One of the most enchanting cities in the country, Basel occupies an unusual spot on the Rhine where Switzerland, Germany, and France meet. As a result, this centuries-old city is a fascinating blend of all three. Take a walk through the ancient streets, and you’ll see people speaking German, digging into sublime French cuisine, and admiring spectacular Swiss art.

Thanks to its compact size, you only need a few days to explore everything Basel has to offer. And because of its superb public transport links, you can easily pop over from Paris, Munich, or Zurich for a short break.

Whether you’re interested in hopping between world-famous galleries and museums, witnessing larger-than-life music festivals, or keeping it traditional and exploring the medieval streets, a short break in this Swiss city could be just what you need to switch up your routine. Stay in one of the best Basel hotels, and you’ll be able to experience it all in style! 

Basel is home to all kinds of cool skyscrapers, swanky resorts, and luxury boutique hotels. In fact, there are so many remarkable places to stay that you may find it almost impossible to pick just one. To give you a helping hand, we’ve put together a list of the 12 best hotels in Basel! 

Where to Stay in Basel

Despite its small size, there are loads of great places to stay in Basel. If this is your first visit, we suggest looking for accommodation in Altstadt Grossbasel. This part of the city is beautifully maintained and looks just like it did centuries ago. 

It’s filled with wonderful museums, stunning architecture, excellent restaurants, and some of the coolest hotels in Basel. As an added bonus, almost everything is easily accessible on foot, too.

St. Alban is the place to stay if you’re looking for something a little different. Known locally as Little Venice, thanks to the romantic canals that cut through the area, this neighborhood seamlessly blends old and new. Here you’ll find traditional timber-framed houses alongside modern architecture, typical Swiss restaurants next to modern bistros, and some of the best hotels in Basel. 

If you’re visiting the city as a family with kids, we suggest staying in Bachletten. Located in the center of the city, this neighborhood is just a short distance from the Basel train station and Altstadt Grossbasel, making it ideally positioned for getting around and sightseeing. This peaceful part of the city is also home to the fantastic Basel Zoo and beautiful Schützenmatt Park.

The 12 Best Hotels in Basel

1. Essential by Dorint Basel City

Ideally located just a short walk from the center of the city and with great connections to the train station and airport, Essential by Dorint Basel City is an excellent choice if you’re planning a short sightseeing break in Basel. The hotel provides underground parking and also rents out bicycles, so no matter how you plan on getting around, you’ll be covered.

Simple, minimalist, and modern, the guest rooms at Essential are just what you need when you want to relax after a long day of exploring. The standard room is perfect if you’re planning on spending one or two nights in Basel, while the spacious apartment is the best choice if you’re traveling with family or have a week in the city. The apartment includes a large workstation, as well as a well-equipped kitchenette.

Don’t worry if you don’t feel like cooking. The hotel’s Côté Jardin dishes up a varied and balanced breakfast buffet each morning, followed by a huge choice of local and international delicacies in the afternoon and evening. There’s also a cozy lobby bar where you can unwind with a signature cocktail or Swiss beer.

2. Grand Hotel LES TROIS ROIS

One of the best boutique hotels in Basel if you plan on doing a lot of exploring, Grand Hotel LES TROIS ROIS is located in the very heart of the city, with easy access to loads of galleries, museums, boutiques, bars, and restaurants. The stunning building dates back more than 300 years, during which time it has housed all kinds of famous faces, from poets to rock stars and royalty.

An excellent choice for foodies, the hotel boasts four sophisticated gastronomy options, from a traditional French-style brasserie to an elegant cigar lounge. As if that isn’t enough, the establishment also offers special experiences throughout the week, including a decadent afternoon tea and a hangover-curing Sunday brunch.

These rooms are some of the most extravagant we’ve ever seen. Decorated in powerful colors and adorned with luxurious fabrics, antique furniture, and beautiful artwork, you really can’t go wrong here. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, you’ve got to check out the rooftop suite. Not only is it huge, but it also boasts a private terrace with an open-air hot tub. 

3. SET Hotel.Residence

A strikingly modern hotel in the center of Basel’s Old Town, SET Hotel.Residence certainly stands out from the crowd. Instead of the centuries-old buildings that most hotels in the area occupy, this gorgeous building is well-known for its floor-to-ceiling windows, spaceship-style lighting, and polished metal accents that make it look like something from a sci-fi novel.

