This Iconic Paris Hotel Has Just Had A Major Redesign

We chat to Jean-Michel Wilmotte of French architectural firm Wilmotte and Associates about reviving the splendour of Hotel Lutetia in Paris, which first opened its doors in 1910. The architect and interior designer explains how his team breathed contemporary flair into its original Art Deco style.

Jean-Michel Wilmotte On Redesigning Hotel Lutetia, Paris

What was your aim with the redesign of the hotel? 

The goal was to reignite the spirit of the hotel while introducing modern elements. Once the listed façade was restored, we reconstructed the canopy above the entrance based on archival photos. Two external elevators now serve the upper floors and we added a central patio to bring natural light to previously dark rooms – it’s now the heart of the hotel.

What is the essence of the interior design?

We retained, simplified and modernized shapes and materials from the 1930s, such as scales, diamonds, and caning to ensure we kept the hotel’s personality. There are lots of archive photographs in light boxes mounted onto walls in hallways as a reminder of the hotel’s heritage.

What were the most exciting ‘finds’ when you started peeling back the years?

Thanks to archival photographs, we discovered a magnificent fresco by Polish painter and decorator Adrien Karbowsky in the bar. Thousands of hours were spent restoring it, making it a key feature of a more contemporary décor.

Did you collaborate with artisans?

The Lutetia has always been a place associated with artists who have stayed and lived here, including César. They often paid for their stays with works of art.

In the Salon Saint-Germain, we collaborated with painter and sculptor Fabrice Hyber, who created a colourful symphony on the glass ceiling. Depending on the time of day, natural light from the patio fills the space, highlighting the room, its occupants, and the furniture. It’s magical!

In the brasserie, artist Jean Le Gac worked on the pillars, depicting mythical figures who frequented the Lutetia, including Saint-Exupéry, César, Sonia Rykiel, and Joséphine Baker.

Tell us a little about signature suites.

The Parisian Suite, named after Isabelle Huppert, embodies the elegance of the Left Bank. Through a selection of personal items, including an iconic Yves Saint Laurent dress, we are immersed in the actress’s universe. Francis Ford Coppola and others also have suites named after them.

What else stands out for you? 

In the bathrooms, each bathtub, weighing a ton, was carved from a single block of marble, custom-made. It’s a high-end, couture project.

Tell us about the design of the spa.

We dug down 17 meters to accommodate the spa and pool – it’s exceptional, a minimalist space featuring Calacatta Oro marble in different finishes: brushed, softened, and polished. Even though the spa is located underground, it has a double-height opening on the Boulevard Raspail side which allows light to flood the pool area.

wilmotte.com| hotellutetia.com