1. A 100% royal hotel... born from an investment by the Queen of England
Let's start strong: the current Carlton Hotel in Lille was born in 1920 thanks to Mary of Teck, wife of George V. After the destruction of the famous Café Jean during the war, it was she (through her hotel company) who supported the creation of a palace worthy of the Commonwealth. The proof? The large copper dome on the roof, designed like a royal crown.
2. A building rebuilt twice due to wars
Before it became a hotel, the place was home to Café Jean, a Lille institution that was razed during World War I. The hotel reconstructed in 1920 didn't have much luck either: the bombings of World War II partially destroyed it as well.
The owners of that time didn’t hold back: they rebuilt it to the original design.
3. The DSK Affair Almost Ruined Everything
You can't overlook the Carlton scandal in 2011. The luxury hotel found itself tangled in a prostitution investigation involving Dominique Strauss-Kahn. The atmosphere was tense, the image tarnished, and reservations plummeted… Until, ironically, the case became a tourist attraction. Even today, curious visitors come to “see DSK’s room.”
4. The Coupole Suite: 100 m² of Luxury and History
Nestled under the famous copper dome, the emblematic suite of the Carlton offers a panoramic view of Lille. Historically reserved for distinguished guests and royalty, it embodies the soul of the place: elegance, prestige, and a wink to British charm. A bit like Buckingham-on-Deûle.
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5. A golden guestbook filled with stars
Whitney Houston, Jacques Chirac, Belmondo, Eddy Mitchell... All have slept (or partied) within the walls of the Carlton. In the '80s and '90s, it was the place to be for celebrities passing through. Even today, some famous names keep adding to the list, but discretion remains key.
6. A hidden office and a well-crafted makeover
The Carlton is also home to its share of secret nooks and family handovers. In the 2000s, the hotel was taken over by Miguel Toulemonde, who gave it a major renovation without losing its charm. The result? A palace that has retained its soul, but in a 2.0 version, complete with a bar, mixology, and a stylish facelift.
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7. The tourists' favorite hotel… for the wrong reasons?
What if we told you that some visitors come not for the luxury, but just to snap a photo of “the DSK hotel”? Even though the hotel has moved on from its past, the local folklore, however, persists. And the stories continue to circulate, often whispered in the lobby...
Bonus: Café Jean, a pioneer of Lille’s nightlife
A little wink to the past: before the hotel, Café Jean (1901) was one of the liveliest spots in Lille, filled with shows, concerts, and gatherings. And while the vibe has changed, the celebration has stayed. Even today, the Carlton bar serves up signature cocktails in a cozy atmosphere, sometimes with some jazz notes under the dome.
