A Swiss town is home to a 5-star hotel that welcomes everyone from the ultrawealthy to royalty. Take a look inside.
Monica Humphries
![A Swiss town is home to a 5-star hotel that welcomes everyone from the ultrawealthy to royalty. Take a look inside.](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstaticbiassets.in%2Fthumb%2Fmsid-112174732%2Cwidth-700%2Cheight-525%2Cimgsize-247818%2Fa-swiss-town-is-home-to-a-5-star-hotel-that-welcomes-everyone-from-the-ultrawealthy-to-royalty-take-a-look-inside-.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
- The Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois in Basel, Switzerland, has a rich history of remarkable guests.
- For centuries, the hotel has catered to guests such as Queen Elizabeth II and the Rolling Stones.
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 friend's upcoming art show. 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 hotel that oozes luxury, 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.
![There](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-112174880,width-700,height-525,imgsize-402684/thereaposs-only-one-five-star-hotel-in-basel-and-thataposs-the-grand-hotel-les-trois-rois-.jpg)
The Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois has earned its reputation for plenty of reasons.
It's the only five-star property in Switzerland's third-largest city.
Famous names fill the hotel's guest book, including Pablo Picasso, Queen Elizabeth II, Napoleon, the Dalai Lama, Charles Dickens, the Rolling Stones, and Bob Dylan.
And beyond well-known names, the hotel is home to famous dining spots, including Cheval Blanc, a three-Michelin-star restaurant.
The property sits on the banks of the Rhine River, making it impossible to miss.
![The property sits on the banks of the Rhine River, making it impossible to miss.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-112174877,width-700,height-525,imgsize-172476/the-property-sits-on-the-banks-of-the-rhine-river-making-it-impossible-to-miss-.jpg)
The Rhine River cuts through the heart of Basel, and the Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois is along the banks.
Its position made the hotel an ideal location for travel and trade routes in the 1600s.
Originally opened in 1681, the Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois catered to the nobility. Its name translates to three kings, a reference to the three wise men.
Then in 1841 and 1842, the hotel was rebuilt to the similar design people see today.
I spent a night at the Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois at the end of the town's annual Art Basel festival.
![I spent a night at the Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois at the end of the town](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-112174875,width-700,height-525,imgsize-190926/i-spent-a-night-at-the-grand-hotel-les-trois-rois-at-the-end-of-the-townaposs-annual-art-basel-festival-.jpg)
The hotel is home to 101 rooms and suites.
I visited during Art Basel, the town's largest art fair, and therefore, one of the hotel's most popular times.
I snagged a room for one night at the end of the fair. The king room with city views cost $607 for the night.
I climbed up the carpeted steps where I was swept away into luxury.
![I climbed up the carpeted steps where I was swept away into luxury.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-112174872,width-700,height-525,imgsize-204274/i-climbed-up-the-carpeted-steps-where-i-was-swept-away-into-luxury-.jpg)
I spent the week before my stay at the Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois eyeing the hotel from the waterfront.
The light-yellow building is impossible to miss as a tourist, and between its rating, reputation, and price tag, I knew high expectations were welcomed when stepping inside.
So, on the afternoon of my stay, I lugged my suitcase to the entrance, where a bellhop immediately grabbed my bag.
For the next 15 hours, I didn't lift another finger.
Front and center in the lobby were pastel blooms from Fleurs des Rois, the hotel's in-house florist
![Front and center in the lobby were pastel blooms from Fleurs des Rois, the hotel](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-112174868,width-700,height-525,imgsize-139114/front-and-center-in-the-lobby-were-pastel-blooms-from-fleurs-des-rois-the-hotelaposs-in-house-florist.jpg)
My eyes were pulled in every direction moments after stepping inside the hotel.
I could see the river through windows across from the entrance. Above me, a grand chandelier glistened, and below me were checkered marble floors.
But what was impossible to miss were the fresh flowers filling a table at the lobby's center.
The flowers were from Fleurs de Rois, a flower shop attached to the hotel. When I visited, the shop was under renovation. Thankfully, I could still appreciate the lobby blooms.
A receptionist welcomed me to the property, carted my bags to my room, and handed me the largest hotel key I'd ever seen.
