At dawn, when the light falls on the Rhine like a caress, the Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois seems to be the first to wake. Its cream-colored façade, reflected in the water, has watched over the city for over three centuries, like an elderly gentleman who has witnessed emperors, painters, writers, merchants, and curious travelers pass by. The Mittlere Brücke, just steps away, is its terrace on the world: from there, Basel flows by, lively and composed, while the hotel remains immobile, faithful to its elegance.
Entering the lobby is like crossing a threshold of time. The silence is soft, almost respectful, and the scent of ancient wood mingles with that of fresh flowers. The walls seem to hold whispered conversations: those of Napoleon, Picasso, Thomas Mann, queens and scientists, anyone who has left their mark on history and found a discreet refuge here. Every chandelier, every frame, every velvet piece tells a fragment of a bygone era, but without nostalgia.
On the ground floor, behind a door that opens like a curtain, is one of the most celebrated restaurants in Switzerland, the White Horse by Peter Knogl, awarded with three Michelin stars and 19 GaultMillau points. The cuisine is a refined journey through French, Mediterranean, and Asian influences, orchestrated with almost musical precision, while the Brasserie Les Trois Rois celebrates classic Swiss and French dishes. The Bar Les Trois Rois is recognized as one of the best bars in Switzerland, and with the opening of Banks in September 2025, Basel has gained a new destination.
Located in the historic main building, completely reimagined by world-renowned Basel architects Herzog & de Meuron, Banks is the new restaurant, offering a convivial and relaxed atmosphere and Euro-Asian cuisine. "The former ballroom of Les Trois Rois, once the setting for exclusive gatherings and festive occasions, has begun a new chapter: a restaurant that breathes new life into this magnificent space in the heart of the city. Open to the hotel's international guests and Basel residents alike, it is destined to become a vibrant meeting place for all," says General Manager Mark Jacob, who has previously held prominent roles in the international hotel industry, most notably as Managing Director of The Dolder Grand Hotel in Zurich.
Surrounded by art and design, the menu is designed to be shared. "Whatever comes to the table should bring joy, spark surprise, and create connection," says chef Kevin Bornschein. The wine list focuses on distinctive labels from smaller, often local, wineries alongside timeless classics. Completing the offerings are cocktails designed to awaken the senses and pair perfectly with the cuisine. The space is defined by a poetic installation created by the artistic duo Gerda Steiner and Jörg Lenzlinger, a work suspended above the central bar that also incorporates objects from the hotel's archives and personal effects of its employees.
Thus, history and present, personal and collective, intertwine, forming a floating assemblage that makes the space truly unique. The historic building once housed a bank, a place where valuables were collected and preserved. Its logo, featuring three bees, pays homage to this legacy, a symbol of diligence, community, and precious resources. Just as bees fill their hive with nectar, Banks now enriches this space with unique experiences and inspiring encounters.
The 101 rooms and suites are not simply spaces: they are chapters of a novel. Some overlook the Rhine, others the old city; all have a distinct character, with period furniture and precious fabrics. From June 2025, the main building, continually reinterpreted by Herzog & de Meuron, will enrich the hotel with new rooms, suites, event spaces, the Seijaku wellness area , a cigar lounge, and spaces designed for those seeking a more intimate, slower luxury. But the true highlight is the Suite des Rois, 240 square meters of pure exclusivity. With open, flowing spaces, a private gym, a circular dining room, and spectacular views of the Rhine and the old city, it offers spacious spaces with complete privacy. The Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois is a Leading Hotel and a member of Swiss Deluxe Hotels, which represents the most exclusive 5-star hotels in Switzerland, distinguished by the quality of their service and centuries-old tradition.
Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois
Blumenrain 8, 4001 Basel
T + 41 61 260 50 50
www.lestroisrois.com
At dawn, when the light falls on the Rhine like a caress, the Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois seems to be the first to wake. Its cream-colored façade, reflected in the water, has watched over the city for over three centuries, like an elderly gentleman who has witnessed emperors, painters, writers, merchants, and curious travelers pass by. The Mittlere Brücke, just steps away, is its terrace on the world: from there, Basel flows by, lively and composed, while the hotel remains immobile, faithful to its elegance.
Entering the lobby is like crossing a threshold of time. The silence is soft, almost respectful, and the scent of ancient wood mingles with that of fresh flowers. The walls seem to hold whispered conversations: those of Napoleon, Picasso, Thomas Mann, queens and scientists, anyone who has left their mark on history and found a discreet refuge here. Every chandelier, every frame, every velvet piece tells a fragment of a bygone era, but without nostalgia.
On the ground floor, behind a door that opens like a curtain, is one of the most celebrated restaurants in Switzerland, the White Horse by Peter Knogl, awarded with three Michelin stars and 19 GaultMillau points. The cuisine is a refined journey through French, Mediterranean, and Asian influences, orchestrated with almost musical precision, while the Brasserie Les Trois Rois celebrates classic Swiss and French dishes. The Bar Les Trois Rois is recognized as one of the best bars in Switzerland, and with the opening of Banks in September 2025, Basel has gained a new destination.
Located in the historic main building, completely reimagined by world-renowned Basel architects Herzog & de Meuron, Banks is the new restaurant, offering a convivial and relaxed atmosphere and Euro-Asian cuisine. "The former ballroom of Les Trois Rois, once the setting for exclusive gatherings and festive occasions, has begun a new chapter: a restaurant that breathes new life into this magnificent space in the heart of the city. Open to the hotel's international guests and Basel residents alike, it is destined to become a vibrant meeting place for all," says General Manager Mark Jacob, who has previously held prominent roles in the international hotel industry, most notably as Managing Director of The Dolder Grand Hotel in Zurich.
Surrounded by art and design, the menu is designed to be shared. "Whatever comes to the table should bring joy, spark surprise, and create connection," says chef Kevin Bornschein. The wine list focuses on distinctive labels from smaller, often local, wineries alongside timeless classics. Completing the offerings are cocktails designed to awaken the senses and pair perfectly with the cuisine. The space is defined by a poetic installation created by the artistic duo Gerda Steiner and Jörg Lenzlinger, a work suspended above the central bar that also incorporates objects from the hotel's archives and personal effects of its employees.
Thus, history and present, personal and collective, intertwine, forming a floating assemblage that makes the space truly unique. The historic building once housed a bank, a place where valuables were collected and preserved. Its logo, featuring three bees, pays homage to this legacy, a symbol of diligence, community, and precious resources. Just as bees fill their hive with nectar, Banks now enriches this space with unique experiences and inspiring encounters.
The 101 rooms and suites are not simply spaces: they are chapters of a novel. Some overlook the Rhine, others the old city; all have a distinct character, with period furniture and precious fabrics. From June 2025, the main building, continually reinterpreted by Herzog & de Meuron, will enrich the hotel with new rooms, suites, event spaces, the Seijaku wellness area , a cigar lounge, and spaces designed for those seeking a more intimate, slower luxury. But the true highlight is the Suite des Rois, 240 square meters of pure exclusivity. With open, flowing spaces, a private gym, a circular dining room, and spectacular views of the Rhine and the old city, it offers spacious spaces with complete privacy. The Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois is a Leading Hotel and a member of Swiss Deluxe Hotels, which represents the most exclusive 5-star hotels in Switzerland, distinguished by the quality of their service and centuries-old tradition.
Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois
Blumenrain 8, 4001 Basel
T + 41 61 260 50 50
www.lestroisrois.com
