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Hotel Continental is one of the most important buildings in the center of Pilsen. During an air raid in December 1944, the southeastern part of the building was hit by a bomb that flew through the skylight, passing through all floors until exploding in the basement.
The bomb shelter of the hotel had been considered one of the safest places in the city. However, the direct hit by the bomb killed 70 people, including hotel owner Václav Ledecký, his son Emanuel, and his father-in-law Arnošt Egert.
After the liberation of Pilsen by the American army in May 1945, the hotel became the temporary headquarters of the renown 2nd Infantry Division under General Hinds. Among the most distinguished guests was Marlene Dietrich – who arrived in Pilsen with the Americans to serve as a translator.