The Best Hotels In Basel Switzerland

As one of the most popular tourist destinations in Switzerland, Basel has an outstanding variety of hotels to offer. Whether you are looking for a luxury hotel by the Rhine River with a long-standing history or a modern property in the heart of Basel, here are our favourite places to stay – all bookable on Culture Trip.

1. Hyperion Hotel Basel

Hotel

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.

2. Gaia Hotel

Hotel

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.

3. Krafft Basel

Hotel

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.

5. Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois

Boutique Hotel, Independent Hotel, Hotel

A view of a smartly-decorated room, with a drinks bar on the right, a fireplace in the middle and plush leather sofas and tables on the left. Chandeliers hang from the ceiling.

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.

6. Der Teufelhof

Hotel

An exterior shot of Der Teufelhof Basel facing the street, with a covered courtyard on the right.

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.

7. Hotel Basel

Hotel

A photo of a dining room with tables, chairs and a wall-mounted leather bench.

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.

8. The Passage Basel

Hotel

Wall art behind a bed of the outline of two saxophone players in black.

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.

9. Steinenschanze Stadthotel

Hotel

Outdoor seating area with tables and chairs and some trees in the background.

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.

10. Hotel D

Boutique Hotel, Hotel

Hotel room with a smart wooden desk on the left and a bed on the right. There is a window in the background

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.

11. Hotel Rochat

Hotel

Large room with a sofa, some chairs, a table, a bed in the background and exposed wooden eaves.

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.

12. Hotel Victoria

Hotel

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.

13. Hotel Spalentor

Hotel

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.

Christy Taylor contributed additional reporting to this article.

If you want to find out more, check out the best places to stay in Basel, bookable with Culture Trip.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.