The Best Hotel in Basel, Switzerland

Grand as a palace? Way-cool as a converted prison? An art-lover's paradise? Or cozy and comfortably lived-in? The hotel scene in Basel is definitely varied. But with its busy convention center offering a different trade fair most months, this is a city that prides itself on being especially business-friendly. Many hotels pamper their business clientele (a never-ending supply), with leisure travelers taking second place. Signs pointing to meeting rooms and business centers are often more prominent than any paintings on the wall. But don't write off the city's business-oriented hotels—these often drop their prices significantly on weekends and offer superb amenities.

Depending upon your taste and budget, you can find hotels ranging from historic grandes dames, with wonderful restaurants and lots of character, to original and artsy boutique properties, to basic cheap and cheerful places with few amenities. Many hotels offer a river view and a calm, relaxed, designer interior, and Swiss service is, more often than not, helpful and efficient.

When there's a trade fair in town, prices shoot through the roof, and every bed for miles can be filled. This is also true during Fasnacht, Art Basel, and many of the other festivals. Most hotels do not include breakfast in their rates, though it's almost always available for an extra fee. All Basel hotels equip their guests with free travel passes for use in the city during their stay.