In this Review of the Lutetia Hotel in Paris: An Upscale Landmark on the Rive Gauche.

.

In summary: Luxurious accommodations situated in the center of Paris, featuring an underground spa, stylish brasserie dining, and rooms with a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower.

The Lutetia Hotel is situated in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Paris. It is a renowned area for literature, music, and the arts. Nearby locations that were frequented by Hemingway, such as Café De Flore, the bookstore Shakespeare & Co (we advise arriving early to avoid waiting in line), and the graffiti-covered house and museum of Serge Gainsbourg can all be easily reached on foot in less than 20 minutes. The Hermes flagship store is also located in this neighborhood, just a short distance from the hotel. The hotel itself was established in 1910 by the famous department store Le Bon Marche, which is located just a short walk away through the nearby park.

The nearby Latin Quarter is known for its cobbled streets, bistros for whiling away the hours, cabarets, bars and historic landmarks such as The Pantheon (the ‘temple of the French nation’ and final resting place of, among others, Victor Hugo, Emile Zola Jean-Jacques Rousseau). You’ll find the Jardin de Luxembourg 10 minutes south; Head here for the romantic setting of the Italian Renaissance-era Medici Fountain, lawns, tree-lined promenades and to watch the model sailboats on the octagonal Grand Bassin.

In 2018, Hotel Lutetia underwent a major restoration to preserve its historic charm and retain its 20th-century Parisian atmosphere. It was a popular spot for figures such as Pablo Picasso, Henry Mattisse, James Joyce, and Josephine Baker, and its rich history sets it apart from more modern accommodations in the area. Drawing in an older clientele, Lutetia embraces its audience and pays homage to its past with a mix of Art-Nouveau and Art Deco design elements in line with the building’s original construction in 1910.

The Brasserie Lutetia and Bar Josephine (honoring Baker) exude sophistication through their exquisite ceilings, detailed frescoes, and abundant natural light from the floor-to-ceiling doors and windows. The Art Deco-inspired bar, complete with a piano for live music, adds to the luxurious atmosphere. This peaceful drinking spot allows for leisurely enjoyment of the beautiful environment before venturing out for dinner or more cocktails.

The article to read for information on Paris travel is “Paris Travel Guide”.

The Hotel Lutetia provides excellent service from their concierge, waiters, and bartenders who are knowledgeable about the local area and the extensive menu at the brasserie. While breakfast may feel a bit rushed with a wait for table service, the staff are still friendly. Upon arrival, guests are escorted to their room and given a tour of all amenities. They are also offered a welcome drink and a dark chocolate replica of the hotel’s ship emblem, complete with a mini hammer for breaking the shell. At the spa, the Akasha staff gives a warm reception, especially the therapists. Despite a last-minute cancellation of a treatment, the manager quickly rebooked and offered profuse apologies.

At Hotel Lutetia, there are various options for bedrooms. These range from deluxe rooms with balconies, which may offer a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower, to junior suites that have more space for families. The signature suites are the ultimate indulgence, featuring a penthouse with stunning 360-degree views of Paris. These suites are also personally curated by Francis Ford Coppola, with unique touches such as an antique camera and annotated pages from his copy of The Godfather by Mario Puzo. It is said that the director himself stays in these suites when he is in town.

The bathrooms in this hotel have stylish marble accents and include luxurious deep tubs and roomy rain showers. The bedrooms offer a mix of unique features such as tinted oak flooring, Murano glass wall lights, and incredibly comfortable beds. A personalized touch is added through pillowcases with the guest’s initials. The rooms are bright and airy, creating a cozy atmosphere. While the public areas of the hotel have an Art-Nouveau style, the rooms have a more modern design.

The hotel offers two dining options: Brasserie Lutetia and Cafe Le Saint Germain. They are popular among locals and hotel guests alike. Brasserie Lutetia serves traditional French dishes, such as clams and egg parfait for starters and freshly caught lobster linguine for a main. A sommelier is available to assist with the extensive wine selection. Guests can also enjoy breakfast at Brasserie Lutetia, which is a highlight of their stay at Hotel Lutetia. The breakfast menu includes à la carte options, including the must-try light and fluffy French waffles, as well as a buffet with a variety of pastries, detox juices, cured meats, smoked salmon, fresh fruit, and various types of bread for a quintessentially Parisian morning spread. Despite its grand decor, Cafe Le Saint Germain has a more relaxed atmosphere and offers indulgent afternoon tea spreads and an all-day menu without any fuss.

Bar Josephine offers a diverse selection of drinks, including cocktails like the ‘You’re Driving Me Crazy’ which features a balanced blend of sweetness and sourness with its gin base. Additionally, they also serve champagnes and wines. However, the atmosphere may not be as lively as other bars in the busy Latin Quarter. For a more upscale experience, patrons can head to the hidden gem of Bar Aristide located on the first floor. This jazz bar has a relaxed ambience and offers attentive service, comfortable leather sofas, atmospheric lighting, and a unique cocktail menu with a modern twist on traditional favorites. For example, their Hemingway daiquiri contains a bold burst of grapefruit flavor.

The underground Akasha spa offers a peaceful retreat, featuring luxurious marble design, a 17m pool, a relaxing whirlpool tub, a sauna, and a steam room. The spa menu includes a wide array of services, from collagen-boosting facials to rejuvenating massages, manicures, and resurfacing treatments. Guests can maintain their fitness routine with access to a well-equipped gym, personal training sessions, as well as yoga and swimming classes.

Access for individuals with disabilities: We have five rooms equipped with accessible facilities, as well as a lift that leads to the spa and a chair specifically for entry and exit into the swimming pool.

Lutetia Paris allows one pet per room, as long as it weighs less than 12kg. There is an additional charge of €50 (£43.37) per night for the pet.

Please arrive at 3pm for check-in and depart by 12pm for check-out.

Does this place cater to families? Definitely. You can book a two-bedroom or family suite that can comfortably fit five people, complete with living spaces and several bathrooms. Plus, your kids can also take swimming lessons for an extra fee.

Top feature: The luxurious spa complete with private treatment areas and a swimming pool (along with the exceptional food quality).

The most undesirable aspect: Bar Josephine and Brasserie Lutetia lack the lively ambiance that is present in neighboring locations.

Ideal for: Individuals interested in cultural experiences and those seeking a luxurious getaway in the city.

This is not suitable for a younger and more energetic audience.

Instagram from: The terraces that have a view of the Eiffel Tower.

Discover more of our hotel reviews:

The Independent (English)

The source for this article is The Independent, which is a publication based in England.