Henri Ruhl (1882-1955)
• 1900: British Businessman Henri Ruhl settles on the côte d’Azur and starts an exceptional career in the Hotel industry. He also builds the Hotel Ruhl in Nice.
• 1907: Henri Ruhl becomes a French citizen.
• 1908: Acquisition of the grounds on 58 Boulevard de la Croisette. Henri Ruhl finds different investors, the most important is the Grand Duke Michael of Russia, oncle of the last Tsar, Nicolas II.
• 1911 January 30: Grand opening of the Carlton Hotel Henri Ruhl chooses the name « Carlton » which in Scandinavia means « free man ».