Latest news with #Akirov
Jordan Times
09-04-2025
- Business
- Jordan Times
Iconic Paris hotel Lutetia taken over by Mandarin Oriental
This photograph taken on April 20, 2020, shows the entrance of the closed luxury hotel Lutetia in Paris (AFP photo) PARIS — The historic Lutetia hotel in Paris, which was occupied by the Nazis during World War II and after liberation served as a welcome centre for concentration camp survivors, was on Thursday taken over by luxury hotel group Mandarin Oriental. Situated in the centre of the Left Bank area of the French capital, the Art Deco institution was opened in 1910 and owes its existence to its neighbour Bon Marche, one of the first department stores in the world. Originally baptised with the Roman name for Paris, the hotel will be renamed Mandarin Oriental Lutetia from Thursday. The Akirov family and Laurent Kleitman, chief executive of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, took part in an inauguration ceremony on Thursday, unveiling a plaque on the hotel's facade in the colours of the Asian group. Jean-Pierre Trevisan, the hotel's director, said the deal "will give us visibility in areas that we are not familiar with, such as Asia". Financial details of the management contract were not disclosed. A source familiar with the matter said it was a "very long-term commitment". Kleitman said no major changes to the recently renovated establishment were planned. "We are delighted to support and work closely with Mandarin Oriental for the sustainability of the Lutetia," the Akirov family said in a statement. The founders of Bon Marche had the hotel built to provide accommodation for their wealthy customers travelling up to Paris from the provinces for shopping trips. 'Ghosts of Nazis' With the Left Bank the heart of the French intellectual scene, the hotel became a hangout for celebrities including Charlie Chaplin, Ernest Hemingway and Antoine de Saint-Exupery. Famous guests also included James Joyce, who worked on his epic novel "Ulysses" at the Lutetia, and the future president of the republic, Charles de Gaulle, who spent his wedding night there. During the Nazi occupation of Paris, the hotel was requisitioned by the occupying forces and used to house the Abwehr, the German intelligence. The Nazi forces tortured their victims at the Lutetia. When Paris was liberated in 1944, de Gaulle ordered the hotel to take in thousands of deportees. One archive Agence France-Presse picture shows emaciated French deportees repatriated from Germany having a meal at the hotel in May 1945. Another shows freed prisoners consulting a bulletin board with lists of deportees. "The ghosts of Nazis, French resistance fighters and concentration camp survivors still inhabit the grand building on Paris' famed Left Bank," the Smithsonian Magazine said in 2019. Post-war, it swiftly regained its reputation as a place to see and be seen. The five-star hotel was awarded the prestigious "Palace" distinction in 2019, after four years of costly renovations. The work was financed by the Alrov group, which paid 145 million euros in 2010 to acquire the hotel, sources told AFP at the time. The 200-million-euro makeover allowed the hotel to spruce up its original frescos and stucco work, decking out the 184 rooms and suites in understated luxury. Some of the suites have been inspired by celebrities such as Francis Ford Coppola and Isabelle Huppert. Prices are out of reach for all but the wealthiest, with rooms rates starting at 1,500 euros per night.
