Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois in Basel

3 October 2025

Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois in Basel has a history dating back to the first inn, which was established in the 11th century, coinciding with the construction of the cathedral or Münster.

The town of the bishop was part of the Kingdom of Burgundy (888-1032) and, from 1032 onwards, the Holy Roman Empire. The German Emperor Heinrich II (973-1024) and the last Burgundian King Rudolf III (970-1032) visited the city on several occasions, and their large entourage required ample space for dining and lodging.

Not much is known about this first inn, not even whether its location corresponds precisely to the current position of the hotel. The hotel was first mentioned in documents in 1681: Gasthof zu den Drei Königen (Inn of the Three Kings).

However, the three kings in the vestibule were not installed until the 18th century.

During this period, the inn gradually assumed the appearance and functions of a hotel. Famous visitors, such as Napoleon, members of the Austrian imperial family, and, for example, Goethe, spent the night there. The last imperial descendant of Habsburg even lived there for almost 15 years!

Hotel Les Trois Rois and the temporary bridge near the Mittlere Brücke in 1903. The medieval Mittlere Brücke was replaced by the new bridge in 1905. Open-air exhibition at the Mittlere Brücke. Private Collection. Photo: TES

The French Revolution and occupation did not go unnoticed by the hotel either, and the French name Gasthaus Aux Trois Magots originates from these days. After all, kings were not done in these revolutionary days until Napoleon became emperor and his family members kings.

Theodor Herzl on the balcony of Les Trois Rois in Basel. The old wooden Mittlere Brücke bridge is still visible. Photo: Wikipedia.

The iconic photograph of Theodor Herzl (1860-1904) was taken from the balcony of this hotel in 1901. The name also changed to Hotel Drei Könige am Rhein, but it is now known as Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois again.

The Grand Hotel already has two excellent restaurants, the Brasserie and the three-star restaurant Cheval Blanc. However, on 12 September, the new restaurant Banks opened its doors at the Grand Hotel. Herzog de Meuron designed the new interior in the former ballroom and bank building.

With this new establishment, the Grand Hotel is opening its doors to the people of Basel with affordable and original menus. The interior is also a blend of the classic style of the Grand Hotel and the colourful, yet stylish, image of the Banks restaurant.

Restaurant Banks, situated in the old ballroom and bank building.

Within the concept of the Grand Hotel, the new restaurant combines modernity, cosiness and liveliness. This is also reflected in the Asian-European composite menu, which features variations from other continents, served under the concept of sharing.

(Source and further information: Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois)

Impressions from Les Trois Rois