Basel, SwitzerlandAltstadt Kleinbasel
Hotel Krafft Basel
Literary riverfront townhouse
Altstadt Kleinbasel Basel, Switzerland
Renovated
2006
Price
$$
Rated for
Heritage Classic LocalOutside the door
The house
Krafft GruppeLiterary riverfront townhouse
The 1873 inn feels like a lived-in literary residence, set right against the rushing Rhine and its pedestrian promenade.
What it’s good at
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Old-world details abound in the carefully preserved interiors, a heady compote of parquet flooring, restored tiles, original radiators, wainscoting, and chandeliers suffused with with gentle Swiss light.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
The Mittlere Brücke sits just steps away, connecting Kleinbasel's lively riverbank to the cobbled alleys across the Rhine.
The rooms
River-facing rooms look out toward the Münster, and some open onto arcade balconies directly above the water.
Restaurant Krafft
Market-driven French dishes are served beside tall arched windows, and tables spill onto the Rhine promenade outside.
How it began
In 1872, tavern keeper Ernst Krafft demolished three medieval tradesmen's houses along the bank to construct a purpose-built inn.
Basel
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Der Teufelhof Basel
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Volkshaus Basel
“Restored civic clubhouse”
The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.