3 Best Hotels in Kleinbasel, Basel

Built in 1925, this office building turned boutique hotel was renovated with art and design in mind, while still preserving the spirit of its past. Renowned architects Herzog & de Meuron successfully created “The People’s House,” with swanky spaces to bring people together: The courtyard, Imi Bar, the Brasserie, and concert venue have turned it into Basel’s newest hot spot. Beyond the signature green hallways are guest rooms in hues of gray and beige adorned with Swiss furnishings and fabrics designed exclusively for Volkshaus. Modern and minimal, rooms still pay tribute to the past in the original windows, terrazzo flooring, and freestanding wash basins with antique faucets. While this may be a four-star hotel, don’t expect spa facilities, a business center, or even in-room coffee or irons. Instead, management has thought outside the room with communal ironing rooms and beverage stations on every floor. Breakfast is served in the attached Imi Bar where you can spot attention to detail in the hand-blown pendant lamps, the zinc bar top, and stained-glass windows created by German artist Imi Knoebel, for whom the bar is named.

Less is definitely more at the easyHotel, where guest rooms are compact, minimalist, and decorated with up-to-date (though basic) decor and vivid colors. Some rooms are windowless—these are snapped up by bargain-hunting travelers—but be aware that the hotel has no air-conditioning, so not being able to crack open a window can be an issue during hot nights. Though there's no lobby to speak of, there is a downstairs lounge area where you can hang out or grab a snack from a vending machine. There's also a late-night restaurant right next door.

In an elegant waterfront mansion, the art deco Krafft has a can't-get-any-better location that makes it perfect for people-watching; the building is open and airy, and comfortable guest rooms have wood floors and are simply furnished with Swiss designer furniture. Two rooftop suites offer riverside balconies. The traditional, highly rated dining room and ever-popular waterfront terrace provide spectacular views of the Old Town. The Consum Residence, across the street, is where you'll find additional rooms as well as a trendy wine-and-cheese bar.