Before it became the Hôtel Carlton of Lille, what stood in this eye-catching Parisian-style building was known as the Café Jean. Despite its name, the cafe was an establishment said to have offered a wide variety of distractions and entertainment. In 1914, the ravages of World War I would level much of the city, including the neighborhoods where Café Jean stood. But upon the war's end, the people of Lille banded together to rebuild their city, envisioning a place more beautiful than what came before.

Support of this endeavor came from Queen Mary of Teck, the wife of British King-Emperor George V. She provided funds through the English company Carlton, as one of her interests in this reconstruction project was to restore the cultural district Café Jean was part of. Armand Lemay then stepped up for this undertaking. An architect and Lille local, he had already made a name for himself by designing some of the city's earliest concrete buildings. Reconstruction began in 1920 and finished in 1925, and as a dedication to their royal patron, they capped the building with a copper dome called the Coupole, its design an homage to the British crown.

Over the years, Hôtel Carlton established itself as one of Lille's finest hotels, attracting esteemed guests such as former Prime Minister and President Jacques Chirac, iconic actor Jean-Paul Belmondo, and international music superstar Whitney Houston.

In 2016, Hôtel Carlton Lille was acquired by new owners, Miguel and Anne-Solène Toulemonde. The couple immediately set about renovating the building, restoring many of its classic features while remodelling it with modern amenities and facilities.

Although the current incarnation of Hôtel Carlton Lille was constructed in 1925, its architect, Armand Lemay, wanted to restore the grandeur of its district as a cultural center in Lille. The building we see today has a facade heavily influenced by the Haussmann aesthetics of Paris, with touches of Art Deco and Art Nouveau which were popular at the time. Atop it is a literal crown called the Coupole, meant to look like the British royal crown due to being a dedication to Queen Mary of Teck.

Inside, the decor and design evoke the ritz and glamour of establishments immortalized in classical Hollywood cinema. Period elements, such as antique furniture, reference the lavishness of the French aristocracy and Napoleonic France. Yet for the most part, the main themes are contemporary revivals of Art Deco and Art Nouveau, especially when it comes to the plush beds and seats, sleek and stylish furnishings, and flamboyant color schemes.

Of particular note are the Coupole Suites, set in the dome structure of the hotel. These penthouse accommodations offer a dreamy and extravagant sanctuary with majestic views of the city.

Breakfast

Start your day right with Hôtel Carlton Lille's sumptuous breakfast service. For 25 EUR (30 USD), guests can savor a hearty morning buffet served in the dining lounge or brought to their room. Choose from a wide selection of French favorites and Hauts-de-France delicacies, including banana bread and pudding, various other homemade cakes and pastries, and charcuteries of selected meats and cheeses.

Availability: 6:30 am - 10 am weekdays; 7 am - 10:30 am weekends

Weekend Brunch

Offering a feast of healthy homemade cuisine crafted with seasonal and locally produced ingredients, the weekend brunch service is something that guests shouldn't miss out on. Available for 35 EUR (41 USD), this gourmet meal service is sure to delight with its rich and innovative flavors, as well as spectacular views of the neighborhood.

The View

A cozy rooftop bar with gorgeous city scenery and an intimate atmosphere, The View is the perfect date spot while staying at the Carlton Lille. Choose from their selection of carefully curated cocktails, regional wines, and personalized mixes.

Opening hours: Starts at 6 pm every evening

Bar Saint James

For guests who prefer a quiet and comfy lounge space where they can enjoy a drink or two alongside a book, the lounge bar, Saint James, would be a perfect fit. Aside from alcoholic tipples, you'll also have hot beverages such as coffee and tea, which you can sip while sitting amidst charming classic decor.

Make Lille the city where you make your forever vows. Aside from its incredible and diverse culture and magnificent beauty, Lille also has many beautiful locations to do your wedding shoots and ceremonies. Even Hôtel Carlton Lille can be prepared as your venue as it has a function hall which can accommodate the ceremony, as well as the reception. Up to 190 guests can be attended to for a standing event, or 80 people if you're planning a dinner reception.

For additional preparations, such as staffing, catering, and decorations, be sure to contact the hotel and coordinate with the management. They may even have event packages that you'd be interested in.

Cultural Experiences

Lille, being the regional capital of Hauts-de-France, is a city steeped in history and culture. Follow its roads and alleys and discover the many heritage treasures that await you around the city. Visit historic buildings such as La Citadelle, an impregnable star-shaped fortress recognized as one of the engineer Vauban's finest works. There are also numerous museums, such as the Palace of Fine Arts, which houses numerous artistic treasures from ages past.

If you're looking for gastronomic delights, the region is known for estaminets, a fusion of a cafe and a tavern, where guests can savor beers, cheeses, and pastries. The proximity to Belgium also created a cultural exchange where local shops also serve Belgian delicacies. Those who fancy themselves fans of cocktail drinks can sign up for a mixology class at Hôtel Carlton Lille.

Another benefit of being the regional capital is that Lille is a hub for major cultural events. Summers are filled with music and merrymaking as the city hosts various events, such as the Lille Piano Festival and the Fête de la Musique, both held every June. For the foodies, September would be a fantastic choice for travel since that's when the city celebrates Braderie de Lille, a massive food and market festival dating back to the 12th century.

If you're looking to celebrate a more personal occasion, the hotel has a selection of event halls, seminar rooms, and private salons and lounges that you can book for your function. Up to 190 guests can be accommodated for a standing reception, or 80 for a seated celebration.