The Ruhl Hotel

The last of the grand palaces built in Vichy, the Ruhl Hotel was also the largest and most luxurious (boasting 350 rooms and 300 bathrooms).
At the time, the site was occupied by the Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall). Gifted by Napoleon III in 1865, by the early 20th century the building was considered too small. Architect Antoine Chanet began construction of the hotel in 1910, but the project was halted a year later. Eventually, Henri Ruhl, a hotelier who already owned several palaces in Paris and various seaside resorts, decided to take on the project himself.

Ideally located between the two parks, the building occupies a block bounded by streets: its monumental appearance is emphasised both by the absence of adjoining properties, and by its opulent sculpted decor. At its centre is a vast Louis XVI-style dining room with a magnificent glass roof.

The Ruhl opened its doors in 1913 but, with the advent of World War I, was soon converted into a temporary military hospital. In 1922, it was purchased by Joseph Aletti, who renamed it hôtel Radio, thus allowing him to retain the "HR" monogram on the hotel's china and linens.
Requisitioned in 1940, it was converted into a private residence after the Liberation.