Hotel Spalentor Basel

The Hotel Spalentor Basel is a small-scale property with a friendly staff and contemporary decor. The former student residence, which underwent renovations as recently as 2015, is situated in a five-story gray-and-cream building directly across from the castle-like Spalentor gate. Cream-colored walls, wood furnishings, and damask wallpaper accents are common decor elements. Guests enter the hotel to face a wood reception desk, where a tiered tray offers fresh fruit for the taking. To the right of the reception desk, a small bar sits between lounge spaces with upholstered armchairs, offering cozy spots to enjoy the hotel's free welcome drink. Guests are split almost equally between business and leisure travelers, the latter of which include families and guests departing on nearby river cruises. 

The hotel is situated in a quiet residential area across the street from the historic Spalentor gate and near the Botanical Gardens. Eateries and sights are just a few minutes' walk away, while the heart of Old Town, with its cafes, restaurants, and shops, can be reached in eight minutes or less on foot. Münster Cathedral is about a 15-minute walk. The hotel offers guests a free bus and tram pass, which includes stops at the airport and train station. The closest tram and bus stop is right across the street from the hotel, a one-minute walk. Bahnhof Basel SBB Basel, the central train station, can be reached in about six minutes via public transit, Badischer Bahnhof and Basel Congress Center in 15 minutes, and Basel-Mulhouse Airport in 20. The hotel has limited parking (some on-site, some at a parking garage a few minute's walk from the hotel), but both cost extra fees. Bike rentals are also free through the hotel, on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Rooms are comfortable and modern thanks in part to 2012 renovations. Wood floors, soft yellow walls, and dark wood furniture are contemporary and clean, if somewhat functional and devoid of color. All rooms have roomy desks, sitting areas with rocking armchairs, and headboards with gooseneck reading lights. Bathrooms, which were renovated more recently in 2015, tend to be well-sized, with white tiled walls, chrome fixtures, and combination showers and tubs. 

Along with decor, amenities are also modern and reflect the hotel's four-pearl status: Minibars stocked with drinks and snacks, wine and drink glasses, coffeemakers, 27-inch flat-screen TVs with international channels and DVD players, smartphone docking stations, AC, and free Wi-Fi all come standard. Bathrooms are equipped with hairdryers, bathrobes, slippers, scales, magnifying mirrors, and a combination of in-shower toiletry dispensers and individual toiletries. 

Room categories include Standard, Comfort, and Deluxe Rooms as well as Junior Suites. Some upgraded rooms add balconies or sofa beds, along with extra space. Rooms start at a reasonable 236 square feet, while Junior Suite is 355 square feet. Most rooms face the street (though guests find them well insulated against exterior noise), while a few face the courtyard or Spalentor gate. 

Hotel Spalentor delivers some nice extra features for a small-scale property. While there's no full-service restaurant, the hotel serves a daily breakfast in a wood-beamed fifth-story attic room with views of Spalentor gate. There are continental options like cheese, yogurt, and bread, and hot options like bacon and eggs. Guests can choose to book the room with or without breakfast included. The lobby features lounge space and a small but nicely stocked bar serving coffee, cocktails, and wine. In the spring and summer, guests can also choose to lounge in the garden outside. Free welcome drinks are doled out to arriving guests, and fresh fruit is available for free in the lobby.

The basement-level gym is small but clean with modern weight-lifting and cardio machines, including a treadmill and elliptical -- but there's no spa or pool. Next to the gym is a small game room with pool, foosball, darts, and a small children's play area. For guests traveling with children, cribs and high chairs are also available. Guests are offered free public transit passes (buses go to both the airport and train stations) and four bikes that are free to borrow. There's limited on- and off-site parking, but it costs an extra fee. Staff are friendly, helpful, and multilingual; reception is open until late, though not 24 hours. Small dogs and cats are allowed for an extra fee. The hotel also has a meeting room and Wi-Fi is free throughout.