Hotel Metropol Basel

Hotel Metropol Basel sits just 200 metres from Basel SBB — a classic 4-star that has been open a long time and still holds its standard. It scores 8.8/10 on Booking.com across more than a thousand reviews, and guests keep coming back to the same two things: the excellent location and a breakfast that genuinely impresses. What has let Metropol hold its ground among newer arrivals is steady service and one clear selling point that's hard to match at this level in Basel.

Rooms and decor

Rooms are done in a classic style that can read a little dated next to newer hotels, but they're clean and reasonably spacious. Rates start around $205 a night, and most rooms come with a desk, a flat-screen TV, and free Wi-Fi. The furniture is well looked after, and while the design won't excite anyone, it has the dependable feel of an older European hotel. Two things to watch: the air-conditioning, which some reviews say doesn't cool enough in summer, and the thin walls that carry sound from the next room or the corridor. If you sleep lightly, ask for a higher floor to cut the street noise.

Food and amenities

The best thing here is the top-floor breakfast room — a continental buffet with unlimited cappuccino, seasonal fresh fruit, good cheese and cold cuts, several fresh-baked breads, and eggs cooked to order, all eaten while you look out over the Basel skyline in the morning. A lot of reviews single this out as the highlight of the whole stay. Every room also includes a free BaselCard for public transport throughout your stay, plus discounts at museums and attractions across the city.

Location and getting there

The 3-minute walk to Basel SBB makes Metropol a strong pick if you're connecting onward to other cities, and several tram lines stop right by the station, putting Marktplatz, the Kunstmuseum, and the Rhine riverfront within easy reach. The streets around the hotel have restaurants, cafes, and a supermarket inside a 5-minute walk. For anyone with meetings or heading to Messe Basel during Art Basel or another trade fair, this location is very convenient.

Things to know before booking

Two honest caveats. The AC underpowers in summer, so some rooms stay warm even with the windows open — and opening them swaps the heat for road noise. The walls are thin, and more than a few guests hear neighbours and the corridor, so light sleepers should request a higher floor away from the street. The decor is also showing its age compared with newer eco and design hotels nearby. None of these are dealbreakers, but they're worth weighing before you book.

Our take

Metropol works for business travellers and couples who want a convenient base, a fair price, and a breakfast that actually delivers. That rooftop spread is the experience that sets the morning apart and makes starting your day in Basel feel different. If the noise and AC notes aren't your main concern, this is a solid-value choice right next to Basel SBB.