There’s the Michelin-starred Brasserie Lutetia, Salon Saint-Germain with its colourful glass ceiling, painted by famous contemporary artist, Fabrice and then L’Orangerie which is used for guests’ breakfast, lunch and dinner.
After all that, you’re bound to have worked up a thirst so a visit to Bar Josephine quenches any needs. It’s beautifully restored so guests can see the old frescos while enjoying jazz Fridays.
Services: 9/10
Maybe it’s French charm or a touch of French nonchalance but at times the service can be a little laissez-faire. Either way, it was a minor occurrence that serves as the only demerit point during the entire stay. The vast majority of interactions with staff were impeccable, however.
Verdict: 9/10
So fresh is the widespread renovation, you can smell it. Such modernity brings in-room tech that is leading-edge for hotels in Paris while the heritage and charm of the hotel’s iconic history continues to ooze from every window, wall and waiter.
If your clients can afford, then nothing comes more highly recommended in Paris.
