The Best Hotels in Basel, Switzerland

This sleek high-rise hotel is close to all the conference and exhibition centres. Congress Centre is a three-minute walk away and the hotel is adjacent to Messeplatz with its 105m (340ft) tower. The modern rooms between the fifth and 14th floor all overlook the artsy city. The aptly named Sky Lounge, 30 floors up, offers extensive views and live music, and the glass-walled Gaumenfreund Restaurant is an all-day light and airy space.

Run by the Geyer family since 1929 and focusing on sustainability, the bright and comfortable Gaia Hotel is aiming to become a zero-waste property. The products in the spa and hotel are all organic and mostly regional. Gaia is across from the SBB train station, and a 10-minute walk brings you to the historic city centre. Value for money extras includes a complimentary minibar and delicious buffet breakfast served each morning.

Watch the world go by at Krafft Basel, a warm and refined boutique hotel on the Rhine in vibrant Kleinbasel. The in-house restaurant is elegant, with floor-to-ceiling arched windows and a terrace to dine on in fine weather. Consum, the hotel’s cosy wine bar across the street, is perfect for an evening drink. Rooms are classic with either city or river views. On each floor you’ll find complimentary fruit and Basler water along with a small library.

As its name implies, Art House Basel is centred around design, architecture, and creativity. South of the Rhine, in pedestrianised Steinenvorstadt, the hotel is an eight-minute walk from the Kunstmuseum. Most of the modern rooms offer wood and marble details and greenery-lined terraces with city views. Serving a global menu, the restaurant Souvenir prides itself on being an urban soul food destination. The rooftop Mirador Bar is the ideal place to enjoy a cocktail come sunset.

As one of the oldest city hotels in Europe, with more than 300 years of history, Les Trois Rois is a resplendent property which sits in the centre of Basel’s Old Town on the banks of the Rhine. This place puts the L in lavish, with swathes of gold and sumptuous fabrics stretching from the guest rooms to the restaurants and lobby. The pièce de résistance is the rooftop suite complete with a fireplace, terrace and outdoor jacuzzi. Luxury afternoon teas and cigar and cocktail pairings are other delights this place offers.

If you’re looking for something truly unique, check into Der Teufelhof Basel. This is a one-of-a-kind hotel in the heart of Basel is divided into two parts: the art hotel, where all the rooms are decorated as works of art, and the gallery hotel which has 20 rooms and four junior suites featuring temporary exhibitions by local artists around a theme.

Hotel Basel is a modern city hotel, located in the centre of Basel in the pedestrian zone. Situated in a beautiful area, among historic buildings, the property is just a few steps away from the main square and other major tourist sights. There are 73 rooms of varying size and all have a fresh, modern feel. There are three restaurants to choose from, one with a charming terrace that can be used during the summer months.

Inject a little fun into your Basel break with a stay at this hotel. This stylish downtown property, which offers a choice of rooms, suites, and penthouses and complete with arty murals and pops of colour, is perfect for short and long-term stays. Facilities include a sauna, fitness centre and a stylish bar serving up cocktails, wine and soft drinks with tapas and other tasty appetisers. For sightseeing, this is a top spot. Slip out for some afternoon shopping on the Freie Strasse, visit the Kunstmuseum, relax on the banks of the Rhine or hop on a train to explore further afield – Basel’s main train station is a short walk away.

If you’re a stickler for design, Steinenschanze Stadthotel is a great option in the heart of Basel. The well-appointed rooms are contemporary with bold colours used here and there. This vibrant theme runs throughout. The crowning jewel of the hotel, however, is the beautiful garden which is an oasis of calm in the middle of the city. You’re welcome to have you breakfast here among the shrubs or if the weather permits, it’s a lovely place to watch the birds flit by.

Hotel D is close to Basel’s old town, with shops, museums, and restaurants galore on the doorstep. D stands for discovery, and once inside the property, you’ll discover comfortable and modern rooms peppered with retro touches, from pops of burnt orange to saucer-shaped chairs. Guests rate this place highly for its friendly service. The sauna and gym are additional benefits.

Dating back to 1899, Hotel Rochat has had many guises. Today, while the property retains its original facade, the rooms cater to the 21st-century traveller. There are rooms of varying sizes and all are equipped with satellite TVs, minibars, air conditioning and free wifi. A bountiful breakfast buffet is served downstairs and there’s a charming patio for you to soak up some rays.

Cappucino shades adorn this deliciously modern hotel, located at Basel’s Centralbahnplatz, right opposite the city’s main train station. The rooms are simply furnished with downlighters creating a warm ambience. There’s a long list of amenities, from Nespresso machines to bathtubs. The on-site bistro serves up delights around the clock, with specialities including sliced calf’s liver and a white and dark Toblerone chocolate mousse.

This hotel is as close to the action as you can get. Situated opposite Basel’s 15th-century Spalentor gateway, attractions nearby include the beautiful botanical gardens and University of Basel. The 40 rooms are fresh and modern, with a warm atmosphere running throughout the hotel. If you’re tired of walking, the hotel has free bicycles for you to tour around. Each guest also receives a BaselCard which give you free bus and tram rides around the city and discounts at different attractions.