There’s an ultra-modern fitness room hidden away in the basement, so you can keep on top of your workout routine, as well as a number of gourmet restaurants if you’d rather treat your taste buds instead. If you’re in the mood for something a little lighter, the hotel also boasts its very own microbrewery, where you can try a myriad of one-of-a-kind beers! 

As you’d expect, the rooms at this hotel are contemporary with a nod to the past. Whitewashed walls are decorated with traditional artwork, and smart TVs are set alongside historic city views that haven’t changed for generations. If you’re planning on visiting Basel for a few weeks or more, the hotel offers four residential apartments which come equipped with everything you need to embrace Swiss life. 

4. Hyperion Hotel Basel

If you’re dreaming of incredible city views, you can’t go wrong with Hyperion Hotel Basel. One of the coolest Basel hotels, this gorgeous property boasts guest rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows that allow you to soak up unobscured panoramas that stretch on for miles.

The views aren’t the only noteworthy thing about the guest rooms. They all boast lofty locations between the 5th and 14th floors, come with ultra-fast Wi-Fi, have individual air conditioning, and ultra-luxurious bathrooms with superior products and in-room music so you can dance while you dress. 

There are plenty of excellent bars and restaurants in the local area. But if you’re tired after a long day of sightseeing, we suggest visiting the hotel’s restaurant. This part of the hotel is just as stunning as the guest rooms and dishes up a light and creative dinner menu each evening. 

For midnight snacks and drinks, there’s also an onsite lounge open from first thing in the morning until last thing at night.

5. Hotel Victoria

Offering the best of both worlds, Hotel Victoria prides itself on its traditional service and hospitality while wowing travelers with its urban-chic design. While the hotel may not look like much from the outside, step through the entrance, and you’ll feel like you’ve walked into a swanky, avant-garde art gallery.

A great place to stay, however many people are in your group, Hotel Victoria offers everything from cozy single rooms up to spacious family rooms. If you feel like treating yourself, we suggest going all out on the junior suite.

One of the hotel’s most luxurious options, this room boasts a sumptuous bed with ultra-soft bedding, a comfortable lounge, top-quality sound insulation, and a large bathroom with a full-size tub. It feels more like an independent apartment than a room in a hotel. 

There are plenty of excellent food and drink options on the hotel’s doorstep. But if you’d rather not venture further than you have to, stop by Bar&Bistro Victoria. Here you can dig into everything from an abundant breakfast buffet to an afternoon coffee and late-night cocktail.

6. Radisson Blu Hotel

If you’re looking for where to stay in Basel with a little bit of class and sophistication, check out the Radisson Blu Hotel. Located in the heart of the city and just a short drive or cab ride away from the train station, this highly-regarded hotel takes care of everything for you.

The modern rooms come with everything you could ever need for a comfortable, peaceful stay. Each room features a Nespresso coffee machine, bedside USB sockets, high-speed Wi-Fi, ironing facilities, and a TV with mirror casting. The bathrooms are stunning and come with professional hairdryers, rainwater showers, and magnifying mirrors, so you can always look your best.

You’ll be spoiled for choice with the bars and restaurants in the local area, but the hotel’s restaurant is definitely worth checking out. Here you can treat yourself to elevated Swiss cuisine in sophisticated surroundings. A selection of top-quality cocktails and craft beers accompanies the impressive food menu.

7. Novotel Basel City

Whatever type of vacation you’re planning for Basel, Novotel Basel City is almost certain to tick all the boxes. Boasting an unbeatable location, this hotel is just a 15-minute drive away from the airport and just a short distance from practically every major attraction in the city.

To help you see as much as you can during your visit, the hotel provides free public transport for the duration of your stay, plus free high-speed Wi-Fi access so you can make plans as you go. There’s a trendy restaurant onsite that dishes up tempting local flavors, as well as an incredibly well-stocked cozy bar with dedicated working spaces and reading corners.

The accommodation is clean, simple, and minimalist. Expect whitewashed walls, complemented by a calming neutral color palette and bright pops of color. Basic twin rooms are available, as well as spacious executive rooms with plush queen-size beds and giant family rooms with large sofa beds. 

8. Mövenpick Hotel Basel

For a little bit of urban luxury, choose Mövenpick Hotel Basel. A gorgeous and unique hotel in Basel, this accommodation option is the best choice if you enjoy the finer things in life but don’t want to blow your vacation budget. From floor-to-ceiling windows with unbeatable views and an amazing city-center location to a gourmet restaurant you’ve got to try and indulgent wellness facilities, this hotel has it all. 

