Our review : Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois in Basel

By Pascal Languillon, founder of Luxe Wellness Club.

Nestled on the banks of the Rhine, in the heart of the charming city of Basel, stands a European hotel legend : Les Trois Rois. One of the oldest hotels on the continent, founded in 1681, this legendary establishment combines the grandeur of the past and the comfort of the present with rare elegance. And I was lucky enough to stay there, in a superb Junior Suite overlooking the river. Here’s the story of my experience.

As soon as you arrive, you feel a unique atmosphere, steeped in history, but without the slightest hint of dust. There’s nothing staid about the old style here. On the contrary, it’s alive, vibrant even. The gilding, moldings and weathered parquet floors tell a thousand stories, but the freshness of the surroundings, the brightness of the fabrics and the quality of the equipment bring us immediately back to the 21st century.

The hotel’s location is ideal. Step outside and you’re immediately in the old town, with its cobbled streets, prestigious museums like the Fondation Beyeler or the Kunstmuseum, art galleries and elegant boutiques. Basel is an astonishing city, both peaceful and dynamic, and Les Trois Rois is undoubtedly the best gateway to it.

My Junior Suite (Photo: Luxe Wellness Club)

My Junior Suite overlooked the Rhine. A moving picture unfolded before me, with barges gliding on the water, swans in the early morning, and the golden evening light setting the city ablaze. The room itself was a cocoon of refinement: precious woodwork, comfortable armchairs, exceptional bedding, all accompanied by the amenities you’d expect from a contemporary palace.

A large marble bathroom with separate bath and shower completed the ensemble, and every detail exuded good taste.

But what really sets the Hôtel Les Trois Rois apart is its ability to renew itself without betraying its soul. A recent extension, designed by the renowned architects Herzog & de Meuron, enriches the offering with a more contemporary building design.

The new space, with its sleek lines and noble materials, features a Japanese-inspired wellness area called “Seijaku”. It boasts a zen-like atmosphere, with tatami mats, a central fire and breathtaking views over Basel’s rooftops. A retreat of silence and serenity in the heart of the city.

In terms of well-being, the new “Seijaku” area is a complete success. Inspired by Japanese ryokans, it offers a soothing environment where you can indulge in a massage, a relaxation session, or simply meditate in silence. It’s a place designed for inner calm, a rarity in the heart of downtown. And for lovers of cigars or hushed ambiences, the lounge “The Council”, with its avant-garde design and red velvet armchairs, offers a striking and refined contrast.

One of the establishment’s undisputed jewels remains its gourmet restaurant, Cheval Blanc. Headed by chef Peter Knogl, it is now considered, according to La Liste 2025, to be the best restaurant in the world. And that’s just the beginning. Three Michelin stars, 19 Gault & Millau points… Unfortunately, I didn’t get the chance to try it this time.

For those looking for a more casual option, Brasserie Les Trois Rois is anything but second-best. The food is excellent, in elegant surroundings, with the river flowing by. The breakfast was truly delicious. And what about the hotel bar… A real cosy lounge, with inventive cocktails, piano music in the evening, and a deliciously timeless atmosphere. This is where the heart of the place beats.

Rates are commensurate with their standing: from CHF 500 for a classic room, and around CHF 1,200 for a Junior Suite like mine. But it’s an investment that I find fully justified. You don’t come here just to sleep in a beautiful hotel, but to live a complete experience: a plunge into history, an exceptional gastronomic escapade, a moment of total rejuvenation.

Hôtel Les Trois Rois is a special place, full of character, that will appeal to lovers of authenticity and refinement. It doesn’t need to do too much to impress – its longevity and reputation speak for themselves. It’s a great address for a city break combining culture, comfort and gastronomy.