Hotel.D Basel: Urban Design in the Old Town

Hotel Interior Design

Over the years, I have realised that regardless of the number of stars, what I value the most in a hotel is design, comfort and location. And that’s exactly what I found at the Hotel.D Basel.

Having worked in the luxury hotel industry around the globe for many years during my first career, I was lucky enough to experience some of the most magnificent and sought after hotels. Most of these hotels were 5-star properties. However, every now and then you come across a hotel with 4 stars or less that surprises you.

Since I am currently working on some interior design projects in and around Basel, I regularly visit my hometown. I usually stay with family and friends, however, on my most recent trip, I decided to make use of an open invitation at the Hotel.D Basel. It was my first time staying at a hotel in Basel and I really liked it! Even though my agenda was filled with meetings, I somehow got to experience Basel like a visitor.

impressions-of-basel

Photo Credit: Tracy Crevar Warren of Hallo Foto Basel

Basel, referred to as a pocket size metropolis by the Basel Tourism board, is the third largest city in Switzerland and sits on the border of France and Germany. The medieval old town is home to the Münster Cathedral standing high above the Rhine River and is dotted with old guilds and residential buildings dating back to the 12th century. 17th century buildings, such as the City Hall, some arguably less attractive mid-century structures and ultra modern architecture by Basel’s own star architects Herzog & de Meuron complete the appearance of the city of Basel. Add a wide range of art and history museums, ART Basel (the world’s most famous art show) and Basel World (the number 1 watch and jewellery fair) to the mix and the city truly lives up to its slogan ‘Culture unlimited.’

Photography: courtesy of Hotel.D

Photography: courtesy of Hotel.D

The Hotel.D Basel, a member of the Diana Hotels & Residences group, is centrally located between the old town and the Rhine River. ‘Welcoming’ was the first thing that popped into my mind as I walked through the doors of the Hotel.D. It strangely felt like home away from home. As you enter the small boutique hotel with its 48 rooms and suites, you’ll walk straight into the reception and lounge area. The lounge is modern and quite minimalistic, yet looks very cozy and inviting. The use of woods and the warm colour palette certainly help create that look. To the back of the lounge you’ll find the breakfast area, where I enjoyed a generous breakfast the next two mornings. Again the interiors continue with the use of warm colours and mid-tone woods.

Photography: courtesy of Hotel.D and snapshot of Global Inspirations Design

Photography: courtesy of Hotel.D and Global Inspirations Design

My room (Executive category) was of generous dimensions, featuring dark wooden floors, wallpaper on the ceiling (!) and a large floor to ceiling window with stunning views overlooking the roof tops of Basel. As someone who loves fresh air, I particularly appreciated the fact that one of the windows can be opened. Framed black and white photographs of Basel and its traditions, such as the Carnival decorate the walls and add a bit of sense of place to the room. To ensure a comfortable stay, the room is also equipped with a working area, the standard mod-cons of modern hotels and free WIFI.

hotel-d_bathroom

Photography: courtesy of Hotel.D and Global Inspirations Design

The bathroom oozes a sense of wellbeing with its mosaic tiles shimmering in the colours of the rainbow, reminding me of the Rhine River at sunset. A fluffy bathrobe, slippers and some lovely L’Occitane en Provence toiletries were also waiting for me.

Photography: courtesy of Hotel.D

Photography: courtesy of Hotel.D

If you need to escape the outside world for a while you will also find a gym and a small wellness area with a sauna and shower. Golden shimmering mosaics, natural wood and dimmed lighting create a very intimate and relaxing atmosphere.

Compared to some of the hotels I have recently stayed at, the Hotel.D Basel is not a destination hotel. However, it’s an ideal base for visiting Basel, whether on business or leisure, because it feels a bit like coming home after a long day…

Warm regards,

Simone xx

P.S. When booking a room at the Hotel.D Basel, I recommend you opt for an Executive Room (or hope for a free upgrade) and do ask for a room on the upper floors 😉

www.hoteld.ch

Photography:

Courtesy of Hotel.D
Simone Aïda Baur
Tracy Crevar Warren of Hallo Foto

Note: This blog post was created in collaboration with the hotel (press trip).

About the Author

Interior Designer and Blogger

Welcome to Global Inspirations Design’s Blog!

I’m Simone Aïda Baur and I invite you to embark on a design journey with me. My blog is your passport to global inspirations and where I share my passion and discoveries from the world of interior design.

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