Motel One Basel brings the brand’s well-known formula to one of the most expensive cities in Europe: well-designed, compact rooms, good beds, a stylish lobby and bar, and prices that are usually well below the big names. Motel One hotels do not try to be full-service resorts. There is no spa, no long restaurant menu and no big meeting centre, but the rooms are modern, quiet and clean, and the lobby lounge is a pleasant place to meet or work. In Basel, where hotel prices can be high, especially during fairs, that approach is attractive to solo travellers, couples and anyone who plans to spend their days outside. It is a sound, no-fuss option for sightseeing and for business visitors on a budget.
Location and getting around
The hotel is in the city, with Basel’s excellent tram network close at hand. From the centre you can reach the old town, the Münster, the Rhine promenade, the Kunstmuseum and the Messe by tram or on foot, and the main station, with trains to Zurich, Bern, Freiburg and Paris, is accessible without a taxi. Check the exact distance to the station and the old town for your route when you book.
Rooms
Motel One rooms are compact and carefully designed, with a comfortable bed, a rain shower, a desk or shelf, a flat-screen TV and free WiFi. They do not offer much space, so travellers with a lot of luggage should check the room type. Breakfast is normally an extra charge, and the lounge-style bar offers drinks and snacks. Facilities depend on the property, so check when you book what is included in your rate.
Who it suits
Solo travellers, couples on a budget, business guests and weekend sightseers who value design and a good night’s sleep over amenities. It is less suited to families who need larger rooms, to guests who want a spa or a restaurant on site, or to travellers who prefer an old-world atmosphere.
Good to know
Prices rise during the art fair and other major events, but Motel One often remains one of the cheaper options in the city. Basel is a border city with easy transport to France and Germany, which opens up day trips to Alsace and the Black Forest. Hotels in the region commonly provide a visitor card for public transport, so ask at check-in. Always read the cancellation terms before you pay.
Why stay here
- ✓Compact design-led rooms
- ✓Lounge-style bar
- ✓Central Basel location
- ✓Free WiFi
- ✓Rain showers
- ✓Tram network nearby
- ✓Good value for Switzerland
- ✓Check breakfast options when you book
Good questions
What is Motel One Basel like?+
It is a modern budget hotel with compact, stylish rooms and a lounge-style bar, aimed at travellers who want good value in Basel.
Does Motel One Basel have a restaurant?+
Motel One hotels focus on rooms and a lounge bar rather than a full restaurant. Check what is offered when you book.
Is Motel One a good choice during the art fair?+
It is often one of the cheaper options, but book early because all of Basel fills quickly.
