Lutetia: the only five-star hotel on the Left Bank

The only five-star hotel on the Rive Gauche and on the left bank of the River Seine, in Saint Germain de Près, the Lutetia is located in a building from 1910, and underwent a million-dollar renovation that lasted four years. Completely transformed, but with original details preserved, this is the second time I have stayed at this palace hotel, and it certainly exceeded all expectations. I stayed in the magnificent Parisian suite named after Isabelle Huppert, one of the most famous French actresses. A real apartment in the heart of St. Germain! Lutetia manages to combine tradition with modernity, and the result is contemporary environments, exemplary service and haute cuisine in a historic building, and at an address beloved by so many Brazilians.

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History of Lutetia

For more than a hundred years, the Lutetia hotel has been part of the Parisian community. During World War II, it housed Jewish survivors of the Holocaust. A landmark in the Saint Germain neighborhood, it was opened by the same family that owns Bon Marché, a department store next door to the property. (Additionally, the owners also owned Taittinger champagne). Customers coming from other cities in Europe certainly needed a place to stay longer.

Therefore, the idea of ​​opening this traditional Parisian hotel arose. The design of the only five-star hotel on the Rive Gauche itself is a transition from Art Nouveau of the time to the emerging style of Art Deco. But his biggest innovation was managing to “steal” the sophisticated clientele from around the Eiffel Tower to the other side of the river. And now, again. It’s modern luxury on the left bank of the Seine.

The only five-star hotel on the Left Bank

The person who signed the renovation of Lutetia was the experienced French architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte. He is the author of numerous renowned projects around the world and a specialist in interior design and urbanism. The architect modernized the building without changing the stained glass windows and the facade, symbols of Art Nouveau architecture. Jean-Michel also valued natural lighting, with large glass windows and open areas. Furthermore, he left the acoustics perfectly. Even though it is in a busy area, you won’t hear a noise if you want.

Therefore, among the hotel’s features are the white Italian marble in the common areas, elegant vases and flower arrangements, as well as the humorous work by Fabrice Hyber on the restaurant’s glass roof.

Isabelle Huppert Suite

On my last visit to Lutetia, I had the privilege and honor of staying in the suite that pays homage to the award-winning French actress! The Suite Parisienne by Isabelle Hupper is 73 m² of pure glamor and good taste. A true apartment complete with iconic objects from the actress’s life and personal memories such as, for example, her own Haute Couture dress by Yves Saint Laurent. Furthermore, I was very well received with flowers, champagne and chocolates!

The comfortable living room had a sofa, TV, an elegant and modern round dining table, and a minibar with coffee maker. In the bedroom, equally comfortable, a king size bed, and a table with an armchair near the window. As in the hotel’s common areas, there are many works of art present in the decoration.

The bathroom, all made of marble, had two sinks, a bathtub and even a window with a view of the buildings of Saint Germain.

And to top it off, a 20 square meter terrace with views of the Parisian rooftops, and even the dome of the Invalids e Big palace. I could have stayed there for hours, just contemplating… And of course I took the opportunity to take the beautiful photos that you see below!

The rooms

The 184 accommodations are divided into four categories. In addition, there are 47 suites spread over seven floors. The renovation reduced the number of rooms (there were 233), but increased the internal space in each of them. They are all very comfortable, functional and offer contemporary luxury. The controls are all automatic, from the “do not disturb” sign, to the air conditioning, opening curtains and the light intensity in each room. In 2019, I stayed in the Deluxe Room (about 40m², with balcony), overlooking Boulevard Raspail.

To bed king size It was delicious and the bathroom was very large. All in Statuario marble, it had two sinks and separate doors for the shower and toilet. Furthermore, the beauty products were from the classic French brand Hermès.

I loved the mix of navy blue and white, in addition to the paintings and sculptures that always give a more sophisticated tone to the environment. Murano lamps were practical, as well as very charming. The modern mini bar had a Nespresso coffee bar.

Bars and restaurants

O luxury hotel on the Left Bank It has two restaurants and two bars. Brasserie Lutetia, as the name suggests, is a typical French brasserie, under the command of Chef Patrick Charvet, who offers a menu of classics with contemporary touches. Open from breakfast to dinner, it has an outdoor terrace and an indoor setting reminiscent of the hotel’s Art Deco history. The beautiful Salon Saint-Germain offers light meals, in a relaxed atmosphere, under a beautiful prismatic glass ceiling, painted by Fabrice Hybere, and a library. In other words, an ideal place to schedule a quick meeting, have a coffee, work on your laptop, read or just chat. Furthermore, on Saturday and Sunday there is afternoon tea with delicacies prepared by pastry chef Nicolas Guercio.

Meanwhile, the Joséphine bar is splendid, with views of Boulevard Raspail, and artistic frescoes from floor to ceiling. Adored by Parisians for decades, these are the bars that make you want to spend hours there just enjoying a drink from the extensive menu and enjoying the atmosphere. Furthermore, from Thursday to Saturday, Bar Joséphine has live music, with jazz and piano performances. There is also Bar Aristide, a cigar lounge and a private club, named after Aristide Boucicaut (the founder of Le Bon Marché).

Spa

The 700 m² spa, Akasha Holistic Wellbeing, has a 17m pool bathed in natural light, a rarity in Paris. In addition to specialized treatments, therapies and personal training, the Spa also has a gym and beauty salon.

until

Art, philosophy, science and politics have always been present at the hotel. After all, it was frequented by Ernest Hemingway, James Joyce, Picasso and Matisse, among others. Therefore, it is only natural that centuries later, the only five-star hotel on the Rive Gauche features dozens of works of art spread throughout the rooms and throughout the property’s different areas.

Service

Exactly as expected from a five-star hotel on the Left Bank, the Lutetia has excellent service. The staff are always very friendly, smiling and willing to help. Since bellman, going through the receptionists, chambermaids and waiters, I found the entire team to be well prepared and willing to work. Highlight for the excellent conciergerie! I’m one of those guests who makes concierges’ lives hell, especially when I’m in a city I know well. After all, I’m eager for new things and I’m always looking for the best restaurant, the best-rated exhibition and so on. Because the I give concierges in Paris They put on a show, with tips and unexpected suggestions. In other words, approved!

By Renata Araújo.

Photos: Renata Araújo and Gerson Lírio