July 22, 2026•9 min read•from Latest from Marie Claire

This Storybook Swiss City Combines Luxurious Experiences With Extreme Comfort

Our take

Lucerne, Switzerland, whispers a siren song of understated elegance. This storybook city weaves together luxurious experiences with an unparalleled sense of comfort—a feeling so profound, departure felt almost unwelcome. Cobblestone streets lead to breathtaking vistas, and a palpable sense of calm permeates every corner. It’s a destination where indulgence feels effortless, a sanctuary for the discerning traveler.

This Storybook Swiss City Combines Luxurious Experiences With Extreme Comfort

Basel, Switzerland. The name itself evokes a certain understated elegance, a sense of quiet prosperity far removed from the clamor of more aggressively marketed destinations. This recent piece highlighting its blend of luxurious experiences and profound comfort confirms that intuition. It’s a welcome narrative in a travel landscape increasingly saturated with the performative – the endless parade of “must-see” landmarks and Instagrammable moments often prioritizing spectacle over genuine connection. The article’s simple declaration, "I never wanted to leave," resonates deeply; it’s a testament to the city’s ability to foster a feeling of belonging, a sense of ease that transcends the typical tourist experience. The thoughtful curation of art, history, and, crucially, a palpable sense of well-being, positions Basel as a model for a more considered approach to luxury travel, one that prioritizes depth over superficiality. It’s a perspective that aligns with a desire for experiences that nourish the soul, not just the feed, something we explored recently in The Cocktail Attire Dress Code Is Due for a Rewrite, where we questioned the pressure to conform to rigid, often uncomfortable, expectations.

The appeal of Basel isn’t about ticking boxes on a travel itinerary; it's about immersing oneself in a carefully cultivated atmosphere. The city’s location, bordering France and Germany, contributes to its unique identity – a crossroads of cultures that fosters a sense of cosmopolitanism without sacrificing its own distinct character. This contrasts sharply with destinations that feel overly manufactured or homogenized for the sake of tourism. The emphasis on art, particularly the renowned art fair, suggests a community that values creativity and intellectual stimulation. But more importantly, the article underscores the element of “extreme comfort,” hinting at a level of hospitality and attention to detail that elevates the experience beyond the merely luxurious. It speaks to an understanding that true indulgence isn’t about ostentation but about effortless ease and the absence of unnecessary stress – a sentiment echoed in I Sold Everything in My Closet and Hired a Stylist—We Picked Out These Pieces for My Rebrand, where relinquishing control and embracing curation led to a profound sense of liberation. The desire for comfort and ease is a core human need, and when expertly woven into a travel experience, it can create moments of profound connection and lasting memory.

This shift towards destinations that prioritize well-being and understated luxury signals a broader trend in the travel industry. Consumers, particularly those seeking a more mindful and authentic experience, are increasingly fatigued by the relentless pursuit of novelty and validation. They are yearning for places that offer respite from the constant stimulation of modern life, spaces where they can reconnect with themselves and appreciate the simple pleasures. Basel, with its quiet confidence and commitment to quality, perfectly embodies this desire. It represents a move away from the performative travel narrative – the relentless pursuit of “the best” restaurant, the most exclusive hotel – and towards a more intimate and personalized experience. This isn’t about foregoing luxury; it’s about redefining it, shifting the focus from external validation to internal contentment. It acknowledges that true luxury is not about *what* you do, but *how* you feel.

Ultimately, the appeal of Basel lies in its ability to offer a rare combination: a sophisticated cultural landscape interwoven with an atmosphere of profound tranquility. The article’s concluding wish to have stayed longer speaks volumes about the city's power to captivate and soothe. As travelers continue to prioritize experiences that nourish the soul, destinations like Basel—those that embrace a philosophy of calm luxury and mindful indulgence—will undoubtedly rise in prominence. The question becomes: can other cities emulate Basel’s success in cultivating this rare blend of sophistication and serenity, or will its understated elegance remain a uniquely Swiss treasure?

As the home of an internationally renowned art fair, Basel in Switzerland attracts contemporary art fans every year. Unsurprisingly, the city is visually alluring, not to mention rich in history, particularly as it shares borders with both France and Germany. I only spent three nights in the city and wished I'd stayed for longer. (Learn from my mistake!)

Easily reached by train or plane, Basel is an ideal stop on any European vacation, or for tourists who enjoy a slower pace of travel. From storybook hotels to gluten-free McDonald's and delectable local cuisine, Basel offered everything I needed for my European getaway.

Where to Stay

To say that Grand Hôtel Les Trois Rois—part of The Leading Hotels of the World—collection is a Basel institution is an understatement. Situated on the Rhine, the hotel is rich in history—a history carefully preserved by its owners to elevate the luxe nature of the 5-star property.

When you ascend the steps of the Les Trois Rois, the hotel's grand lobby sparkles thanks to multiple glittering chandeliers, conjuring a dose of the "storybook magic" mentioned on the venue's website—a claim I can confirm is 100 percent accurate.

Notably, the hotel has its own florist—Fleurs Des Rois—located in the heart of Basel. It supplies the hotel's fresh flower arrangements, which provides the perfect Instagram photo op for even casual visitors to the lobby.

