Hotel Lutetia reopens in Paris after stunning $234M makeover

By Francesca Street, CNN
2 minute read
Updated 9:25 AM EDT, Tue July 10, 2018
<strong>Reimagined icon: </strong>Classic Parisian hotel Hotel Lutetia is reopening after a €200 million euro makeover (roughly $234 million).
Reimagined icon: Classic Parisian hotel Hotel Lutetia is reopening after a €200 million euro makeover (roughly $234 million).
Courtesy Hotel Lutetia
<strong>Expensive reinvention: </strong>The Lutetia is known for its Art Nouveau exterior and dramatic Art Deco interior.
Expensive reinvention: The Lutetia is known for its Art Nouveau exterior and dramatic Art Deco interior.
Courtesy Hotel Lutetia
<strong>City landmark:</strong> First opened in 1910, it closed its doors in 2014. Now architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte has breathed new life into this Parisian landmark.
City landmark: First opened in 1910, it closed its doors in 2014. Now architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte has breathed new life into this Parisian landmark.
Courtesy Hotel Lutetia
<strong>Left bank location: </strong>Lutetia's address is 45 Boulevard Raspail. It was originally built by the founders of Parisian department store Le Bon Marché.
Left bank location: Lutetia's address is 45 Boulevard Raspail. It was originally built by the founders of Parisian department store Le Bon Marché.
CHRISTOPHE ARCHAMBAULT/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>New beginnings:</strong> The new hotel opens its doors on July 12 2018.
New beginnings: The new hotel opens its doors on July 12 2018.
CHRISTOPHE ARCHAMBAULT/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Space to relax:</strong> Rooms have been enlarged for added space. The original total of 233 rooms has been cut to 184.
Space to relax: Rooms have been enlarged for added space. The original total of 233 rooms has been cut to 184.
CHRISTOPHE ARCHAMBAULT/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Varied history: </strong>The Lutetia was a cultural hotspot for much of the 20th century. However during the Second World War, the venue was requisitioned by Nazi forces.
Varied history: The Lutetia was a cultural hotspot for much of the 20th century. However during the Second World War, the venue was requisitioned by Nazi forces.
Courtesy Hotel Lutetia
<strong>Cultural hotspot:</strong> Post-war, the hotel gradually recovered its reputation and cultural icons including Pablo Picasso frequented its bars and dining halls.
Cultural hotspot: Post-war, the hotel gradually recovered its reputation and cultural icons including Pablo Picasso frequented its bars and dining halls.
Courtesy Hotel Lutetia
<strong>Fine dining</strong>: The dining and bar experience remains crucial to the Hotel Lutetia's vibe.
Fine dining: The dining and bar experience remains crucial to the Hotel Lutetia's vibe.
CHRISTOPHE ARCHAMBAULT/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>A cocktail of choices:</strong> Jazz fans can head to Bar Josephine to enjoy musical entertainment. Other dining options include the more relaxed Salon Saint Germain.
A cocktail of choices: Jazz fans can head to Bar Josephine to enjoy musical entertainment. Other dining options include the more relaxed Salon Saint Germain.
CHRISTOPHE ARCHAMBAULT/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>New meets old</strong>: Every element of the Hotel Lutetia experience has been reimagined.
New meets old: Every element of the Hotel Lutetia experience has been reimagined.
CHRISTOPHE ARCHAMBAULT/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>The City of Light: </strong>There are some desirable suites on offer, including two with access to outdoor terraces with incredible Paris views.
The City of Light: There are some desirable suites on offer, including two with access to outdoor terraces with incredible Paris views.
CHRISTOPHE ARCHAMBAULT/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Relax and unwind</strong>: The hotel's Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Centre offers chilled massages and treatments.
Relax and unwind: The hotel's Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Centre offers chilled massages and treatments.
CHRISTOPHE ARCHAMBAULT/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Time for a dip:</strong> It's a calming space featuring a 17-meter long pool and an infinity-edge Jacuzzi.
Time for a dip: It's a calming space featuring a 17-meter long pool and an infinity-edge Jacuzzi.
CHRISTOPHE ARCHAMBAULT/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Something for everyone: </strong>Even non-guests can enjoy the dining and spa facilities.
Something for everyone: Even non-guests can enjoy the dining and spa facilities.
CHRISTOPHE ARCHAMBAULT/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Calming space: </strong>Rooms are outfitted with elegant details and blessed with natural light.
Calming space: Rooms are outfitted with elegant details and blessed with natural light.
CHRISTOPHE ARCHAMBAULT/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Reputation for regeneration:</strong> The hotel is now owned by The Set, which runs several historic hotels.
Reputation for regeneration: The hotel is now owned by The Set, which runs several historic hotels.
CHRISTOPHE ARCHAMBAULT/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Multi-storey</strong>: The overall hotel experience is spread out over seven spectacular floors.
Multi-storey: The overall hotel experience is spread out over seven spectacular floors.
CHRISTOPHE ARCHAMBAULT/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Creative inspiration:</strong> Irish author James Joyce is said to have written part of his novel "Ulysses" while staying at Lutetia.
Creative inspiration: Irish author James Joyce is said to have written part of his novel "Ulysses" while staying at Lutetia.
CHRISTOPHE ARCHAMBAULT/AFP/Getty Images
Photos reveal Hotel Lutetia's 200-million-euro makeover
CNN  — 

For the past century the Art Nouveau Hotel Lutetia has been a Paris icon, known as much for its popularity with artists as its unusual Left Bank location.

Now, after closing its doors for a four-year, €200 million (roughly $234 million) refurbishment, the Lutetia is back, adding to the ranks of fashionable luxury hotels in the French capital, just in time for the peak summer season.

Sensitively renovated under the attentive eye of architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte, the spirit of the historic building remains intact with desirable contemporary features incorporated into its classic Art Deco interior.

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Don’t expect any last-minute travel bargains though. Room rates start at €850-a-night – with the swanky Presidential suite costing €19,000.

The hotel opened in 1910, built by the founders of famous Parisian department store Le Bon Marché and was an instant hit with the city’s creatives. Irish author James Joyce is even said to have written part of his seminal novel “Ulysses” while staying here.