Krafft Basel

Krafft Basel is a small, characterful hotel on the Kleinbasel side of the Rhine, in an old building on the Rheingasse. It has a lot to recommend it, and the greatest is the view. From the riverside terrace and many of the rooms you look across the water to the Grossbasel bank, with the minster on its hill and the ferries crossing below. In summer the terrace is a gathering place for locals as well as guests, and the sunsets are memorable. Kleinbasel has a livelier, more informal character than the older side of the river. Streets are lined with cafes, bars and small restaurants, and the riverbank has sunbathing steps, buvettes and a promenade. The Mittlere Brucke leads straight to the old town in a few minutes walk, and the Museum Tinguely and the Messe are along the river.

Rooms are individually styled, with a mix of historic features and updated comforts, and sizes vary, so check what you are booking. Those facing the river command the highest rates and are worth considering for a special trip, while rooms at the back are quieter and often better value. Families should ask about larger rooms and connecting options.

The hotel has a restaurant known for a relaxed menu with Swiss and regional dishes, and a breakfast room with river views. In warm weather, tables on the terrace are in demand, so reserve ahead for dinner. The bar is a pleasant place for an evening drink, and the neighbourhood offers a wide choice of other places to eat.

The area is lively in the evenings, particularly in summer, so light sleepers should ask for a room away from the river terrace. During the carnival, the district around the Rheingasse sees a lot of activity, which is fun if you plan to take part, and noisy if you do not.

Transport links are good. Trams run along nearby streets, and the main station is a short tram ride away. The ferry landing is close, so you can cross to the old town in a few minutes, and the walk across the Mittlere Brucke is a highlight in itself. Hotel guests usually receive a mobility ticket for local transport, so confirm at check in.

This hotel suits couples and travellers who prefer atmosphere to size. It offers a more local feel than the large chains and a better view than most, at a price that is high for Switzerland but moderate for the setting.

Because the terrace and river rooms are the main attraction, the hotel is popular in summer and during the major events of the year. Book several months ahead for June to September, and consider a shoulder season stay in May or October, when the light is lovely, rates are lower and the terrace is still pleasant at midday.