Accommodation takes the shape of modern guest rooms and spectacular suites, all of which come complete with sumptuous king-size beds, giant TVs, Nespresso coffee machines, and modern bathrooms with full-size tubs or rainwater showers and superior bathroom products. 

If you’re celebrating a special occasion, we suggest splashing out on the grand suite. Located on one of the highest floors in the hotel, these rooms are jaw-droppingly beautiful. As well as some of the most amazing views you’ve ever seen, each suite also boasts separate dining, living, and sleeping areas, a walk-in wardrobe, a standalone bathtub next to a floor-to-ceiling window, and luxury Clarins toiletries. 

9. Hotel D – Design Hotel

If you’re looking for something a little out of the ordinary, choose Hotel D – Design Hotel. This dazzling boutique hotel has loads of little extras that you simply don’t get with standard hotels. It may not look like much from the outside, but take a peek inside, and you’ll discover a welcoming, modern place to stay in the heart of Basel.

The standard guest rooms are an excellent choice if you’re just spending a couple of days in the city. Each one features a comfy queen-size bed, media hub, iPod docking station, Nespresso coffee machine, and modern bathroom with L’Occitane en Provence products and an Italian rain shower. If you feel like treating yourself, upgrade to a suite and enjoy a king-size bed, a private terrace with a panoramic view, and a huge TV opposite the bed.

There’s a superb fitness studio onsite if you’ve got some extra energy to work off. Alternatively, check out the relaxing sauna if you need to unwind. A buffet breakfast provided by Organic & Gourmand is available each morning, and although there are no other meals served at the hotel, you’ll find a wealth of bars and restaurants available just steps away. 

10. Sorell Hotel Merian

Being one of the few four-star hotels located on the banks of the Rhine, Sorell Hotel Merian is one of the most unique Basel hotels. With countless bars, restaurants, cafes, boutiques, galleries, and museums on your doorstep, you’ll never be stuck for what to do here. 

There are plenty of gorgeous rooms and suites to choose from. But if you prefer a little bit of extra space when you’re on vacation, we suggest booking one of the apartments.

Each apartment comes with three single beds and a sofa bed, making it a great choice for families or groups. There’s also a fully-equipped kitchen so you can whip up your own meals, plus a dazzling view of the river. Alternatively, check out the family-friendly room, which is packed with toys, magazines, books, and games for little ones.

A decadent breakfast buffet is served each morning, loaded with specialty Swiss dishes. You’ll also find an upmarket cafe onsite. When the weather is nice, this eatery is a stunning place to try something new and soak up the river views while eating al fresco. 

11. Pullman Basel Europe

A strikingly modern, sophisticated, and elegant hotel, Pullman Basel Europe is a fantastic place for a romantic vacation. The building effortlessly combines minimalism with design and luxury to deliver a hotel that feels more like a top-end art gallery than a place to lay your head.

Step inside, and you’ll discover gorgeous deluxe rooms and spacious junior suites, most of which boast remarkable floor-to-ceiling city views. Each room also comes with a superior Pullman bed for the perfect night’s sleep.

When you need a breath of fresh air, there’s a charming hotel garden with a chill-out lounge and a contemporary fitness center with all the latest equipment you need to keep on top of your workout routine. There’s also a professional lounge with a Windows computer and color printer in case you forgot to print out your return flight info. 

While there are loads of excellent bars and restaurants in the local area, we definitely suggest making a reservation at the hotel’s restaurant. Here you can treat yourself to a signature cocktail followed by your choice of innovative Swiss cuisine. 

12. ART HOUSE Basel

Beautifully created by Diener & Diener and Italian designer Andrea Caputo, ART HOUSE Basel is so enchanting that you’ll never want to leave. Every single part of the hotel is beyond stunning, from the perfect presentation of the delicious snacks to the carefully chosen artwork which graces the guest room walls.

The highlight of the hotel is definitely the rooftop bar. Boasting an interior and exterior terrace, the rooftop bar is an incredible place to spend some time, whatever the weather. Here you can treat your taste buds to petal-decorated cocktails, heavenly craft beers, and unparalleled panoramic views.

If you can’t get enough of fried chicken, you’ll love the hotel’s restaurant. Yardbird South Fried Chicken dishes up top-quality, old-school fried chicken. But with cool neon signs, moody low lighting, and retro hip-hop tunes, the atmosphere is a lot more upmarket and trendy than you’d get at KFC!

That completes our list of the 12 best Basel hotels! Did we miss any cool hotels in Basel? Comment below so we can add them to the list! 

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