The reaction of $LnCl_3{cdot}7H_2O$ [Ln = La (1), Ce (2)] with salicylic acid (HL) and 1,10-phenanthroline (Phen) at $20^{circ}C$ in $H_2O$/ethanol gave after work-up and recrystallization two novel lanthanide complexes with general formula $[Ln(Phen)_2(L)_3(HL)]{cdot}H_2O$. Compounds 1 and 2 were characterized by IR and UV-Vis spectroscopy, TGA, CHN as well as by X-ray analysis. According to these results, compounds 1 and 2 are isostructural and contain $Ln^{3+}$ ions with coordination number nine. Complexes 1 and 2 consist of two Phen, one neutral HL and three L anions (two L anions act as monodentate ligands and the third one is chelating to $Ln^{3+}$). Thermal decomposition led to primary loss of the Phen molecules. Then HL molecules and finally L moieties left the material to give $Ln_2O_3$.