Trade Arabia
06-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Mandarin Oriental expands in Paris with Hôtel Lutetia
Mandarin Oriental has officially taken over the Hôtel Lutetia, transforming it into Mandarin Oriental Lutetia, Paris. This hotel, the only Palace hotel on the Left Bank, joins Mandarin Oriental, enhancing its presence in the French capital. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Group Chief Executive Laurent Kleitman, senior leadership team members, the Akirov family, and Managing Director Jean Pierre Trevisan. The addition of this landmark property strengthens Mandarin Oriental's presence in Paris, offering two distinct Palace experiences: an intimate, contemporary retreat on the Right Bank and a vibrant, heritage-rich icon on the Left Bank. 'Today marks a new chapter for Mandarin Oriental as we officially welcome this legendary Parisian landmark Palace into our portfolio' says Laurent Kleitman, Group Chief Executive of Mandarin Oriental. 'In addition to our beloved Saint Honore gem, with Mandarin Oriental Lutetia, Paris, we celebrate not only the rich heritage of the Left Bank but also our vision for the future of luxury hospitality – where history, culture and legendary service come together to create unforgettable experiences. Our dual presence in Paris emphasises our deep commitment to this iconic city, offering our guests two distinct expressions of Mandarin Oriental's hospitality.' Honouring its commitment to authenticity and excellence, Mandarin Oriental embraces the soul of Lutetia, preserving its rich heritage while elevating the guest experience with its legendary service and expertise, shaped by its dual-Asian roots. The hotel remains a vibrant destination for both travellers and Parisians, offering an exceptional setting where culture, gastronomy and wellbeing converge. From the iconic Parisian Brasserie Lutetia to the serene Akasha Wellness space, from the lively Bar Josephine, to the many amazing suites, every element reflects a seamless blend of tradition and contemporary luxury. Georgi Akirov adds, 'The Akirov family is the proud owner of Lutetia, Paris is Lutetia and Lutetia is Paris! We are deeply committed to the success of the hotel — one of Paris' leading Palaces and among Europe's most distinguished hotels. We are pleased that Mandarin Oriental will be managing the property. We share a common vision for Lutetia: to honour its heritage and spirit, while elevating the hotel to new heights of excellence. Since its reopening in 2018, Lutetia has quickly become one of Paris' most sought-after Palaces. We look forward to supporting and working closely with Mandarin Oriental to ensure Lutetia's continued success, and I extend my best wishes for the future of this partnership. I would also like to thank Lutetia's many loyal guests, the supportive travel agent community, and the exceptional team led by Jean-Pierre Trevisan.'
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Iconic Paris hotel Lutetia taken over by Mandarin Oriental
The historic Lutetia hotel in Paris, which was occupied by the Nazis during World War II and after liberation served as a welcome centre for concentration camp survivors, was on Thursday taken over by luxury hotel group Mandarin Oriental. Situated in the centre of the Left Bank area of the French capital, the Art Deco institution was opened in 1910 and owes its existence to its neighbour Bon Marche, one of the first department stores in the world. Israeli real estate group Alrov, controlled by Alfred Akirov and his family, will retain ownership of the building. Originally baptised with the Roman name for Paris, the hotel will be renamed Mandarin Oriental Lutetia from Thursday. The Akirov family and Laurent Kleitman, chief executive of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, took part in an inauguration ceremony on Thursday, unveiling a plaque on the hotel's facade in the colours of the Asian group. Jean-Pierre Trevisan, the hotel's director, said the deal "will give us visibility in areas that we are not familiar with, such as Asia". Financial details of the management contract were not disclosed. A source familiar with the matter said it was a "very long-term commitment". Kleitman said no major changes to the recently renovated establishment were planned. "We are delighted to support and work closely with Mandarin Oriental for the sustainability of the Lutetia," the Akirov family said in a statement. The founders of Bon Marche had the hotel built to provide accommodation for their wealthy customers travelling up to Paris from the provinces for shopping trips. - 'Ghosts of Nazis' - With the Left Bank the heart of the French intellectual scene, the hotel became a hangout for celebrities including Charlie Chaplin, Ernest Hemingway and Antoine de Saint-Exupery. Famous guests also included James Joyce, who worked on his epic novel "Ulysses" at the Lutetia, and the future president of the republic, Charles de Gaulle, who spent his wedding night there. During the Nazi occupation of Paris, the hotel was requisitioned by the occupying forces and used to house the Abwehr, the German intelligence. The Nazi forces tortured their victims at the Lutetia. When Paris was liberated in 1944, de Gaulle ordered the hotel to take in thousands of deportees. One archive Agence France-Presse picture shows emaciated French deportees repatriated from Germany having a meal at the hotel in May 1945. Another shows freed prisoners consulting a bulletin board with lists of deportees. "The ghosts of Nazis, French resistance fighters and concentration camp survivors still inhabit the grand building on Paris' famed Left Bank," the Smithsonian Magazine said in 2019. Post-war, it swiftly regained its reputation as a place to see and be seen. The five-star hotel was awarded the prestigious "Palace" distinction in 2019, after four years of costly renovations. The work was financed by the Alrov group, which paid 145 million euros in 2010 to acquire the hotel, sources told AFP at the time. The 200-million-euro makeover allowed the hotel to spruce up its original frescos and stucco work, decking out the 184 rooms and suites in understated luxury. Some of the suites have been inspired by celebrities such as Francis Ford Coppola and Isabelle Huppert. Prices are out of reach for all but the wealthiest, with rooms rates starting at 1,500 euros per night. sr-as/sjw/phz
