Hotel Carlton, Lille centre: XXL suite with view and spa bath

Now trust us, a stay in this legendary hotel is A Thing of Beauty already. But a stay in the Carlton’s Coupole suite really does take your romantic weekend break to another stratosphere. ‘Luxurious’, ‘lavish’, ‘elegant’ and ‘exclusive’, though all accurate adjectives, fail to adequately describe a suite of this grandeur: 80m2 of palatial living space split over two levels, from the beautiful gold-leafed lounge below and up the central spiral staircase to a stunningly romantic bedroom and bathroom on the upper level. It goes without saying that every fixture, fitting and flourish is of the very highest standard – including the spa bath and luxury steam shower cabin – but the views over Lille’s Opéra house, Grand’Place square and characterful old town ‘Vieux-Lille’ are the jewel in the crown that you can’t put a price on.

From the robes, slippers, sauna and gym to the option of room service breakfast or a massage-for-two, expect an exceptional level of service at the Carlton, its four stars richly deserved. And with the hotel just a 10-minute walk from Lille-Europe station (or a valet service for your car if you’ve opted for the quick 70-minute drive from Calais), it scores top marks for convenience too. Put that to the test asking the concierge service to reserve you a special table for the evening. The Rozo is one of Lille’s Michelin-starred restaurants, or there’s "La Table du Clarance" in an incredible 18th century Vieux-Lille mansion where Michelin-starred chef Alexandre Miquel delivers exquisite dishes manicured with pin-sharp detail. Later in the evening, let yourself be tempted by the new bar of the hotel  called « The View ». As you might have guessed from its name, it offers an unmatched panoramic view on the Opera House and the Theater.

Breakfast at the Carlton is as memorable and impeccable as any romantic dinner, and with that on board, head off to fill your senses with Lille’s city sensations. Borrow city-bikes and make a beeline for the citadel, or for art, history and culture on tap there’s the fine arts museum (Palais des Beaux Arts), or the Musée de l’Hospice Comtesse in the enchanting ‘Vieux-Lille’. Browse the district's markets, cafés and chic boutiques on foot, or admire its architecture. Treat yourselves too - as the locals do - to waffles from the famous ‘Meert’ emporium or to unique meringuey sensations from ‘Aux Merveilleux de Fred’ - the icing on the cake on your romantic weekend break in Lille.