![A receptionist welcomed me to the property, carted my bags to my room, and handed me the largest hotel key I](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-112174864,width-700,height-525,imgsize-238568/a-receptionist-welcomed-me-to-the-property-carted-my-bags-to-my-room-and-handed-me-the-largest-hotel-key-iaposd-ever-seen-.jpg)
Moments after stepping inside the hotel — and before I could begin to process the grandness of the space — I was whisked away to the receptionist.
Here, I was handed a key to the room. Instead of pointing directions to the nearest elevator, the receptionist walked me to my room. I was given a quick rundown of how the key worked and the features of my room.
Then, I was left to soak in my home for the night.
Dripping in red velvet curtains and rich wood, the room could simply be described as ornate.
![Dripping in red velvet curtains and rich wood, the room could simply be described as ornate.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-112174855,width-700,height-525,imgsize-181646/dripping-in-red-velvet-curtains-and-rich-wood-the-room-could-simply-be-described-as-ornate-.jpg)
After a short ride in an elevator to a hallway rich with patterned carpet and marble-textured walls, my room was no surprise.
The space was overwhelmingly red, which naturally created a rich, luxurious space. The walls were lined with red-patterned wallpaper. Velvet curtains hung from the practically floor-to-ceiling windows, and the headboard was also covered with red fabric.
Paired with the red were crisp white sheets, rich wooden wardrobes, and details of yellow.
Inside the large closets, I discovered plush robes and a complimentary minibar.
![Inside the large closets, I discovered plush robes and a complimentary minibar.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-112174846,width-700,height-525,imgsize-226720/inside-the-large-closets-i-discovered-plush-robes-and-a-complimentary-minibar-.jpg)
On one wall, windows framed the town of Basel. Across from the windows were floor-to-ceiling wardrobes.
One half had plenty of room for my suitcase. The other half was home to two robes, a lint brush, a safe, and a complimentary minibar stocked with sodas, beer, and a handful of snacks.
With its down pillows and duvet insert, the bed made it nearly impossible to resist an afternoon nap.
![With its down pillows and duvet insert, the bed made it nearly impossible to resist an afternoon nap.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-112174840,width-700,height-525,imgsize-143286/with-its-down-pillows-and-duvet-insert-the-bed-made-it-nearly-impossible-to-resist-an-afternoon-nap-.jpg)
Two twin beds were pushed together in the center of the room to create a king-sized bed.
While I've been lucky enough to sleep in comfortable beds around the world, the bed at the Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois was easily the coziest.
The down duvet inserts felt like sleeping underneath fluffy pillows. I found the pillows to be equally comfy and supportive, but I also had access to a pillow menu outlining a handful of other options for my stay.
Beyond the coziest bed, the room had just enough space for a desk, TV, and two chairs.
![Beyond the coziest bed, the room had just enough space for a desk, TV, and two chairs.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-112174837,width-700,height-525,imgsize-155848/beyond-the-coziest-bed-the-room-had-just-enough-space-for-a-desk-tv-and-two-chairs-.jpg)
At the foot of the bed were two chairs, a small table, and some welcome fruits for each guest.
Across from the chairs was a large wooden desk and a Bang and Olufsen flat-screen television. A similar TV by the company costs more than $8,000.
On the wall was an H. Moser and Cie wall clock. A similar clock is sold online for $30,000.
In the bathroom, luxuries continued.
![In the bathroom, luxuries continued.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-112174828,width-700,height-525,imgsize-122372/in-the-bathroom-luxuries-continued-.jpg)
After exploring the luxury details of the hotel's bedroom area, I knew I was in for a treat stepping inside the bathroom.
The room's silver details were paired with a rich, black marble covering the vanity and floors.
The room was stocked with Feuerstein Essentials toiletries, a Swiss brand of skincare products, and a Geberit toilet with a bidet.
The highlight of the bathroom was a large tub equipped with a rain showerhead.
![The highlight of the bathroom was a large tub equipped with a rain showerhead.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-112174823,width-700,height-525,imgsize-90586/the-highlight-of-the-bathroom-was-a-large-tub-equipped-with-a-rain-showerhead-.jpg)
Yet again, the hotel had thought of every detail. The tub had enough room for stretching out, and guests could choose between a rain showerhead and a traditional showerhead.
Near the bathroom's light switch was a control for the outside awning, which added an extra layer of privacy while I bathed.
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.
![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.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-112174816,width-700,height-525,imgsize-174966/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-.jpg)
From an online directory, I eyed amenities that weren't obvious from touring my room.
If needed, the hotel would provide a watch winder for my stay, and the concierge desk could coordinate everything from a hair appointment to a dog sitter.
The Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois also owns both a Bentley and an electric Lucid car available for guests.
When I visited, the hotel was constructing a new gym, which meant a temporary fitness room was available downstairs. If that wasn't enough, the hotel could also organize a personal trainer.
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.
![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.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-112174810,width-700,height-525,imgsize-83048/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-.jpg)
It's impossible to visit Basel without hearing mentions of the Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois, and the same rings true for Cheval Blanc.
The restaurant is led by Peter Knogl and is one of the four restaurants in Switzerland to have three stars. Beyond that feat, Cheval Blanc is known as one of the top 100 restaurants in the world.
Diners will discover a largely French menu with Asian and Mediterranean influences. A six-course meal costs $360.
In need of a quick bite, I settled at the Bar Les Trois Rois.
![In need of a quick bite, I settled at the Bar Les Trois Rois.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-112174806,width-700,height-525,imgsize-190002/in-need-of-a-quick-bite-i-settled-at-the-bar-les-trois-rois-.jpg)
I wasn't hungry enough for a lavish meal, so I headed to the hotel's bar, which adjoins the lobby.
While Bar Les Trois Rois might not have a Michelin star, it earned the title of the best bar in Switzerland in 2015.
Here, head bartender Thomas Huhn creates cocktails and simple foods are served.
Perhaps the highlight is that the bar has expansive windows and a large terrace overlooking the Rhine.
Even a simple club sandwich felt elevated at the hotel.
![Even a simple club sandwich felt elevated at the hotel.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-112174798,width-700,height-525,imgsize-89060/even-a-simple-club-sandwich-felt-elevated-at-the-hotel-.jpg)
While the bar menu is just one page, it's clear you're still dining inside a five-star hotel.
I eyed a menu with foie gras, caviar, truffle and avocado salad, and lobster rolls.
Ultimately, I settled on the veggie club sandwich at the waiter's recommendation.
At $47, the sandwich featured a jammy egg, avocado, arugula, tomatoes, and a rich sauce. By the end of the meal, there wasn't a bite left.
Halfway through my meal, I took in a rainbow from the hotel's massive terrace.
![Halfway through my meal, I took in a rainbow from the hotel](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-112174793,width-700,height-525,imgsize-261968/halfway-through-my-meal-i-took-in-a-rainbow-from-the-hotelaposs-massive-terrace-.jpg)
While it was dreary and rainy during my visit, I did explore the terrace and a stunning rainbow during my meal at the bar.
Regardless of whether you're staying at the hotel, I'd say grabbing a drink and sitting at the hotel's terrace is a must while in Basel.
Beyond delicious food, the hotel staff and historic details were impressive.
![Beyond delicious food, the hotel staff and historic details were impressive.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-112174789,width-700,height-525,imgsize-268054/beyond-delicious-food-the-hotel-staff-and-historic-details-were-impressive-.jpg)
The hotel's atmosphere was filled with historic charm. Details like marble columns and ornate furniture made it clear the hotel caters to a wealthy clientele.
But what stood out even more than the floors and walls was the staff. Everyone I encountered during my one-night stay was eager to ensure that my visit to the hotel was everything I dreamed of.
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.
![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](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-112174787,width-700,height-525,imgsize-147002/i-slept-well-in-my-comfy-bed-and-the-next-morning-i-headed-to-brasserie-les-trois-rois-for-the-most-impressive-breakfast-spread-iaposve-ever-seen-.jpg)
The third restaurant in the hotel was Brasserie Les Trois Rois, which serves Swiss-French food.
Each morning, the restaurant offered a breakfast buffet for $62. The spread included cured meats, personalized omelets, Champagne, and freshly squeezed orange juice.
As the morning sun flitted between the Rhine River and crystal glassware scattered across the dining room, I said goodbye to the historic hotel.
![As the morning sun flitted between the Rhine River and crystal glassware scattered across the dining room, I said goodbye to the historic hotel.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-112174782,width-700,height-525,imgsize-134430/as-the-morning-sun-flitted-between-the-rhine-river-and-crystal-glassware-scattered-across-the-dining-room-i-said-goodbye-to-the-historic-hotel-.jpg)
Every bite of the meal was delicious, and it was tough to imagine waking up anywhere other than the Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois from now on.
While it was just one night in the five-star hotel, it was a memorable evening I won't forget anytime soon.
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