“Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois”: Luxury in Basel
A regal atmosphere on the Rhine, 300 years of hospitality at the “Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois” in Basel.
Everything you need to know at a glance
The “Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois” in Basel is one of the most historic luxury hotels on the Rhine and has been combining historic grandeur with contemporary design since 1681. Located directly on Blumenrain, the hotel impresses with its classic rooms, the front building redesigned by Herzog & de Meuron, and exclusive suites with views of the Rhine and the Old Town.
Culinary-wise, the luxury hotel is home to “Cheval Blanc by Peter Knogl,” a world-class restaurant awarded 3 Michelin stars and multiple top rankings. Whether for an overnight stay, fine dining, or a day visit: The “Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois” is a premier destination in Basel for indulgence, architecture, and warm hospitality.
A building steeped in history
As you stroll along Blumenrain, you’ll soon find yourself standing before a facade that conceals more than three centuries of hotel history. The “Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois” on Blumenrain in Basel has been welcoming guests from all over the world since 1681.
Napoleon Bonaparte stopped here, Empress Michiko of Japan stayed here, as did James Joyce and Pablo Picasso. The guestbook reads like a journey through world history.
Reopened in 2006 following extensive restoration under owner Thomas Straumann and Basel architect Christian Lang, the hotel has remained true to its classical heritage while continuing to evolve. The most recent evidence of this is the front building, which has been shining in new splendor since 2025, designed by the world-renowned Basel architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron.
Interior of the “Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois”: Napoleon Red Meets the View of the Rhine
In the new wing, Herzog & de Meuron have made an unexpected design choice: the signature color is red—specifically, Napoleon Red, as Jacques Herzog himself clarifies. The effect is as striking as the “Suite des Rois.” This royal suite spans approximately 240 square meters, with every piece of furniture custom-made.
Inside, the minibar, wardrobe, and bathroom surprise with solutions you’ll hardly find anywhere else in this form. In addition, there are seven rooms and suites, a Japanese-inspired wellness area called Seijaku, and flexible event spaces.
Opened in 2024, “The Council” lounge is another masterpiece by Herzog & de Meuron. Inside, you’ll find two fireplaces, 570 handcrafted tiles, a wraparound sofa, and an atmospheric lighting design. Elegant, unique, and unmistakable.
The rooms in the main building, on the other hand, draw on the hotel’s classical heritage: with views of the Rhine and Basel’s Old Town, they are quiet and dignified—a prime spot overlooking the river. At Basel’s “Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois,” historic character and contemporary architectural language merge into an experience that will stay with you.
The “Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois” is part of American Express’s Fine Hotels + Resorts. As a Platinum Cardholder, your stay is enhanced with attractive perks, such as a USD 100 credit toward your hotel stay and complimentary daily breakfast for you and your companion.
"Cheval Blanc": World-class dining on the Rhine
The culinary heart of the hotel beats at “Cheval Blanc by Peter Knogl,” which ranks among the most exquisite restaurants in Switzerland and the best in the world. A native of Bavaria, Knogl prepares French haute cuisine, enriched with Mediterranean flavors and Asian touches.
The accolades speak for themselves: 3 Michelin stars, 19 points in GaultMillau. Knogl’s team in the kitchen and dining room is excellently staffed in every position. Sommelier Christoph Kokemoor was named the world’s best sommelier in 2022. And the “Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois” in Basel has two additional culinary destinations that you absolutely must experience:
The “Brasserie Les Trois Rois” is the convivial heart of the restaurant for Basel’s regulars. Maître d’hôtel Hervé Mahler is a standout. The Wiener Schnitzel is considered the favorite dish of Basel society—15 points in GaultMillau attest to its quality.
Since September 2025, “BANKS” has complemented the dining offerings with social dining featuring a European-Asian flair, led by Chef Kevin Bornschein. Dishes are served family-style, with knives and forks alternating with chopsticks. A poetic installation by Basel artists Gerda Steiner and Jörg Lenzlinger hovers above the central bar.
Interesting fact: As a Platinum Cardholder, you can conveniently have your table at “Cheval Blanc” reserved through the Platinum Travel & Lifestyle Service. With this premium credit card, you’ll also receive a CHF 40 credit once per quarter when you spend CHF 250 at a participating GaultMillau restaurant. The credit is applied automatically.
Which American Express card will accompany you on vacation?
The Hotel Team
Since September 2024, General Manager Mark Jacob has been at the helm of the “Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois”—a hotelier with more than 20 years of experience in luxury hospitality. The approximately 200 employees hail from 38 countries. Their shared philosophy: attentive service that never feels intrusive.
Your Luxury Stay at the “Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois”
The historic five-star “Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois” in Basel, located directly on Blumenrain, will welcome you with classic rooms, provide you with the utmost comfort, and delight you with culinary delights of the highest caliber. We recommend planning your hotel stay for your next vacation.
For this trip and all future ones, you should also know that with your Gold Card or Platinum Card, you’ll enjoy attractive travel benefits while on the go. These include comprehensive insurance coverage, special car rental rates, and dining benefits.
Frequently asked questions and answers
The “Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois” is centrally located directly on the Rhine at Blumenrain 8, CH-4001 Basel. The Old Town is within walking distance, and Basel train station is just a few minutes away by taxi.
Absolutely—and as far in advance as possible. The three-Michelin-starred restaurant is regularly fully booked, even for lunch.
Absolutely. The “Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois” on Blumenrain in Basel welcomes not only hotel guests but also day visitors, for example for lunch at “Cheval Blanc,” coffee in the “The Council” lounge, or an aperitif at the bar with a view of the Rhine.
