Mandarin Oriental Lutetia, Paris Legacy

A Legacy Rooted in Parisian Elegance

The Lutetia – named after the Roman city that would later become Paris – was founded in 1910 by the Boucicaut family, the visionary founders and owners of Le Bon Marché, the first ever luxury department store in the world. Situated on Paris’s famed Left Bank, it was conceived as a luxurious haven for the elite store’s most distinguished clientele and suppliers by its same architect, Louis-Hippolyte Boileau. Designed by Léon Binet and Paul Belmondo, the hotel’s unique blend of Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles is a beacon of elegance and architectural innovation.

Historical illustration of Hotel Lutetia.

A Sanctuary for Artistic and Literary Icons

From its earliest days, and linked to its unique Left Bank location, Hôtel Lutetia has been a meeting ground for artists, intellectuals and visionaries. Writers, Sculptors, intellectuals and celebrities such as Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Josephine Baker and more recently Catherine Deneuve, Isabelle Hupert or Hedi Slimane who all chose it as their Parisian retreat. James Joyce famously completed Ulysses within its storied walls, and General Charles de Gaulle would have spent his honeymoon in the Suite Amour. The hotel is for all the Parisians synonymous with literature, artistry and real sophistication, a beloved symbol of its Left Bank spirit.

A Witness to History

During the Second World War, like most of the heritage grand hotels in the capital, the Lutetia was requisitioned by occupying forces, marking a solemn period in its history. Following the liberation of Paris, it quickly converted to a sanctuary for people and families returning from the camps, embodying resilience, compassion and hope. These pivotal moments have also woven the Lutetia into the fabric of the city’s rich historical narrative.

Historical image of Hotel Lutetia's exterior.

A Nexus of Contemporary Culture

Through the decades, the hotel continued developing its status as a cultural landmark. The 1980s saw a bold redesign by Left Bank icon Sonia Rykiel, reflecting her avant-garde vision and enhancing the hotel’s allure. Visionaries and neigbors such as David Lynch, Pierre Bergé and Serge Gainsbourg have also contributed to its enduring legacy. Today, due to its unparallaled service and unique location, the Lutetia continues to welcome global luxury discerning clients, leaders in art, fashion, politics and cinema, affirming its position as a hub for inspiration and conviviality.

Image of the restoration being done on Hotel Lutetia.

A Thoughtful Restoration

As the only luxury Palace hotel on Paris’s Left Bank, the Lutetia underwent a meticulous total restoration led by renowned architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte, reopening in May 2018. The sensitive renovation preserved the hotel’s historical essence while introducing contemporary refinements and expectations, including warm and elegant reimagined rooms and suites that offer a harmonious blend of classic charm and modern sophistication.

Image of Francis For Coppola at Hotel Lutetia.

A Showcase of Architectural and Artistic Treasures

The restoration also enabled the creation of the Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Centre, a sanctuary offering a haven of wellness amidst the vibrancy of the city. Architectural features, such as the colourful stained glass ceiling in the central salon and the Romanesque frescoes at Bar Josephine – named after the iconic Josephine Baker – were rediscovered and have been exquisitely restored. These details reflect the hotel’s commitment to celebrating its artistic heritage while offering guests an inspiring and luxurious environment.

Mosaic built into the patio at Hotel Lutetia in Paris.

A Cultural Landmark, further enhanced by Mandarin Oriental

Mandarin Oriental is committed to ensuring that the hotel’s unique character and local cultural essence are preserved, while seamlessly delivering the brand’s unique approach to luxury hospitality, steeped in its dual Asian roots. Reflecting Mandarin Oriental’s role as shapers of culture, Lutetia will combine the essence of Parisian charm with the brand’s legendary service and dedication to delivering exceptional experiences, offering guests an unparalleled connection to the city’s artistic heart and vibrant elegance.

More than a hotel, Mandarin Oriental Lutetia, Paris becomes an enduring symbol of Parisian artistry and spirit. From its role as a home to literary and artistic greats to its thoughtful modernisation, it is a destination of unparalleled sophistication and creativity. Combining history, culture and contemporary luxury, the beloved landmark enchants Parisians and international travellers alike, embodying the Paris Left Bank timeless and desirable allure.

Our Legacy