One palace on the right bank, another on the left. Mandarin Oriental will soon be able to boast that it is the only luxury group to have set up a hotel in Paris. on both sides of the Seine with the addition of Hotel Lutetia to its portfolio. Already established on the rue Saint-Honoré since 2011, the Asian hotelier is set to take over the history of this star of the Paris hotel scene, founded in 1910 by the Boucicaut family, owners of the neighbouring Bon Marché and completely restored a few years ago under the direction of architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte.
Reopened in 2018 after four years of renovation, the Lutetia remains the only luxury establishment on the Left Bank, its décor blending Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles having welcomed in its rooms or its famous Brasserie the great world of art and cultureFrom Picasso to James Joyce, from Serge Gainsbourg to David Lynch. A place steeped in history, it was the headquarters of the occupying forces during the Second World War, before being requisitioned by General de Gaulle and converted into a reception centre for deportees returning from the camps.
Penthouse designed by Francis Ford Coppola, Suite Parisienne personalised by Isabelle Huppert - who has also been a 'fan' of Mandarin Oriental for over ten years - , Grande Suite Joséphine Baker with its private terraces overlooking the Eiffel Tower, a vast spa: the Hôtel Lutetia and its 184 rooms, including 47 suitesThe Lutetia is already in line with the range of services offered to travellers by Mandarin Oriental hotels around the world. For business travellers, the Lutetia offers an exclusive venue for meetings and events with six rooms, including the 310 m² Cristal lounge, which can accommodate up to 350 people.
The takeover of the management of this Parisian landmark is the fruit of a partnership between Mandarin Oriental and its owner, Locka Holding, a subsidiary of the Lavrov group founded by Israeli billionaire Alfred Akirov, which paid 135 million euros in 2010 to acquire the establishment. But this agreement is not limited to the Hôtel Lutetia, as Mandarin Oriental will also be taking over the Hôtel Lutetia. another flagship hotel: the Conservatorium Hotel in Amsterdam.
Located in the Museums district, this establishment has been revisiting since 2011 a historic building dating from 1897, which was first a bank, then a music conservatory. Reimagined by Italian architect Piero Lissoni in a contemporary, minimalist style, the Conservatorium comprises 129 rooms and suites, a restaurant run by chef Schilo van Coevorden, Taiko, and a Brasserie & Lounge housed beneath its glass atrium. In addition to a spa, business travellers will also find six meeting and event rooms, ranging from a boardroom for 8 people to a ballroom for 120 participants.
The recently refurbished Mandarin Oriental Lutetia, Paris, will open its doors in October. early 2025The Mandarin Oriental Conservatorium, Amsterdam will become part of the Asian group in January 2026, following a refurbishment of the hotel, but without closure. " These new long-term management contracts with two iconic heritage hotels in Europe represent a key step in our strategy to expand and strengthen the brand in global destinations that are already popular with our fans." said Laurent Kleitman, CEO of the Mandarin Oriental Group.
While there is a very good chance that these takeovers will be successful, both are still to be finalised. subject to consultation with works councils. " We would be delighted to work with Mandarin Oriental to redefine our historic hotels and reinvigorate the experiences they both offer." said Alfred Akirov.
