With the Lutetia Hotel in Paris given ‘Palace’ status, our capital has another, better than 5-star hotel. And the Left Bank has its first Palace hotel.
It joins the ranks of the other 11 properties in Paris given this esteemed accolade. But what does it really mean?
Exceptional 5-star hotels
As one of the world’s finest capital cities, Paris has its fair share of 5-star hotels. However, the Palace status properties go even further.
Minister of Tourism established the label over a decade ago, it recognizes exceptional qualities that embody French standards of excellence. Even more, these hotels enhance the image of France throughout the world.
Not only is the Palace status a recommendation for guests to stay in these luxurious hotels. It also increases the property’s profile, especially on the international hospitality scene.
Essentially, it means they are better than 5-star. They are exceptional places to stay and enjoy Paris in total luxury.
A government-sanctioned award
The French government decides which hotels to designate as worthy of Palace status. They follow a rigorous, two-part process.
During the initial stage, they give hotels marks against a list of 200 strict criteria. This includes an exceptional location and architecture, gastronomical restaurants, the spa, pool and gym, concierge services, and multilingual staff. Also, 20% of rooms must be suites, with a minimum ratio of 2.2 employees per room.
If it passes, an evaluation stage by a panel examines even more requirements. These include location, appearance, building history and character, staff excellence, cuisine in the restaurants, and a respectful environmental policy.
Extremely strict, a mere handful of hotels achieve the status.
Now the Lutetia Hotel is one of them, it joins the ranks of other establishments such as the Le Bristol, the Hotel de Crillon and La Réserve Paris Hotel and Spa. It takes its place as one of the finest hotels in Paris.
A treasure on the Left Bank
Several things make the Lutetia Hotel stand out even further.
Firstly, its location. Situated on the chic Left Bank, it’s unique. No other hotel this side of the river has Palace status.
The extensive renovation, taking place over four years from 2014-2018, has seen the hotel enter a new chapter. It’s a topic we previously covered in this blog at the time.
Gastronomic delights at the hotel
Also worthy of note is Chef Benjamin Brial, head of Le Saint-Germain restaurant.
His dishes are served in one of the hotel’s world-class restaurants, under the historic glass roof enhanced by a contemporary and colorful work by the artist Fabrice Hyber.
After graduating from the Ecole Ferrandi, Brial worked in such prestigious establishments as the Ritz Paris, Apicius, and the Four Seasons Hotels in both London and Paris.
Stints in both Shanghai and Hong Kong have added sophisticated liaisons and delicate touches of spice to his cuisine.
His ever-changing menu combines seasonal dishes with distinctive classics. A noted favorite is the corn-fed Tauzin chicken, named after its producer in the Landes region of France.
Such gastronomic delights have assisted in gaining the hotel’s new accolade.
Real estate after Lutetia Hotel in Paris given Palace status
Now that the Left Bank has its first Palace hotel, we’re anticipating a positive impact on real estate in the surrounding areas. It means now is the perfect time to invest.
Take a look at this chic one-bedroom Musée d’Orsay property. Around the corner from the rue du Bac restaurants and antique shops, it’s an ideal pied-à-terre, primary residence or rental investment.
Or if you’d like to be in the heart of the action and are looking to rent a property, here is a charming one-bedroom Luxembourg Gardens apartment. An ideal pied-à-terre, it’s set on a quiet street near the place Saint-Sulpice.
Your own Paris property
Whether you’re interested in real estate on the Left Bank, or anywhere else in the beautiful city of Paris, 56Paris is here to help.
Get in touch with our team of friendly experts today, for a no-obligation chat about your plans.