For a perfect weekend in Basel, the Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois offers the best surroundings for inspiration along the Rhine bend, as General Manager Philippe Clarinval explains in an interview with finews.com. For excursions in the area, he is also happy to provide an electric car or an iconic Bentley.
Philippe Clarinval, why did you become a hotel manager?
Originally, I wanted to travel and conquer the world. To be at home where I felt good. In this period, especially in exchange with people and cultures, a fascination for the world of hospitality was ignited, and the desire to offer unforgettable experiences. Both of these factors led me to go into the hotel industry.
It fulfills me not only to provide guests with a perfect stay but also to motivate and inspire our employees to make the best out of themselves. For me, the role of a hotel manager is not only a position of hosting but also of leadership, in which I encourage my team to share the same dedication and excellence in service and to pursue a vision.
How did you end up in your current job?
(all pictures, media @ Les Trois Rois)
My professional journey began in London and then in Chicago. Through hard work and commitment, but also through insatiable curiosity, I was able to develop steadily. In 2004 I became Hotel Director for the first time, a role I held in Asia, Zermatt, and St. Moritz before I was called to the Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois in Basel. In addition to the work and commitment, a bit of serendipity was certainly part of the success.
What are five features that make your hotel stand out?
Exclusive and unique location on the Rhine, historic charm, award-winning gastronomy, charismatic service, and a rich cultural history that inspires you from the very first moment.
Can you tell us what makes your hotel exceptional?
The Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois inspires with its historic aura that is however paired with a youthful freshness - true to the motto «Rich in History, young at heart». A leitmotif according to which we orient our daily actions and being and which can be felt in all areas of the house.
What's the most unconventional thing you've experienced in your job?
My sister says I'm a «Mr. Everything». Over time, many things that look crazy at first glance become completely normal. But there are always formative moments, the art lies in recognizing and appreciating them.
How do you define hospitality?
For me, hospitality means being able to give without counting – in such a way that every moment becomes meaningful.
Which VIPs have you had the privilege of hosting at your hotel?
Discretion is an important part of our philosophy, but we have had the honor of welcoming personalities from the entertainment industry, politics, and sports.
What does your hotel offer for a «perfect weekend» for two?
For an unforgettable and romantic weekend for two at the Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois, we offer a carefully curated experience that combines love and luxury. Starting with a night in one of our exquisite romantic suites, we pamper our guests with a palpably rich history and modern comforts.
The magic of the weekend extends over the picturesque streets of Basel, where our guests have the opportunity to discover cultural treasures such as the Fondation Beyeler. For a stylish outing, our iconic Bentley and the new Lucid electric car are available. Perhaps you would like to experience Basel from a different perspective, for example on a boat trip?
In the evening, a culinary masterpiece awaits our guests in the three-star «Cheval Blanc», where love literally goes through the stomach. Our chefs conjure up creative dishes that seduce the senses. To make the romance perfect, our flower boutique «Fleurs des Rois» offers a selection of hand-picked flowers to express affection in colors and scents.
What are your plans for the hotel?
With the conversion of the head building at Blumenrain 2, we are writing the latest chapter in our rich history. In the process, the future hotel experience will be enriched by several dimensions.
Under the direction of the Basel-based architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron, spacious rooms and suites as well as an exclusive spa area for our hotel guests on the top floor will be created, which will convey a new attitude of life, while a versatile event location and an imposing Salon du Cigare will set new trends and accents.
How is dining developing at your hotel?
Our gastronomy relies on local products and international influences. We are constantly striving for culinary innovation to exceed our guests' expectations and enrich their time with us.
What is your personal motto when leading a hotel?
«Hire the best and let them do the magic…»
Describe your favorite hidden gem in the area.
A walk through the historic old town and a visit to the local art galleries are an absolute must. Here you can discover the cultural diversity and charm of our region.
What is the best piece of advice you've received from your mother or father?
My father used to say: «Only the love you have given will be remembered», and «Study! What you have in your head can't be taken away from you».
Philippe Clarinval has been working in the hospitality industry for 24 years and has been the General Manager at the Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois in Basel since 2022. Additionally, he has been the General Manager of the Carlton Hotel in St. Moritz, a Radisson (formerly Carlson Rezidor) hotel in the Czech Republic and the Omnia Mountain Lodge in Zermatt. He also worked as a Resident Manager at Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts in Indonesia and Malaysia. Lastly, he completed his studies at the Institut Superior Gestion Hotèliere in Belgium, as well as at the Glion Institute of Higher Education.
