Art House Basel: New design hotel as art hotspot in the old town of Basel

In the pedestrian zone Steinenvorstadt – in the middle of the old town of Basel – a new hotspot for creative people and art enthusiasts has opened in the summer: The Art House Basel has 33 design rooms and suites, a rooftop bar, a restaurant and versatile exhibition areas. What makes the boutique hotel special, however, is its concept as a meeting place for artists and globetrotters.

The six-story, step-like new building with its window fronts and terraces was designed by the local architects Diener & Diener. The interior design by Andrea Caputo and Salomé Fäh relies on a combination of natural materials, subtle Japanese influences and urban street art from the Colab Gallery in Weil am Rhein. The close partnership with the gallery is also evident in art tours and changing exhibitions – especially with up-and-coming street art artists.

The rooms and suites, ranging in size from 17 to 42 square meters, serve as exhibition space for photographs by Luca Gabino. They are furnished with furniture and beds by Hästens, specially designed by Andrea Caputo Milano – rounded off with wood and white Lasa marble. The Japanese undertones can be seen, among other things, in authentic Shoji style sliding doors in oak between the sleeping area and the bathroom.

Some of the rooms have terraces or floor-to-ceiling window fronts, while the excellent sound insulation keeps the hustle and bustle of the trendy neighborhood away. The restaurant “Souvenir by Art House Basel” on the first floor serves local and national classics – such as dumplings, alpine salmon and schnitzel. In addition, guests are invited to bring their own recipes, which are sometimes even included in the regularly changing menu.

The “Mirador Rooftop Bar” on the sixth floor is reserved for hotel guests. Here, in a quiet atmosphere, they can enjoy creative cocktails, exquisite wines and spirits on the outdoor terraces with a view of the Elisabethenkirche and Basel Cathedral. From the Art House Basel, not only numerous opportunities for going out and entertainment are within easy walking distance, but also the Art Museum, the City Hall, the Natural History Museum and the Museum of Cultures are nearby.

Click here for the Art House Basel website