Hotel Lutetia (Paris)?
Aug 21st, 2001, 03:04 PM
#1
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Hotel Lutetia (Paris)?
Does anyone have any experience with this hotel? According to expedia, it has only 3 stars, but it is pricey. My travel agent is recommending it. We want something nice, in a good location, in the $300 per room range. I was also considering the Intercontinental, which is a 4 star yet cheaper than Lutetia, but a friend just told me that the rooms at the Intercontinental are tiny. I should also mention that we are going to Paris with our 1 year old daughter -- so hopefully it is a decent hotel for a child. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Aug 21st, 2001, 03:18 PM
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CJ, <BR>This is a VERY nice (also very large) hotel in the 6th arrondisement, in a good neighborhood. It's owned by the same company that owns the Crillon, (which has a reputation for being luxurious, ritzy, expensive & pampering). There are non-smoking rooms available from what I understand, so this will be a boon to traveling with your little one. This is where General de Gaulle spent his honeymoon, so just for historical significance alone, it's pricey. (Also my understanding that the chandeliers are made from Lalique crystal--yipes!) <BR> <BR>Paris is Paris, so I'm not sure what room size is, since by American standards almost everything in the way of a Parisian room strikes me as kind of small. <BR> <BR>My general take on what you want vs. what your travel agent has in mind is that this is fine, but you could probably be as happy or happier without the Lalique chandeliers & perhaps get a better price. (Only you know for sure, though!) <BR> <BR>Hope this helps, <BR>BC
Aug 21st, 2001, 03:23 PM
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I don't have experience staying there, but I know several others have and perhaps they will comment. It used to be a 3 star but is now a 4-star (not sure how long that's been), so Expedia's info is somewhat out of date. You can find official status on Paris Tourist Office site for hotels www.paris-touristoffice.com, they list it as a 4-star so I'm sure it is (it should be for the amenties it offers). I much prefer the location of the Lutetia to the Intercontinental myself, there is a nice little park across the street where families/nannies take kids, and Bon Marche dept store right next to that park. I just think it's a nicer area--aren't there two Intercontinentals? I think the one on rue Rivoli is nicer than the other near Opera. I like Art Deco style, also, which the Lutetia is. You can read comments (and verify star ratings, etc) for the Lutetia on http://digital.france.com/hotels
Aug 21st, 2001, 03:52 PM
#5
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My husband and I stayed at Hotel Lutetia last year (we got engaged while there) and loved it. We are going back next week for our honeymoon. It is in a great area, we walked everywhere. Right near the hotel is a great little area with wonderful boutiques and little restaurants. I will stay there every time I go to Paris. The rooms are good size and very clean. The breakfast buffet is wonderful and is included ( I Believe)
Aug 21st, 2001, 04:55 PM
#7
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CJ: Which Intercontinential were you thinking of? The Paris Intercontinential is a luxury hotel and I doubt if you could get it for $300. The Le Grand Hotel Intercontinential is a Grand Hotel but the rooms are spotty, it doesn't get great reviews on the rants and raves. Stayed at the Le Grand a couple of years ago, the hotel's public rooms are in fact Grand but our room was small and in need of renovation. <BR> <BR>
Aug 21st, 2001, 05:21 PM
#8
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Was in Paris a few months ago. Stayed at the Intercontinental (not the Grand) and can confirm the rooms are on the small side but there's lots to like about the hotel. It's directly across the Rue de Rivoli from the Tuileries Gardens (but it's a busy street!). We had a banquet at the Lutetia and it's in a much quieter neighborhood on the left bank of the river. FYI - the concierge told us the hotel had been the Gestapo headquarters when Paris was occupied in World War II. I liked the location and the hotel very much, but didn't actually stay there.
Aug 22nd, 2001, 06:33 AM
#9
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CJ, <BR>I've never stayed there but know the area which is great. If you haven't booked your ticket yet look around for a promotion. I've seen the Lutecia mentioned in many promotions. Check the American Airlines Vacations website or call. I think they use the Lutecia for air/land packages. Also, Expedia and Travelocity seem to often have discounted rooms there. Hope that helps you save a little money.
Aug 22nd, 2001, 09:10 AM
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CJ <BR> I am a fan of the Concorde Hotels and think their rejuvenation of the Lutetia was nearly miraculous (it had been very seedy, hard to believe it was 3 stars). <BR> <BR>I was at the Hotel du Louvre earlier this month--also a Concorde Hotel--and find that if you call their 800# there are often excellent rates available. In the Concorde book, the Hotel du Louvre range is 350-700euros, Lutetia is 320-600euros. I paid less than $220/night. (Actually came through as $611 for 3 nights!!!) <BR> All of the Concorde Hotels have generous sized rooms (great large bathrooms) and charge the same rate for single or double occupancy. I think Expedia rates are often higher than one can get directly from the hotels.
Aug 22nd, 2001, 01:12 PM
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To respond to one of your questions, I was thinking of the Intercontinental on the rue de Rivoli, across from the Tuileries. Expedia shows a rate of $251 for a standard room. My travel agent can get me Lutetia for $297 per room, so unless I can beat that on the net, I plan to take it. Your comments were very helpful.
Aug 22nd, 2001, 01:39 PM
#12
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CJ, <BR> I'm not aware of when you are planning to be in Paris, but the Concorde Hotels web site is showing a rate of 327.77 euros for a deluxe room for early December, that's approx: $280-285 US. I'd call the Concorde 800# just to check,if you are looking for the lowest rate. (That is a fabulous price for the "good" Intercontinental!)
