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| Hotel Lutetia |
Hotel Lutetia
Only 14 hotels in France hold the coveted “Palace” distinction—and one claims prime real estate at 45 Boulevard Raspail in Paris’s 6th arrondissement. This landmark property, nestled between Saint-Germain-des-Prés and Montparnasse, has dominated the rive gauche since reopening in 2018 after a $234 million renovation.
Now managed by Mandarin Oriental, the establishment blends French artistry with Asian hospitality precision. Its 184 rooms—including 47 suites—feature bespoke designs that honor Art Deco roots while integrating modern luxuries. Guests step directly into a quartier steeped in intellectual history, mere steps from iconic cafés and galleries.
The 2019 Palace designation solidified its status as a leader among Parisian hôtels, emphasizing exceptional service and architectural preservation. With seven dining venues and a subterranean spa, it delivers unmatched informations on luxury living in the City of Light.
Key Takeaways
- One of only 14 French hotels with the prestigious Palace designation
- Located in Paris’s cultural heart on the Left Bank (6th arrondissement)
- Reborn in 2018 after extensive four-year restoration
- Operated by Mandarin Oriental, blending European and Asian hospitality
- Offers 184 rooms including 47 designer suites
- Walking distance to Saint-Germain-des-Prés’ historic landmarks
- Very useful travel links
Rich History and Heritage of Hotel Lutetia
Hotel Look: Top reasons to book your hotel
In 1910, visionary entrepreneur Marguerite Boucicaut unveiled an architectural gem at 45 Boulevard Raspail. Commissioned to serve clients of her famed Le Bon Marché department store, this hôtel became an instant icon with its pioneering Art Nouveau design. Architects Louis-Hippolyte Boileau and Henri Tauzin crafted sweeping curves and floral motifs that redefined Parisian elegance.
Birth of a Design Revolution
The property's early years attracted France's elite, from politicians to colonial officials. Its innovative style art blended functionality with beauty, setting new hospitality standards. By the 1920s, it became a hub for artists like Picasso and writers such as James Joyce.
From Conflict to Cultural Beacon
World War II brought dark times as German forces occupied the building. Post-liberation, it transformed into a reunion center for Holocaust survivors—a poignant chapter. The 2014-2018 rénovation by Jean-Michel Wilmotte preserved historical elements while introducing modern luxuries.
| Period | Architectural Style | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| 1910-1939 | Art Nouveau | Stained glass ceilings |
| 1940-1945 | Functional Adaptation | Intelligence headquarters |
| 2014-2018 | Art Déco Revival | Spa des Maréchaux |
Today, its portes welcome guests into spaces where history whispers through preserved details. The blend of original art déco elements with contemporary design confirms its status as a living monument to Parisian culture.
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| Hotel Lutetia |
Luxurious Accommodations at Hotel Lutetia
Guests discover 184 refined chambres blending 1920s glamour with 21st-century comforts. Forty-seven suites dominate the inventory, each bearing unique design narratives that honor the building’s art déco heritage. The property’s meticulous restoration preserved original moldings while integrating cutting-edge technology.
Elegant Rooms and Signature Suites
Seven standout suites redefine Parisian luxury. The "Littéraire" pays tribute to literary giants with vintage typewriters and leather-bound books. Meanwhile, the "Eiffel" penthouse delivers panoramic views through floor-to-ceiling windows. Even standard chambres feature custom furniture and marble bathrooms.
Discerning clients appreciate thoughtful details: silk drapes match original 1910 color palettes, while modern soundproofing ensures tranquility. Concierge teams tailor experiences to individual preferences, whether securing theater tickets or private gallery tours.
Modern Amenities with Timeless Art Deco Elegance
Every space balances historic charm with contemporary convenience. Climate controls maintain perfect temperatures, while touchscreen panels manage lighting and blackout shades. Hermès bath products and Drouant coffee machines elevate daily rituals.
The style art déco shines in geometric patterns and gilded mirrors. Yet functionality remains paramount—hidden USB ports and Nespresso stations blend seamlessly into bespoke cabinetry. With competitive prix for its category, the establishment delivers unmatched esprit of Parisian refinement.
Culinary Excellence: Brasserie, Bars, and Fine Dining
Parisian gastronomy finds one of its most vibrant expressions through this establishment’s diverse culinary venues. At its heart lies the Brasserie Lutetia, where three-Michelin-starred chef Gérald Passedat reimagines coastal French cuisine with Mediterranean flair. The property’s four distinct spaces cater to every palate, from quick business lunches to midnight jazz sessions.
Gastronomic Delights at the Brasserie
Passedat’s menu transforms Provençal ingredients into artful dishes like bouillabaisse with saffron-infused broth. Brasseries traditionally emphasize speed, but here meals unfold as sensory journeys. Original 1910 ceiling moldings frame diners enjoying reinvented classics beneath cascading light fixtures.
Innovative Cocktails and Intimate Bar Experiences
Bar Joséphine channels 1920s Paris with live jazz and mixologists shaking cocktails like the Baker’s Swizzle—a rum-based tribute to its namesake. For exclusivity, Bar Aristide’s velvet booths host cigar aficionados sampling rare Armagnacs. Both bars curate international small plates, from Japanese wagyu sliders to Spanish tapas.
Le Saint-Germain serves as the culinary anchor, offering all-day meals in an airy space flooded with natural light. Weekend tea services feature delicate pastries alongside 30 loose-leaf varieties. Whether savoring Passedat’s cuisine or sipping bespoke cocktails, each venue delivers chef-driven excellence rooted in Parisian tradition.
