Three Kings and I
Written: Jul 09 '04 (Updated Oct 16 '04)
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: Memorable place in wonderful setting
Cons: Expensive
The Bottom Line: If you have the chance to see Basel and can stay here, do so.
|
|
|
| aashtech's Full Review: Hotel Drei Könige am Rhein |
After flying all night and shuttling from the airport by train and then hired car to the hotel, how wonderful is it to walk into a plush, welcoming old beauty as the Hotel Drei Konige am Rhein? Let me assure you, it is very satisfying.
Registering was easy and pleasant and the staff was extremely attentive and helpful. Still jetlagged, I needed help with the local currency in order to tip the cabdriver properly, and the young man that mentored me was discrete and patient.
This magnificent hotel is cut from history ten centuries old, and the memorabilia of bygone eras are everywhere. The guest book includes the name of many storied visitors--Napoleon, Kaiser Wilhelm II, Princess Victoria (later Queen,) Voltaire--and here you are, simple American businessman sharing the same space.
The room was wonderfully well-appointed with comfortable furniture, reliable, easy-to-use lamps, lights, and an alarm clock. I never used the television set (so can't tell how many channels there are) but really appreciated the heated towel rack. The layout of the room was deep and narrow, but not cramped in anyway. One of the things I liked best was that a large window opened to the Rhine River a few floors below. The first night, although it was brisk early spring, I slept with the window wide open, snug under the comforter, enjoying the bracing Swiss air.
The bathroom was small with old fixtures, but everything is well-maintained. Although traveling alone, this would be a very romantic stay, and the cozy, old-fashioned powder room adds to the ambience. I kept some of the after shave and a comb as souvenirs, too (sshh!) Every item was personalized with the hotel crest.
Breakfast was excellent in the hotel's Rotisserie de Roix overlooking the river. It was a good combination of European and American fare with strong coffee, breakfast meats, eggs, tomatoes, mushrooms, cheeses, and so forth. The rest of the menu for the day looked excellent, although we sampled other local places for dinner and lunch.
Basel is the international headquarters for pharmaceutical companies and I was in town to demonstrate some software. This left a little time to enjoy the town itself, so let me share some of that.
The Rhine River dominates the area and flows very quickly along. I've seen pictures of it iced over and some people spoke about the local skating. We walked across the bridge, but at various places boats powered only by the current cross, pulled along on cables strong across, moved only by the swift current and manpower. Dodging these was a steady flow of amateur kayakers and strong young racers challenging the raging waters, emerging not far from a pleasant outdoor café we frequented. I don't have the name of the place, but it is across the nearest downriver bridge, and two or three doors along the riverbank. I recommend it. This is a good place for sandwiches, beer, and conversation. At one point a local lunatic stopped by, setting his bicycle aside and haranguing the locals through a paper cup with the bottom cut out. Bizarre. Not understanding a word of German I was thoroughly entertained, but the waitress surreptitiously asked if I understood and then apologized. Everyone else scrupulously ignored him, yet he went on, undeterred. Apparently he was espousing Nazi philosophy and I think the locals were embarrassed. They were certainly relieved when he gave up and moved on.
Eventually we did, too, and the town rambles up and down the hills with lots of shops. I bought some chocolates and did a lot of window-shopping. Switzerland is very classy and the people were friendly.
Getting back to the hotel I cannot overemphasize how warm the staff was. You know, this is recognized as the oldest hotel in Europe. In 1026 three kings (Conrad II, emperor of the Holy Roman Empire; his son, Henry III; and Rudolf III, the last king of Burgundy) drew up a treaty here that divided western Switzerland and southern France. In honor of this momentous event, the hotel changed its name. This place drips with history and yet it is not the least bit pretentious or pompous. I can highly recommend the hotel and the city. The hotel is expensive, however, but is, in my epinion, well worth the amount. Better yet, maybe you can travel there on expense account. Ask your travel agent to look at less pricey alternatives, though, if this keeps you away from Basel--which is a remarkable place.
Just the Facts
Deluxe hotel minutes from the main railway station with 88 rooms--many overlooking the Rhine River. The hotel also features three well-respected restaurants including the al frescoe Terrace. Other amenities include conference rooms, limousine service, beauty salon, sauna, and private nightclub.
Recommended:
Yes
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
aashtech
|
|
Member: Steve
Location: Raleigh, NC
Reviews written: 108
Trusted by: 43 members
About Me:
Hack golfer and passable poker player.
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.