Fodor's Expert Review Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois

Basel's leading rendezvous for the rich and famous, the Trois Rois—the oldest city hotel in Switzerland, and one of the oldest in Europe—has long been an integral part of Basel history, though it also includes up-to-date accoutrements like flat-screen TVs and top-notch restaurants. Its supremely elegant rooms, furnished with unique art and antiques, are done up in ravishing shades of cream, gilt, powder blue, and red; ornate woodwork and impressive tapestries nudge the opulence factor ever higher. There's also a newer art deco wing with sophisticated modern-style rooms. There is a feast here for the stomach as well as the eyes: the formal Cheval Blanc serves up French cuisine classique, the Brasserie proffers a stunning glass wall overlooking the river, and the Salon du Cigare puts a high-tech spin on an old-world lounge. The hotel remains surprisingly intimate and understated in the best Swiss way.