Fodor's Expert Review Hotel Brasserie Au Violon
Im Lohnhof 4, Basel, Basel-City, 4051, Switzerland
Housed in a 12th-century building looming over the Altstadt that served as a cloister and then a prison, the hotel now captivates its clientele with slightly faded elegance, a peaceful location, and a terrific restaurant. There are some reminders of the building's austere past—guest rooms overlooking the courtyard are still called "cells," with uniformly tight square footage. "Police office" rooms facing the town offer more space at a slightly higher rate. The art deco brasserie, with its mirrored bar and iron-legged tables, serves French classics. The former residents here—priests and prisoners—never had it so good.
PROS
- unique and charming concept
- highly rated restaurant
- elevator from the hotel down to the old town
CONS
- some small rooms
- no coffee- or tea-makers in rooms
- no TVs in some rooms
HOTEL INFO
HOTEL DETAILS
Rate Includes: Closed Christmas--New Year\'s, No Meals