We annually go to Basel and travel from there. This time we are going to do a Rhine River Cruise and would like to know a B & B to stay at in October. Ursula has given us great advice on Zurich and some other questions in the past and hoping for more. We are looking for 3 to 4 star. We would also like to know what the best boat tour is from point to point.<BR><BR>Thanks for any help. <BR><BR>Becky

Becky hello! <BR>Just back from a wonderful 2-weeks beach vacation in Tunisia. It was just perfect and I am back with full power. ;o)<BR><BR>Do I get this right, are you looking for a hotel in Basel (my native town)? October this year or next year??<BR><BR>There is a nice **B&B called 'Rochat'. You will find more information at <BR>www.baseltourismus.ch <BR>You can find a full hotel list with links to the individual web pages of the hotels and B&Bs.<BR><BR>Other suggestions would be:<BR><BR>- 'Victoria' fully renovated **** place opposite the train station with a terrific Mediterranean-style bistrot called "Le Train Bleu'.<BR><BR>- 'Teufelhof', a very special small boutique hotel***. Each room has its special cachet. Its restaurant is a gem and very popular with residents.<BR><BR>As far as the Rhine River Cruise concerns, sorry, no experience at all.<BR><BR>Come back, if you need specific info about location of the places, etc.<BR><BR>Regards from sunny Zurich<BR>Ursula )

This is just coming to my mind, Becky. <BR>Hm.... still dreaming about my vacation. ;o)<BR>It's tough to be back at work....<BR><BR>You might like the 'Au Violon' (former jail house). Great place, great location, great French brasserie.<BR>Not yet officially rated, but probably a ***.<BR><BR>www.au-violon.com

Thanks Ursula,<BR><BR>I love Basel. I have special places I go but maybe you have some too. Please let me know.<BR><BR>Becky

Becky, hello!<BR><BR>I don't know what kind of places YOU like. When I am in Basel, I love to go to the Atlantis, a place that has been popular forever and makes me think of my days at school. Fabulous concerts and still a very popular hangout place.<BR><BR>For a drink in summer, I love the Cargo-Bar on the Rhine. Hip and cool place. <BR>For an espresso while in the city center, I like Fumare Non Fumare, the Cafe Bachmann and of course, the most famous Cafe Frey opposite the train station. Best coffee in town, at least in my opinion.<BR>For best ice-cream, I go to the Cafe Schiesser.<BR>For a last drink, I love the Teufelhof-Bar or the bar at the Euler Hotel. Both very classy.<BR><BR>My favourite restaurants are:<BR>Avenue, Charon, Le Train Bleu, Teufelhof, Luftschloss, Bodega, Gifthuettli, Zum Goldenen Sternen, Rollerhof.<BR><BR>Now, you should know, that there are places that appear and disappear or do turn into places that don't appeal to me anymore that much. Given the fact, that I am not a Basel resident anymore, it's difficult to have the 'control' about everything going on.<BR><BR>I am definitely more familiar with the 'scene' in Zurich. But even here, there is so much going on, that you need to read regularly the local newspapers about places worth a visit and speak to people whether they know about an undiscovered gem, before it gets too wellknown and eventually crowded, less good or too expensive.<BR><BR>Becky, what kind of places exactly are you looking for?? <BR>The ones I mentioned, are popular with the younger and trendy crowd. <BR>If you prefer quiet and more traditional hangout places, forget about most of the ones I mentioned above.<BR>Let me know and I'll try to remember some different ones.<BR>

Hi Ursula,<BR><BR>Thanks for all of your suggestions. We are in Basel now but will be going to Zurich Monday. We would love to go to a good place for fondue for two with atmosphere. <BR><BR>I'm going to find the other places tomorrow. My husband is looking for a good place to get a deal on a Swiss Watch. Would Basel or Zurich be better?<BR><BR>Thanks again and I'll let you know what I think of our spots. So far we have enjoyed your other suggestions.<BR><BR>We are a new hotel named Dorint in Basel. It is very nice and brand new.<BR><BR>Becky