A Swiss town is home to a 5-star hotel that welcomes everyone from the ultrawealthy to royalty. Take a look inside.

Monica HumphriesJul 31, 2024, 21:46 IST

The author in her hotel room at the Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois in Basel, Switzerland.Monica Humphries/Business Insider<ul class="summary-list"><li>The Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois in Basel, Switzerland, has a rich history of remarkable guests.</li><li>For centuries, the hotel has catered to guests such as Queen Elizabeth II and the Rolling Stones.</li></ul>As I eavesdropped on a conversation at the Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois, it felt almost too cliché.Perched on red velvet chairs and sipping top-shelf cocktails, a group of hotel guests discussed a <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/art-basel-unlimited-switzerland-curator-shares-how-exhibit-comes-together-2024-6">friend's upcoming art show</a>. He was heading from Switzerland to New York City to display his latest installation, where the work was expected to sell for about the median price of a US house.The guests chatted, tossing out names I didn't know. If I were anybody in the art world, I'm sure they're names I would have recognized.The conversation shouldn't have phased me. I was at the Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois, the ritziest hotel in the Swiss town of Basel, an area known for art.The property has welcomed royalty, celebrities, art fanatics, and the ultrawealthy in its three-century history. It's a <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/luxury-five-star-hotels-most-surprising-things-2022-1">hotel that oozes luxury</a>, and for one night, I soaked in every detail — from the down pillows to the Champagne breakfast.

There's only one five-star hotel in Basel, and that's the Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois.

The exterior of the Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois in Basel, Switzerland. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

The property sits on the banks of the Rhine River, making it impossible to miss.

A view of the hotel from the Rhine River. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

I spent a night at the Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois at the end of the town's annual Art Basel festival.

The interior of the author's hotel room. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

I climbed up the carpeted steps where I was swept away into luxury.

The outside entrance to the Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

Front and center in the lobby were pastel blooms from Fleurs des Rois, the hotel's in-house florist

The entrance of the five-star Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

A receptionist welcomed me to the property, carted my bags to my room, and handed me the largest hotel key I'd ever seen.

The author's room key.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

Dripping in red velvet curtains and rich wood, the room could simply be described as ornate.

The interior of the author's room at the Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

Inside the large closets, I discovered plush robes and a complimentary minibar.

The wardrobe in the author's hotel room.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

With its down pillows and duvet insert, the bed made it nearly impossible to resist an afternoon nap.

The author's king-sized bed at the Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

Beyond the coziest bed, the room had just enough space for a desk, TV, and two chairs.

A view of the author's hotel room. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

In the bathroom, luxuries continued.

The interior of the bathroom.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

The highlight of the bathroom was a large tub equipped with a rain showerhead.

The tub and show at the Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

It was clear every potential inconvenience and challenge was already answered. With a simple call downstairs, a team could coordinate a car wash or send up a dog sitter.

The author's room. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

It was clear every potential inconvenience and challenge was already answered. With a simple call downstairs, a team could coordinate a car wash or send up a dog sitter.

After settling into my room, I headed downstairs for a late lunch. The hotel has three restaurants, including Cheval Blanc, which has three Michelin stars.

The hotel is home to Cheval Blanc, a Michelin-starred restaurant.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

In need of a quick bite, I settled at the Bar Les Trois Rois.

The lobby at the Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

Even a simple club sandwich felt elevated at the hotel.

The author's lunch at Bar Les Trois Rois.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

Halfway through my meal, I took in a rainbow from the hotel's massive terrace.

The terrace at the Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

Beyond delicious food, the hotel staff and historic details were impressive.

A view into the lobby of the Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

I slept well in my comfy bed, and the next morning, I headed to Brasserie Les Trois Rois for the most impressive breakfast spread I've ever seen.

The interior of the Brasserie Les Trois Rois restaurant. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

As the morning sun flitted between the Rhine River and crystal glassware scattered across the dining room, I said goodbye to the historic hotel.

Breakfast at the Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois' Brasserie restaurant. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

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A Swiss town is home to a 5-star hotel that welcomes everyone from the ultrawealthy to royalty. Take a look inside.

There's only one five-star hotel in Basel, and that's the Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois.

The property sits on the banks of the Rhine River, making it impossible to miss.

I spent a night at the Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois at the end of the town's annual Art Basel festival.

I climbed up the carpeted steps where I was swept away into luxury.

Front and center in the lobby were pastel blooms from Fleurs des Rois, the hotel's in-house florist

A receptionist welcomed me to the property, carted my bags to my room, and handed me the largest hotel key I'd ever seen.

Dripping in red velvet curtains and rich wood, the room could simply be described as ornate.

Inside the large closets, I discovered plush robes and a complimentary minibar.

With its down pillows and duvet insert, the bed made it nearly impossible to resist an afternoon nap.

Beyond the coziest bed, the room had just enough space for a desk, TV, and two chairs.

In the bathroom, luxuries continued.

The highlight of the bathroom was a large tub equipped with a rain showerhead.

It was clear every potential inconvenience and challenge was already answered. With a simple call downstairs, a team could coordinate a car wash or send up a dog sitter.

After settling into my room, I headed downstairs for a late lunch. The hotel has three restaurants, including Cheval Blanc, which has three Michelin stars.

In need of a quick bite, I settled at the Bar Les Trois Rois.

Even a simple club sandwich felt elevated at the hotel.

Halfway through my meal, I took in a rainbow from the hotel's massive terrace.

Beyond delicious food, the hotel staff and historic details were impressive.

I slept well in my comfy bed, and the next morning, I headed to Brasserie Les Trois Rois for the most impressive breakfast spread I've ever seen.

As the morning sun flitted between the Rhine River and crystal glassware scattered across the dining room, I said goodbye to the historic hotel.