Thomas Straumann wears jeans, a shirt, and a jacket—his outfit of choice as he welcomes guests to the pre-opening of the new wing at Blumenrain 2. Approachable, talkative, and genuinely delighted with the work completed under his leadership, he tells finews.ch: «It's turned out exactly as we imagined.» He adds: «It's a different world. And that was exactly our goal.»

The «other world» could not be more clearly distinguished from the classicist charm of the historic main building of Les Trois Rois. The new main building, on the corner of Schifflände, has been standing since 1903, initially as the headqaurters of the cantonal Bank of Basel-Stadt.

Security and Public Life

Behind the preserved historic façade lies a space that has been entirely reimagined, rebuilt, and reinterpreted.

Jacques Herzog, Basel's star architect, calls the result «a journey in stages - each floor is like a new movie». He adds: «We wanted to create a place that offers both security and public life.»

Cabinet of Curiosities on the Ceiling: the new «Banks». (Image: zVg)

Japanese Retreat above the Rooftops

The spa on the top floor is a true highlight. With tatami mats, clay walls, and warm wood accents, it evokes the tranquil atmosphere of a Japanese onsen. Appropriately, it’s called «Seijaku »—a nod to the Japanese concept of silence and mindfulness. «Jacques and I share a great affinity for Japanese culture,» says Straumann. «This spa is a project close to both our hearts.»

The view of the Rhine is breathtaking, but reduction reigns inside. There is a meditation room, a Japanese plunge pool and shiatsu areas: «Not a romanticized take on Japan, but something truly essential—reflected in the way the materials are brought together.»

From the Director's Apartment to the Suite

Another highlight is the new «Suite des Rois». Covering 240 square meters, it combines grandeur with subtle design. The top floor plan comes from the former director's apartment of the Basler Kantonalbank. «The suite used to be an apartment with offices above and a counter hall below,» explains Straumann. «The meter-thick vault walls are still in the basement.»

Herzog & de Meuron had almost all the furniture specially designed, created flowing transitions between sleeping and living areas, a private gym and a circular dining room. The materials range from mahogany to marble.

Surrounded by the Rhine: «Suite des Rois» in the former director's apartment. (Image: zVg)

Bank Becomes Banks

«I personally feel that the care with which it is maintained - like a private house - is unique,» says star architect Herzog during the tour. He is referring to the entire building, but nowhere else can this attitude be experienced as concentrated as here, in the suite.

The new «Banks» restaurant is currently being built in the former ballroom, where the Kantonalbank used to have its counters. A double play on words - bank as in financial institution, bank as the banks of the Rhine. «This will no longer be a place for big parties, but a trendy restaurant with life, music, art and color», says Straumann.

Cabinet of Curiosities on the Ceiling

A whimsical installation by Gerda Steiner & Jörg Lenzlinger hangs from the ceiling. If you look closely, you will discover a hidden Mupped show and even a dental implant. «It had to be», laughs Straumann.

In culinary terms, «Banks» is still in the concept phase. «It will be modern, with a touch of Asia,» Straumann reveals to finews.ch. «We have a new chef who is exclusively responsible for Banks independently, but in collaboration with the Executive Chef of the hotel.» The restaurant will initially remain closed in the summer. «There's not much going on then anyway», before really taking off in the fall.

Essentially Japanese: new «Seijaku» spa. (Image: zVg)

Cigar Lounge Sets Standards

With «The Council», the hotel also has a new cigar lounge that sets international standards. Formerly housed somewhat bashfully in the sous-sol, it is now prominently located at street level.

A wrap-around sofa, two fireplaces, 570 handmade tiles and subdued lighting make the room a place for connoisseurs. «Sometimes you just have to do something you enjoy», says Straumann. «Of course, we could have made a small banquet room but that's not what we want. It should remain a meeting place.»

Basel Local Color

With the extension at Blumenrain 2, Les Trois Rois has taken a huge step towards the present. It is opening up to new generations of luxury travelers who prefer a modern style. The boulevard through the hotel now extends from the lobby to the brasserie, the famous gourmet restaurant by three-star chef Peter Knogl and the new wing with banks and cigar lounge.

Architect Herzog describes it like this: «Like a string of perals. And the whole ensemble is not just for hotel guests, but for urban city life.»

«A Gesture of Generosity»

«Les Trois Rois should not only be the best hotel in Basel, but in the whole of Switzerland perhaps in Europe», says Herzog. And the host himself? He remains modest, but not without pride.

«Of course, the business has to be in the black. But ultimately it's also a gesture of generosity, creating something beautiful and giving something back to the city». Jacques Herzog, believes that the owner and his wife deserve «a momument from the city» for this.