A room inside Les Trois Rois, with red wallpaper, old-fashioned lamps, and a white bedspread, with a balcony overlooking the Rhine. — A room inside Les Trois Rois, with a balcony overlooking the Rhine. (Image credit: Amy Mackelden/Les Trois Rois)

Other features include the architecturally impressive cigar lounge The Council, a library featuring antique stained glass windows, and Bar Les Trois Rois, a space equipped with leather armchairs overlooking the Rhine. Basically, you won't want to leave the building.

The exterior of Les Trois Rois, a brown building next to a yellow building with white balconies, along the Rhine, with a red and white Switzerland flag on top. — The exterior of Les Trois Rois. (Image credit: Amy Mackelden/Les Trois Rois)

Alternatively, based in Basel's Marktplatz, or market square, Hotel Märthof's romantic exterior echoes the vibes of the city's Altstadt, or Old Town. With suites offering balconies and a rooftop terrace, the 4-star venue puts guests in the center of the action and is well-connected to tram lines.

Photos of the exterior of Hotel Märthof Basel, based in a beautiful square with historical landmarks with umbrella-covered tables dining at the bar outside — The dreamy exterior of Hotel Märthof Basel. (Image credit: Hotel Märthof Basel)

If Hotel Märthof's exterior hints at Basel's rich history, its rooms and suites offer an artistic twist with decor that's both stylishly retro and futuristic. Comfort is key, with many rooms featuring freestanding bathtubs and double vanities, along with balconies or views of the surrounding area.

Photos of the interior of Hotel Märthof Basel shows a gray blanket covering a white bedspread, with retro style furniture and large arched windows. — A luxurious room in Hotel Märthof Basel. (Image credit: Hotel Märthof Basel)

Where to Eat

Les Trois Rois provides guests with several dining options, including the world-renowned Cheval Blanc by Peter Knogl, which combines French haute cuisine with Mediterranean and Asian influences and has been awarded three Michelin stars. Needless to say, booking is advised.

Hotel guests can enjoy breakfast in the Brasserie, which offers cooked options along with an extravagant buffet—and, yes, self-serve caviar is available. We had dinner overlooking the Rhine, with impeccable service and incredibly informed staff members who provide the perfect wine pairings and accommodate allergy needs.

The Brasserie inside Les Trois Rois, a restaurant with black leather chairs and crisp white tablecloths, and small gold lamps and wine glasses on each table, the walls are painted black. — The Brasserie inside Les Trois Rois. (Image credit: Amy Mackelden/Les Trois Rois)

With its pink velvet seating and purple velvet booths, and offering food and cocktails, Banks is Les Trois Rois's modern conversion of a former financial building.

The interior of Banks, a bar inside Les Trois Rois, featuring pink velvet barstools with black legs, a silver bar, and multi-colored decorations hung from the ceiling. — The interior of Banks. (Image credit: Amy Mackelden/Les Trois Rois)

The hotel also offers an afternoon tea, with a seasonally changing menu, which can be eaten on a terrace overlooking the Rhine. And, as previously mentioned, McDonald's in Switzerland offers a gluten-free menu—a rarity for the franchise—so if you need a fast food fix that's allergen-free, this is your sign to head to Basel.

Meanwhile, at Hotel Märthof, breakfast is served in Bohemia, where visitors can also enjoy a snack or a meal, along with the restaurant's extensive cocktail menu. Positioned on Basel's Marktplatz, outdoor seating allows guests to enjoy the busy ambience of the outdoor terrace, whether they're sampling an espresso or stopping for lunch.

Plus, the hotel's rooftop terrace has incredible views of Basel and is only accessible to hotel residents.

Photos of the exterior of Hotel Märthof Basel, based in a beautiful square with historical landmarks at nighttime. — The view from Hotel Märthof's rooftop terrace. (Image credit: Hotel Märthof Basel)

What to Do

As a disabled person, I struggle to navigate crowded cities and touristy destinations. I was lucky enough to take my Rollz Motion Rollator with me on the trip; the ingenious walker wheelchair combo made it easy to switch between walking and sitting, depending on my energy levels. Notably, Basel never felt overwhelming. I enjoyed walking along the Rhine and exploring the city's Old Town without feeling rushed.

Basel's Rathaus—also known as the Town Hall—is one of the city's centerpieces. Its striking red facade and intricate frescoes are impossible to resist, and visitors can enjoy tours of the impressive building.

Rathaus in Basel, a red building with gold decorations and frescos and a tower, which serves as a government building. — Rathaus in Basel. (Image credit: Amy Mackelden/Les Trois Rois)

Seijaku—also known as the Place of Serenity—is an unexpected retreat in the center of Basel, where visitors can enjoy a range of wellbeing treatments, or simply soak in the atmosphere.

The Seijaku inside Les Trois Rois, a wooden space with a wood burner at the center and long white floor couches. — Seijaku, also known as the Place of Serenity. (Image credit: Amy Mackelden/Les Trois Rois)

There's so much to see in the city, which blends its historic Old Town with modern architecture; seasonal events draw big crowds throughout the year. Basler Fasnacht, for example, is Switzerland's biggest festival, taking place in February and March annually and featuring a huge array of performers and participants.

While there are several museums in the city, Kunstmuseum Basel—described as the oldest public art collection in the world—curates a plethora of diverse exhibitions, while collating artistic works from throughout history.