Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois

Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois in Basel, Switzerland, is an EMPTYJET five-star house — one of 49 five-star houses on Earth, among just 777 starred hotels — seat 7 of 49. An EMPTYJET Consensus of 96/100 and the honour Best in Country, N°1 house in Switzerland, define its standing. The MICHELIN Guide awards the property Three Keys (3 Keys), and on-site restaurant Cheval Blanc by Peter Knogl holds MICHELIN three-star status. The hotel occupies the left bank of the Rhine in Basel’s Old Town.

The five-star grade rests on converging recognitions and guest endorsement. As one of 49 five-star houses on Earth (seat 7 of 49), Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois carries an EMPTYJET Consensus of 96/100 and the national distinction Best in Country, N°1 house in Switzerland. The MICHELIN Guide gives the hotel Three Keys (3 Keys), while its Cheval Blanc by Peter Knogl is a MICHELIN three-star restaurant, a discrete marker of culinary calibre.

The origins of Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois trace back to 1681, when the inn "Drei Könige" (Three Kings) was first mentioned. The current neoclassical building was designed by Amadeus Merian and opened on 16 February 1844, marking a significant chapter in Basel’s architectural and social history. In 2004, the property was acquired by the Thomas Straumann family, who undertook an extensive restoration to preserve its heritage while updating its facilities. The grand reopening took place on 20 March 2006, reaffirming the hotel’s status as a centrepiece of Basel’s hospitality scene. Over the centuries, the hotel has welcomed a distinguished roster of guests, including Empress Michiko of Japan, James Joyce, Pablo Picasso, Napoleon Bonaparte, and Queen Elizabeth II.

The architectural identity of Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois is rooted in its neoclassical design, conceived by Amadeus Merian for the 1844 reconstruction. The building’s historic character is preserved through careful restoration, most notably the extensive works undertaken following its acquisition by the Thomas Straumann family in 2004. The hotel comprises the historic main building at Blumenrain 8 and the newly redesigned head building at Blumenrain 2, reflecting a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. Interiors are designed to maximise the property’s unique position, with many rooms offering views over the Rhine or Basel’s Old Town.

Accommodation at Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois is divided between the historic main building at Blumenrain 8 and the newly redesigned head building at Blumenrain 2. Each room is thoughtfully positioned to offer either sweeping views of the Rhine or vistas of Basel’s Old Town, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the city’s atmosphere. The dual-building arrangement provides a choice between classic historic ambience and contemporary design, catering to a range of preferences. Details on specific room categories and suite features are not provided, but the emphasis on location and outlook is a defining characteristic of the guest experience.

Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois is a destination for gastronomes, anchored by its acclaimed restaurants:

• Cheval Blanc by Peter Knogl: Helmed by chef Peter Knogl, this restaurant is the recipient of three MICHELIN stars, a distinction that places it among the elite dining establishments in Europe. The cuisine is described as creative, and the restaurant’s reputation is further cemented by its consistent recognition in the MICHELIN Guide.

• Brasserie Les Trois Rois: This brasserie offers a more relaxed yet refined dining experience, serving classic dishes in an elegant setting. It is also recognised by the MICHELIN Guide.

• Banks: Opened on 12 September 2025 at Blumenrain 2, Banks introduces a European-Asian flair to the hotel’s culinary portfolio, expanding the range of options available to guests and visitors alike.

The reputation of Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois is reflected in its consistently high guest ratings. These figures attest to the hotel’s commitment to service excellence and guest satisfaction, reinforcing its standing as one of Basel’s most esteemed addresses.

Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois enjoys a prominent position on the left bank of the Rhine, within Basel’s Old Town. This location affords guests immediate access to the city’s historic and cultural attractions, as well as picturesque views of the river and the urban landscape. The dual-building layout, with rooms in both the historic main building and the newly redesigned head building, ensures a variety of perspectives on the city’s architectural heritage and natural beauty.

Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois is a destination for travellers who value heritage, culinary excellence, and a sense of place. Its combination of a Three Keys MICHELIN Guide award, a three-MICHELIN-starred restaurant, and a storied guest list makes it a compelling choice for those seeking a hotel with both gravitas and contemporary relevance. The property’s riverside setting in Basel’s Old Town, together with its meticulously restored architecture and consistently high guest ratings, positions it as a leading address for both leisure and business visitors to the city.