Hotel Lutetia, Paris
More photosHotel Lutetia, located in the vibrant Saint-Germain-des-Prés district, holds the distinction of being the only luxury palace hotel on Paris’s Left Bank. Founded in 1910 by the Boucicaut family, who also created the legendary Le Bon Marché department store, the hotel was designed by architects Louis-Charles Boileau and Henri Tauzin. It was built to serve the store’s wealthy clientele and remains a stunning transition point between Art Nouveau and Art Deco architectural styles.
Throughout its storied history, the Lutetia has been a sanctuary for intellectuals, writers, and artists. James Joyce famously finished writing Ulysses while staying there, and the hotel has welcomed icons ranging from Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse to Josephine Baker. During the Second World War, the building was requisitioned, but following the liberation of Paris, it became a pivotal center for reuniting displaced families.
A meticulous four-year restoration led by Jean-Michel Wilmotte helped the hotel reopen in 2018, blending historical charm with modern luxury. Guests can still admire rediscovered Romanesque frescoes in Bar Joséphine and the iconic stained-glass ceiling in the central salon. The hotel also features the expansive Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Centre, which includes a swimming pool set within a former Art Deco pool space.
Its location is perfect for exploring the Left Bank’s artistic soul. You are steps away from the serene Jardin du Luxembourg, the historic Church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and world-class institutions like the Musée d’Orsay. It remains an enduring symbol of Parisian intellectual life and elegance.
Expert reviews
“Determined to honor Lutetia’s glamour, architect Wilmotte cut the room count down to 184 and enlarged the 47 suites, adding Hermès silk throw pillows, Art Deco-style pieces by Poltrona Frau and Statuario marble in the bathrooms; the bigger rooms have balconies with views of the Eiffel Tower.”
“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.”
“The most famous historic hotel on Paris’s Left Bank preserves its années folles spirit with restored and renovated Art Nouveau and Deco features, courtesy of Jean-Michel Wilmotte. There are still plenty of elements to please contemporary tastes, including an inventive seasonal menu and a marble-clad wellbeing space.”
What guests liked
- Excellent location
- Comfortable beds
- Excellent Wifi
- Helpful staff
- Beautiful building
Location
Hotel facilities
Food & Drink
- - Restaurant
- - Bar
- - Breakfast in the room
- - Special diet menus (on request)
- - Kids' meals (additional charge)
- - Wine/champagne (additional charge)
- - Fruits (additional charge)
General
- - Room service
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Facilities for disabled guests
- - Barber/beauty shop
- - Family rooms
- - Lift
- - Safety deposit box
- - Soundproof rooms
- - Heating
- - Allergy-free room
- - Non-smoking throughout
- - Air conditioning
- - Designated smoking area
- - Shuttle service (additional charge)
- - Airport shuttle (additional charge)
- - Pet basket
- - Pet bowls
Business facilities
- - Meeting/banquet facilities (additional charge)
- - Business centre
- - Fax/photocopying (additional charge)
Reception services
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Express check-in/check-out
- - Currency exchange
- - Luggage storage
- - Concierge service
- - Private check-in/check-out
- - Invoice provided
Activities
- - Sauna
- - Fitness centre
- - Spa & wellness centre
- - Massage (additional charge)
- - Hot tub/Jacuzzi
- - Hammam
- - Indoor pool
- - Indoor pool (all year)
- - Beauty services
- - Facial treatments
- - Waxing services
- - Manicure
- - Pedicure
- - Body treatments
- - Body scrub
- - Body wrap
- - Light therapy
- - Spa facilities
- - Steam room
- - Spa lounge/relaxation area
- - Spa/wellness packages
- - Back massage
- - Neck massage
- - Foot massage
- - Couples massage
- - Head massage
- - Hand massage
- - Full body massage
- - Fitness
- - Yoga classes
- - Fitness classes
- - Personal trainer
- - Fitness/spa locker rooms
- - Walking tours (additional charge)
- - Bike tours (additional charge)
- - Tour or class about local culture (additional charge)
- - Live music/performance
- - Aerobics
Outdoors
- - Terrace
Entertainment & family services
- - Babysitting/child services (additional charge)
Cleaning services
- - Laundry (additional charge)
- - Dry cleaning (additional charge)
- - Ironing service (additional charge)
- - Trouser press (additional charge)
- - Daily housekeeping
Parking
- - Parking garage
- - Electric vehicle charging station
- - Accessible parking
Transport
- - Public transport tickets (additional charge)
- - Airport pick up (additional charge)
- - Airport drop off (additional charge)
Accessibility
- - Wheelchair accessible
- - Toilet with grab rails
- - Lower bathroom sink
Pool and wellness
- - Heated pool
- - Sun loungers or beach chairs
- - Swimming pool
Miscellaneous
- - 24-hour security
- - Key card access
- - Security alarm
- - Smoke alarms
- - CCTV in common areas
- - CCTV outside property
- - Fire extinguishers
- - Delivered food is securely covered
- - Access to health care professionals
- - Thermometers for guests provided by property
- - Face masks for guests available
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