Best Hotels in Basel, Switzerland
What are the best hotels in Basel, Switzerland? Read on for my top picks!
Basel is a city that pleasantly surprised me. When I first arrived, I didn’t immediately warm up to the city. But after about a day, it really started growing on me. And by the time I left, I was already missing it!
This Swiss city is located very close to the border with both France and Germany, so it has influences from both countries. I visited Basel in December when the Christmas markets were happening, and I found them to be the best in Switzerland! (I’m still dreaming of the cheese fondue-filled baguette I had.)
If you aren’t visiting Basel at Christmas, there are still plenty of things to do in the city. Highlights include visiting the Basler Münster, the city’s most historic and impressive cathedral, checking out the Kunstmuseum Basel to see some cool modern art, and taking a boat cruise on the Rhine River. (Sadly, since I was visiting in the winter, the boat cruises weren’t happening, but I’d love to do this in the summer!)
I wouldn’t say you need a ton of time in Basel itself. You can stay longer if you want to take some day trips (Colmar, France is an amazing day trip and it’s only 45 minutes away by train!), but I would say you really only need two full days for Basel. This is enough time to experience all the highlights.
Where to Stay in Basel
I definitely recommend staying in the Altstadt, or Old Town, of Basel. This part of the city is spread out across both sides of the Rhine River, and is divided into Altstadt Grossbasel and Altstadt Kleinbasel.
Either of these areas means you’ll be in easy walking distance to the top tourist attractions in Basel.
I should also note that guests staying at all hotels in Basel are entitled to the BaselCard, which gives you unlimited free access to Basel’s public transportation (the tram system is great!), as well as discounts to museums and other tourist attractions. You’ll receive your BaselCard when you check in to your hotel.
Here are my top picks for where to stay in Basel, Switzerland:
- Best luxury hotel: Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois
- Affordable boutique luxury: Boutique & Design Hotel Volkshaus Basel
- Great location on a budget: Motel One Basel
- Best apartment-style: Aparthotel Adagio Basel City
And here’s a full breakdown of the best hotels in Basel.
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Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois
My top recommendation for where to stay in Basel would be Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois. This five-star luxury hotel is definitely a splurge, but worth it if you want an unforgettable stay in Basel.
As one of Switzerland’s old hotels, Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois has an illustrious history, welcoming notable guests including world leaders, famous writers and artists, and royal heads of state. This elegant hotel is located right on the banks of the Rhine River, just a few minutes from all that Basel has to offer.
Boutique & Design Hotel Volkshaus Basel
Another one of the best hotels in the city is Boutique & Design Hotel Volkshaus Basel. This boutique hotel offers stylish, design-forward accommodations at a reasonable price point in a central location.
Accommodations here range from cozy rooms to spacious suites with a private terrace. The hotel is situated conveniently in Basel’s Altstadt, just steps away from the Mittlere Brücke, the historic bridge that connects both sides of the Old Town. This hotel is the perfect base for exploring Basel.
Hotel Märthof Basel
Hotel Märthof Basel is a great luxury hotel that is well-positioned in the Altstadt of Basel, right by the historic City Hall. This hotel offers comfortable, chic rooms with plenty of luxurious touches.
One of the highlights of this hotel is the rooftop terrace, which provides sweeping views of Basel. Guests also have access to a fitness center and a relaxing spa area with a sauna and steam bath.
Motel One Basel
Motel One Basel is a comfortable, budget-friendly hotel in a great location. If you are visiting around Christmas, the huge Barfüsserplatz Christmas market is literally right at your doorstep. Even if you aren’t visiting around the holidays, this is a convenient location and a transit hub for getting around the city.
You’re also just a short walk from the Basler Münster, the Kunstmuseum Basel, and other attractions. If you’re looking for a modern, affordable hotel in Basel, this would be one of my top picks.
Nomad Design & Lifestyle Hotel
Another one of the best places to stay is the Nomad Design & Lifestyle Hotel. This hotel is located slightly outside the Altstadt, but you are still just a short walk away from the historic center of the city.
Nomad Design & Lifestyle Hotel offers spacious, airy rooms that are design-minded and full of unique character. Guests staying at this hotel will also enjoy access to a fitness center and a sauna.
Aparthotel Adagio Basel City
If you’re looking for more space and all the comforts of home, Aparthotel Adagio Basel City is an excellent place to stay. This hotel is just outside the Altstadt, but just a couple of minutes’ walk from it. All of the accommodations here are apartment-style, with designated living spaces and kitchen facilities.
With studios and one-bedroom apartments (some with a private terrace) to choose from, you can find the right option for your budget. And overall, this is a very affordable place to stay in Basel.
Central City Hotel Rochat
Another affordable place to stay in Basel is the Central City Hotel Rochat. This hotel is housed in a historic building and features a lot of traditional Swiss charm. It’s also in a very central location in the city.
The rooms here are simple yet modern and comfortable. Some rooms feature traditional details like wood-beamed ceilings while still being fully renovated. This is a great place to base yourself for visiting Basel.
Hotel D
Hotel D is a lovely boutique hotel in Basel that is located right by the Rhine River in the Old Town. All of the rooms at this hotel are well-appointed and stylish, and some even feature views of the river.
This hotel offers a great position for exploring all that Basel has to offer. Other amenities here include a fitness center. If you’re looking for a hotel that offers great value for money, this is one of the best.
Limehome Basel Münzgasse
Finally, one more great place to stay in Basel is Limehome Basel Münzgasse. This apartment-style hotel offers self check-in and well-equipped accommodations, offering you more privacy and autonomy.
Some of the accommodations here are traditional hotel room-style, while others feel more like private apartments with your own kitchen and sitting area. You’ll feel like a local staying at this central hotel.
Best Hotels in Basel, Switzerland
This guide showed you the best hotels in Basel, Switzerland.
To recap, my top picks for where to stay are:
- Best luxury hotel: Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois
- Affordable boutique luxury: Boutique & Design Hotel Volkshaus Basel
- Great location on a budget: Motel One Basel
- Best apartment-style: Aparthotel Adagio Basel City
Have a great trip and enjoy your stay in Basel!
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