Berchtesgaden - General Walker Hotel, February 1955.

Prior to the war, this hotel was known as the Platterhof. It was built in the 1920's (and was probably demolished in 1999 after being returned by the US Army to the German government). Hitler stayed here in 1924 and reportedly wrote part of his book Mein Kampf while he staid there. In the 1930's and early 1940's, many VIP's stayed there while visiting Hitler who resided in the Obersalzberg. After the war it was requisitioned by the US Army and renamed the General Walker Hotel. It was used by the Army as a rest and recreation resort. This continued to 1995/96 when it was determined that it would be too costly to bring it up to modern day standards and returned to the German government. Rooms had no toilets or showers and guests had to use communal bathrooms located on each floor. NOTE: For more on the Platterhof (and other Armed Forces Recreation Center facilities) check out Geoff Walden's excellent Third Reich in Ruins website

(Source: James Wright)