Hôtel des Ambassadeurs

From top to bottom, right to left, the imposing façade of this building is a masterclass in high-end architecture. You’ve guessed it – today’s subject is the former Hôtel des Ambassadeurs. No one really knows when its story actually began. What we know for sure is that it was already a popular spot by 1858, as mentioned in early spa and tourist guides. But this was only the beginning of its glory, for after several expansions, the Hôtel des Ambassadeurs became a major player in Vichy’s hotel industry at the end of the 19th century. With room for over 400 guests, the hotel’s restaurant could seat 200, and its ballroom held up to 500 people. There was also a smoking room, a billiard room, stables, and other fancy amenities. These included an elevator, telephone, as well as in-room heating and electric lighting, all installed in 1900 by the establishment’s owners, the Roubeau-Place family. And as if the hotel wasn’t big enough, the owners bought nearby villas and connected them with the main building through underground passageways, with the city’s permission of course. This meant guests could easily have access to all common areas and services on offer. During World War I, the hotel temporarily served as a hospital specializing in facial reconstruction surgeries. In World War II, it housed the diplomatic corps of Marshal Pétain’s government. Over the years, it’s been restored, renovated and remodeled, as with the addition of the stunning Art Deco glass roof designed by Francis Chigot. The hotel continued to welcome illustrious high-society guests after the war. Among them was the Belgian novelist Georges Simenon, best known for his detective stories, and film crews looking for such grand film locations. Despite its rich history and reputation, the Hôtel des Ambassadeurs ended up closing its doors around 1989. Since 1998, the upper floors have been turned into apartments. As for the old dining room, it’s now a chic, cozy bar.