Sorell Hotel Merian stands at the Kleinbasel end of the Mittlere Brucke, on the Rheingasse, with a terrace facing the Rhine. It is a mid range hotel with a good deal of charm and a very strong location, only a minute from the bridge and a few steps from the ferries and the riverside promenades. The Grossbasel side, with the old town, the Marktplatz and the minster, is reached by a short walk across the bridge. Kleinbasel is a lively part of the city, with a mix of bars, cafes and small restaurants, and a village feel in the lanes behind the river. The hotel is on the quieter side of the district, but evenings can be busy in summer, when locals gather on the banks.
Rooms are modern and comfortable, with a clean, contemporary look, and some have views of the river and the minster. Standard rooms are on the small side, so if you want space, look at the larger categories. Bathrooms are updated, and there is air conditioning in most rooms. Ask for a room facing the Rhine if the view matters, and a room at the rear if you want a quiet night.
The hotel has a restaurant with a river terrace, which is a delightful place for lunch or dinner in good weather, and a breakfast room serving a generous buffet. The menu focuses on Swiss and regional cooking, with a few lighter and vegetarian choices. Staff are friendly and well informed about the city.
Transport is easy. Trams stop nearby on the Kleinbasel side, and the main station is a short ride away. The Museum Tinguely and the Messe are reachable by tram or on foot along the Rhine, and the old town is a few minutes across the bridge. Hotel guests generally receive a mobility ticket for free local transport, so ask at check in.
This hotel suits couples, solo travellers and anyone who wants river views without the cost of the top end hotels. During Fasnacht and the Christmas season, the area is busy and rooms are in demand, so book well in advance and plan for some street noise.
In short, it offers a very good location, pleasant rooms and a lovely terrace at a price below the luxury options nearby. If you can get a room with a view, it is one of the best value stays on the Rhine.
Consider timing your stay around the river season. In summer evenings, the terrace is packed, and you can watch swimmers drift past with their dry bags, while in winter the view of the minster in the mist is just as memorable. Book a river view room as early as you can, since they are the first to go.
Why stay here
- ✓Rhine terrace restaurant
- ✓River view rooms
- ✓Breakfast buffet
- ✓Air-conditioned rooms
- ✓Walk to Mittlere Brucke
- ✓Tram stops nearby
- ✓Wi-Fi
- ✓Lift access
Good questions
Is the hotel on the Rhine?+
Yes. It stands at the Kleinbasel end of the Mittlere Brucke, with a terrace facing the river.
How do I get to the old town?+
Walk across the Mittlere Brucke, which takes a few minutes, or take a ferry.
Are river view rooms available?+
Yes, in some categories. Ask when you book, as they are in demand in summer.
