The Lutetia was conceived by Aristide and Marguerite Boucicaut, the creators of Le Bon Marché, "so that their important customers from the provinces could be accommodated in an establishment close by and in keeping with their lifestyle, when they came to shop in Paris". Sadly, the Lutetia died before it opened, but it was architect Louis-Hippolyte Boileau, who had designed Le Bon Marché, who brought it to life.
A total of 231 rooms in a seven-storey building catered not only to Le Bon Marché customers, but also to the artists and intellectuals of the 20's and 30's. Emile Zola, Ernest Hemingway, Samuel Beckett, André Malraux and Saint-Exupéry drew inspiration for their works from the walls, so much so that a number of artists, including Arman and David Lynch, were able to decorate a suite...
In terms of architecture, the hotel boasts an interior garden, a spa and a 17-meter-long swimming pool. Of the 184 rooms, 47 have been transformed into suites, including 7 unique suites, each with its own universe, and a penthouse.
The smallest rooms, the Supérieures, are comfortable with their 28m², king-size beds and elegant, contemporary decor. The largest rooms, the 55m² Lutetia Suites, give the impression ofa Parisian apartment, with wood panelling and carpets in shades of blue. Rates range from €600 to €1,500 per night, depending on room and season.
On the restaurant front, Lutetia has recruited top chef Gérald Passedat, head of a 3-star restaurant in Marseille, to rethink the Brasserie du Lutetia's menu, which has been pared down to its bare essentials in a completely redesigned restaurant. The Brasserie has been restored to its original 1910 form, with 2 floors and a terrace, and can accommodate up to 180 guests.
A spectacular jazz bar, designed by Jean-Michel Wilmotte, offers futuristic and traditional touches, but also a most exclusive cigar bar in a private club atmosphere that opens onto a private courtyard.
Location
Hotel Le Lutetia
45 Boulevard Raspail
75006 Paris 6
Official website
www.hotellutetia.com
