Hotel Lutetia, located in Paris’s Saint-Germain-des-Prés district, stands as a testament to the city’s rich architectural heritage. Originally opened in 1910, the hotel was designed by architects Louis-Charles Boileau and Henri Tauzin in the Art Nouveau style. Its main facade, facing rue de Sèvres and Boulevard Raspail, is adorned with stone sculptures featuring vine motifs and trellises, reflecting the artistic trends of the early 20th century.
In 2018, the hotel underwent a significant renovation led by architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte of Wilmotte & Associés. The project aimed to rejuvenate the hotel’s original spirit while introducing contemporary design elements. The renovation reduced the number of rooms from 233 to 184, allowing for more spacious accommodations and the addition of 47 suites, including seven luxury Signature suites.
A notable feature of the renovation is the transformation of the Borghese Lounge into a Jazz Club, complemented by an adjoining library that hosts literary and artistic gatherings. This blend of historical charm with modern amenities enhances the hotel’s cultural ambiance.
The hotel’s interior design seamlessly integrates Art Deco and Art Nouveau elements with contemporary aesthetics. Materials such as Statuario altissimo marble in the bedrooms’ bathrooms and Calacatta Oro marble in the spa area were meticulously chosen to reflect the hotel’s refined elegance.
A significant addition to the hotel is the 700-square-metre spa, which is also accessible to external guests. This facility includes a fitness centre and a swimming pool, providing a comprehensive wellness experience. The spa was created by combining the former “Pompeian” lounge on the ground floor with the southern part of level -1, effectively utilising the hotel’s existing space.
The renovation also focused on enhancing the hotel’s functionality. The main circulation axes—the entrance and the gallery—were highlighted to improve the flow of guests. The lobby was reimagined as the functional heart of the establishment, while the gallery was restored to its original purpose of connecting all public spaces within the hotel.
The project was executed with a deep respect for the hotel’s historical significance. The design team worked closely with the architect of historic monuments, Perrot & Richard, to ensure that the renovation preserved the building’s architectural integrity.
The collaboration between Wilmotte & Associés and various design studios resulted in a harmonious blend of heritage and modernity. The interior design studio, Wilmotte & Industries, played a crucial role in creating custom furniture pieces that complement the hotel’s aesthetic.
The renovation of Hotel Lutetia has been widely acclaimed, earning the 2019 Prix Villegiature for Best Hotel Architecture and Interior Design. This accolade reflects the successful integration of historical preservation with contemporary design, setting a new standard for luxury hotels in Paris.
Today, Hotel Lutetia continues to serve as a cultural and elegant landmark on the Left Bank, offering guests a unique experience that honours its storied past while embracing modern luxury. Its blend of historical architecture and contemporary design makes it a quintessential example of Parisian hospitality.
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