Make the Most of Lille From These Elegant Hotels

The grand Clarance Hotel is a luxury five-star hotel, located near Lille’s Grande Place in the historic centre. Originally built in the 18th century as a townhouse, it was restored to its former glory. With colossal marble columns, sumptuous velvet furnishings, the swirling art deco staircases, this hotel will definitely impress. Crafted in the spirit of a boutique hotel, each room has been carefully designed to have its own unique style – some even include original fireplaces and chandeliers. You can browse the well-stocked library and relax in the garden.

Hotel Carlton is a four-star hotel designed with elegance and grace. Ideally located in the heart of Lille, you’ll find the Vieille Bourse (the old stock exchange), which dates back to 1652, only a short walk away. The Opéra, Grande Place and Old Lille are also right on your doorstep. Ideal for both business trips and romantic getaways, Hotel Carlton offers ample charm and comfort. The most exciting bonus of staying here is the sumptuous breakfast, with golden croissants and brioches, the cornerstone of French pastry, baked to perfection.

Located just a stone’s throw away from the Palace of Fine Arts, one of the largest art museums in France, L’Hermitage Gantois is a superb five-star hotel, combining traditional architecture with modern facilities. The original building dates back to 1460, when it was a hospice. Reserve a table at the hotel’s restaurant, Le H, for excellent French fare, as recommended in the Michelin guide. You’ll also find a sauna, spa and indoor pool to ensure your stay is as relaxing as possible.

If you’re looking for somewhere a little more quirky, then Hotel l’Arbre Voyageur is for you. The style of this hotel is bold, unexpected and a little eccentric, with leopard-print patterns adorning the restaurant walls, and even the lampshades – tastefully matched with mustard-coloured chairs. As for location, you have all the major sights nearby. History lovers should visit the Museum of the Gunners, home to the famous Gribeauval cannons that Napoleon Bonaparte offered to the cannoneers, which is just around the corner.

The Urban Hotel & Spa is one of the most stunning hotels in Lille. It combines ornate chandeliers and gold-decorated wall panelling, with red velvet-lined winding staircases and high ceilings. It’s rated as a three-star hotel, but the 40 fully-equipped rooms and dreamy interiors offer an unforgettable taste of luxury. The hidden gem here is the exquisite pampering facility, with a spa and sauna on-site. The hotel is close to La Gare Saint Sauveur, which is one of the best art exhibition spaces in Lille.

La Bourgogne en Ville plunges its guests into the past, as the period-style interiors are adorned with original antique furniture, including typewriters, vintage candlesticks and paintings. There might only be three rooms in this charming guesthouse, but there is a full-service spa. It’s fairly close to the zoo and the Citadel of Lille, which was built between 1667 and 1670 – a lovely place to go for a stroll.

Couvent Des Minimes Alliance Lille is a four-star boutique hotel tucked away inside a converted 17th-century convent that has been classified as a historic monument. The central courtyard of the cloister has been renovated into a huge, jaw-dropping foyer, with an incredible glass ceiling. There are 83 spacious rooms, a restaurant and bar and the hotel is in an unbeatable location near the Citadel.

With entertainment ranging from a fully-equipped theatre and a wellness centre to a casino containing 20 games tables and 310 slot machines, there’s no excuse for boredom at this flamboyant hotel. There’s also a gourmet restaurant, contemporary brasserie and several themed bars – or the city centre is just a 10-minute walk away. Featuring glass walls, lacquered furnishings and luxury fabrics, the rooms here are bright and modern. Many of them also offer a panoramic view over the city.

Capturing the corner of the market for youthful urban hotels, Mama Shelter does not disappoint in Lille, either. At this three-star hotel, the street-side terrace buzzes with a cool young crowd, the design-led bar pumps to the sound of local DJs and the popular restaurant dishes up hearty, satisfying fare. Rooms are chic and stylish, with plenty of smart tech, and come in four different sizes. The train station is just a five-minute walk away.

The clue is in the name at this four-star hotel, which offers a beautiful view over the Grande Place with its fairytale Flemish architecture. This splendid square was once a favourite of Mozart and his family, who stayed here for a month in 1765 – and the Grand Hotel Bellevue is the only hotel on this spot, if you want to recreate the experience. The elegant entrance makes for an impressive welcome, the bedrooms are bedecked with botanical wallpaper and a lavish breakfast awaits each morning.

Just a few meters from the Grande Place, this three-star hotel is notable for its neo-Flemish façade, stylish design and elegant art deco lift dating from the 1930s. Artfully decorated throughout, the bedrooms feel more like apartments than homogenous hotel rooms. There is also a cosy lounge with comfy sofas, as well as magazines, newspapers and games. The continental breakfast includes local touches such as spéculoos (shortcrust biscuits), northern brioches and pancakes.

Found in a townhouse dating from 1873, the show-stealer at this boutique hotel is the spectacular spiral staircase. Leading up to four rooms and suites, each with their own character, among the historic features are period fireplaces, moulded ceilings and parquet flooring. There’s also an atmospheric spa, with exposed brick walls, containing a hot tub, sauna and hammam. Located at the foot of the Palais des Beaux-Arts, and close to the Grande Place, all the sights are also nearby.

This new-generation hostel in the heart of Old Lille has nailed good value accommodation. Located in a red-brick building, the well-decorated rooms are both quirky and charming – with features such as timber beams, sloping walls and exposed brickwork. The hostel’s popular bar-restaurant, The Gastama, serves up delicious seasonal dishes (or, alternatively, guests can use the communal kitchen) and there’s a terrific terrace hung with strings of coloured lights.