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| Hotel Lutetia |
Cultural Influence and Artistic Legacy
Beyond luxurious accommodations, the hôtel lutetia has shaped global culture for over a century. Its salons hosted debates between Picasso and Joyce, while Joséphine Baker rehearsed revolutionary performances in its suites. This centre accueil became a partie intégrante of Parisian intellectual life, where political manifestos were drafted alongside modernist masterpieces.
Historic Guest Contributions and Iconic Moments
Post-liberation Paris saw the property transform into a critical centre accueil for Holocaust survivors. Organized by Sabine Zlatin in 1945, its accueil efforts reunited thousands with families—a legacy honored by a bronze plaque near the lobby. This humanitarian chapter remains a partie of its identity, documented in guest informations packets.
Today, mandarin oriental maintains the tradition of artistic exchange. Resident creators like Arman left sculptures in lieu of payment, now displayed alongside César’s compressed metal works. Guests encounter these pieces while navigating corridors once trodden by Saint-Exupéry and Beckett.
| Era | Notable Figures | Cultural Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 1920s-1940s | Picasso, Joyce, De Gaulle | Modernist art/literature development |
| 1945 | Sabine Zlatin | 17,000+ survivor reunions |
| Contemporary | Arman, César | Permanent sculpture collection |
Through mandarin oriental’s stewardship, the hôtel lutetia continues offering informations on Paris’s creative heritage. Its curated art tours reveal how every chandelier and corridor tells stories of cultural rebellion and renewal.
Exceptional Services, Wellness, and Event Spaces
Parisian luxury extends beyond guest rooms to world-class wellness and event facilities. At the heart of this offering lies Spa Akasha, a centre of rejuvenation blending ancient therapies with modern design. Guests access these amenities year-round, with special seasonal programs launching every octobre to align with Paris Fashion Week.
Spa, Fitness, and Wellness Areas
The 1,700 sq ft spa features a long 17-meter pool bathed in natural light—one of Paris’s largest hotel aquatic spaces. Six treatment cabins offer massages using heated volcanic stones and organic oils. Thermal experiences include a hammam with eucalyptus steam and a jacuzzi overlooking vertical gardens.
Fitness enthusiasts utilize Technogym equipment in a 100 m² glass-walled gym. Morning yoga sessions occur on the sunlit terrace during warmer months. A dedicated hair salon provides blowouts and color treatments for guests preparing for events.
Versatile Spaces for Reunions and Celebrations
Seven event salons span 1,200 m², accommodating groups from 10 to 500. The largest space features 8-meter ceilings and custom lighting systems. Mandarin Oriental planners assist with everything from floral arrangements to live-streaming technology.
| Facility | Capacity | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Salon | 500 guests | Built-in 4K projection |
| Winter Garden | 150 guests | Retractable glass roof |
| Library | 30 guests | Original 1910 bookshelves |
Year-round services include bilingual concierges who secure reservations at Michelin-starred restaurants. The centre’s partnership with local galleries allows private viewings after hours. For autumn visitors, octobre brings curated wine tastings featuring Burgundy’s new vintages.
Conclusion
At 45 boulevard raspail in Paris’s 6th arrondissement, this landmark embodies the esprit of Left Bank sophistication. Its 2018 rénovation preserved Art déco details while elevating comforts for modern clients. Just 90 meters from Sèvres-Babylone metro, the location places guests steps from Saint-Germain’s literary cafés and designer boutiques.
Rates range from €1,306 to €1,871 per nuit, reflecting the exclusivity of 47 designer suites and seven dining venues. Informations on seasonal packages reveal curated experiences—think autumn wine tastings or private gallery tours. Payment flexibility comes via all major credit cards, including JCB and Diners Club.
The blend of historic déco elements with Mandarin Oriental’s service standards creates a unique esprit. Whether sipping cocktails in jazz bars or unwinding in the 17-meter pool, every detail honors Parisian heritage. For those seeking the quartier’s cultural heartbeat paired with contemporary luxury, this address remains unmatched.
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FAQ
Q: When did Mandarin Oriental take over the property?
A: The iconic Saint-Germain landmark joined Mandarin Oriental’s portfolio in 2014, reopening in October 2019 after a meticulous renovation led by Jean-Michel Wilmotte.
Q: What dining options are available on-site?
A: Guests enjoy French brasserie classics, inventive cocktails at Bar Josephine, and seasonal menus at Le Saint-Germain. The culinary experiences blend Parisian tradition with modern flair.
Q: How does the design reflect its heritage?
A: Jean-Michel Wilmotte preserved the original Art Deco architecture while integrating contemporary luxury. Frescoes, marble details, and bespoke furnishings honor its 1910 origins.
Q: Is there a wellness center for guests?
A: The 1,700 sqm Spa Lutetia features a pool, sauna, and treatments by Sisley Paris. A state-of-the-art fitness studio complements the wellness offerings.
Q: Can events be hosted at the venue?
A: Yes. The historic ballroom and seven adaptable salons accommodate gatherings. Rooftop terraces with Eiffel Tower views elevate private celebrations.
Q: What distinguishes its location?
A: Situated on Boulevard Raspail in the 6th arrondissement, it provides direct access to Le Bon Marché and literary cafés, embodying the Rive Gauche’s artistic spirit.