Mandarin Oriental Lutetia, Paris
The Left Bank Legacy
As we continue our Autumn Collection of Hospitality, Paris welcomes us once again. This time to the storied Left Bank, where history and modernity share the same table.
In this new chapter, our journey unfolds at Hotel Lutetia, a landmark that has recently entered a new era under the Mandarin Oriental Group.
The Left Bank, or “Rive Gauche” has always moved to its own tempo, a place where intellect and imagination meet. From the cafés of Saint-Germain-des-Prés to the ateliers of sculptors and designers, it has long been the heart of Parisian culture.
Hotel Lutetia, at the corner of Boulevard Raspail and Rue de Sèvres, has witnessed it all. The conversations of writers, the sketches of painters, the laughter of musicians.
Today, under Mandarin Oriental’s care, its story continues, a dialogue between heritage and refined contemporaneity, artistry and renewal.
Composed in Paris
Having grown up in Hong Kong and worked with Mandarin Oriental over the years, I have always found their approach to hospitality both intuitive and exacting. It is never just about refinement, it is about tempo, precision, and human connection.
At Hotel Lutetia, this philosophy translates beautifully. From the sculpted marble to the polished service, the experience feels consistent with Mandarin Oriental’s global identity while still distinctly Parisian.
Our visit began with a warm welcome and efficient service, gestures that mirrored seamless choreography Mandarin Oriental is known for. The evening led to Brasserie Lutetia, a restaurant that redefines the forward vision of the brasserie spirit.
At Brasserie Luteia
When in Paris, a brasserie is essential, a social ritual, where conversation flows as naturally as wine. Brasserie Lutetia delivers this with confidence. Its art-deco contours meet a sleek new aesthetic; locals and travelers mingle effortlessly.
Patrick Charvet, Executive Chef, has created a menu that draws from French tradition while offering interpretations of classic dishes with an emphasis on clarity and restraint.
That evening, we were invited to the chef’s table, a thoughtful gesture that made the evening personal. The open kitchen offered a glimpse into the elegance of execution.
Chef Brice Langley led the brigade, Sommelier Nino Balsan curated the perfect pairing, a 2022 Mâcon-Verzé Les Chênes from Domaines Leflaive. Sabrin Dahir, Manager Frédéric Bougnean and Maître d’ Hôtel Grégorie Jacob moved with unspoken understanding.
The menu reflected precision rather than excess, grilled salmon with tender vegetables. Simplicity elevated through consistency.
The Seafood Bar and the Spirit of Conversation
For shellfish enthusiasts, The Seafood Bar is a theatre of its own. Watching the expert plate the gleaming oysters and the luxuriously decadent lobsters felt almost meditative, an artistry in motion.
Here, conversation feels facile, perhaps because the space itself encourages it. This is the kind of hospitality that endures; perceptive, composed, and never overstated.
Chic Indulgence at Bar Joséphine
The next night, we had reservations at Bar Joséphine, named after the luminous Josephine Baker, once a patron of the hotel and a symbol of confidence and creativity. The atmosphere was spirited alive with a live band.
Engaging the crowd with her heartfelt renditions, the vocalist brings a sense of intimacy to the lively setting.
Jean-Michel Wilmotte’s design plays homage to the hotel’s past while exuding present-day vitality. Frescoes and mirrors blend history with a cosmopolitan energy.
The evening unfolded with inventive tapas and cocktails.
Savoring a symphony of flavors with innovative twists on traditional recipes such as vegan pani puri, crispy prawns, sashimi rouge. Each dish is complemented with unique sauces and garnishes enhancing the overall tasting.
Connections formed easily here. The team’s intuitive grace and the bar’s momentum made it an evening to remember.
A Parisian Dream Realized
Hotel Lutetia under Mandarin Oriental stands as a study in balance, legacy meeting a renewed sense of purpose. Its hospitality is not about spectacle but about precision and prescence, where every detail feels considered.
The property now embodies what contemporary luxury in Paris should mean. Founded in artistry, expressed through service, and alive in its sense of place.
“Hospitality is the soul of Paris, always chic, ever timeless”
~ Kiran Robinson