Mandarin Oriental Lutetia, Paris: A Left Bank Icon Reimagined for a New Era of Luxury

Source: Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group

Reported by: Caroline Dalal

A rare shift has taken place on Paris’ Rive Gauche. The historic Hôtel Lutetia—long revered as a cultural landmark of the Left Bank—has officially entered a new chapter under the stewardship of Mandarin Oriental. Now known as Mandarin Oriental Lutetia, Paris, the legendary address is the only Palace-designated hotel on the Left Bank, bringing elevated hospitality to a district celebrated for its literary legacy, avant-garde spirit, and timeless charm.

With this acquisition, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group strengthens its hold on Paris’ luxury hospitality scene by offering something few brands can: two distinct Palace experiences—one on each side of the Seine. On the Right Bank, the Group’s ultra-chic property on Rue Saint-Honoré exudes discreet modern elegance. On the Left Bank, Lutetia stands as a grand dame, alive with artistic history and Parisian soul.

The transition was marked with a formal inauguration ceremony attended by Mandarin Oriental’s Group Chief Executive Laurent Kleitman, senior leadership, the Akirov family—owners of Lutetia—and Jean Pierre Trevisan, the property’s Managing Director. The moment signaled more than a change in management; it celebrated the union of two names synonymous with luxury, legacy, and vision.

For the Akirov family, guardians of Lutetia’s legacy since its acclaimed 2018 reopening, the partnership with Mandarin Oriental signals a natural evolution.

Built in 1910, Hôtel Lutetia has long stood as a beacon of Left Bank elegance. Over the decades, it has played host to intellectuals, artists, and celebrities—from Picasso to Matisse, Josephine Baker to James Joyce. The property’s Art Nouveau and Art Deco details echo this storied past, creating a layered aesthetic unlike any other in Paris.

Under Mandarin Oriental’s guidance, the soul of Lutetia remains intact, but with renewed purpose. This isn’t a reinvention—it’s a refined continuation. From Brasserie Lutetia, a hallmark of Parisian dining, to the sultry Bar Joséphine, named in honor of the iconic performer and activist, the hotel continues to serve as a dynamic gathering place for both locals and global tastemakers.

For those seeking respite, the Akasha Wellness space offers a sanctuary for body and mind—reflecting Mandarin Oriental’s wellness philosophy with an elegant Parisian twist. And of course, the hotel’s suites—each a study in design, light, and comfort—invite extended stays that feel effortlessly indulgent.

With the addition of Lutetia, Mandarin Oriental now operates two flagship properties in Paris, giving travelers an unprecedented level of choice without compromising on quality. The Saint-Honoré location remains a model of contemporary finesse. Lutetia, meanwhile, embraces its Left Bank roots: heritage-forward, slightly bohemian, and undeniably grand.

Together, they represent a strategic and symbolic expansion—one that offers guests complementary experiences of Parisian luxury. It's not a question of better or best, but rather which Paris you want to wake up in.

With Mandarin Oriental’s global reputation for service excellence and the Akirov family’s deep commitment to the Lutetia name, this partnership is poised for long-term impact. As Trevisan continues to lead with an eye toward both tradition and transformation, the property is well-positioned to remain one of Europe’s most sought-after Palace hotels.

More than a name change, the arrival of Mandarin Oriental Lutetia, Paris, marks a moment where old-world glamour meets a quietly modern approach. The result is a hotel experience that respects the past while embracing what’s next—for Paris, for luxury hospitality, and for the guests who expect more than just a place to stay.

In a city defined by nuance and narrative, this address now tells a richer story.