Steinenschanze Charming City & Garden Hotel

The room at the very top floor was a good size with a standard double bed and a balcony large enough to have a chair to relax in. It also had a separate en-suite bathroom which was a good size with very modern furnishings - the shower water pressure was one of the best experienced over several decades of travelling on business; and a simple joy. Not all rooms had separate bathrooms though - my colleague’s room had the wash basin and shower cubicle within the bedroom space. The hotel is located only a short walk from many bars and restaurants with trams near by and bus stops outside the hotel so was an ideally located. It’s 3 minutes to the Basel SBB train station by bus and from there, 20 minutes by bus to the airport.

We didn't eat meals there but did get a free "welcome" drink which was nice, and they had a decently stocked bar area and some seating in their lobby. They have a very nice courtyard area that we sat in on our last day. Nice seating choices and a pond with running water which is always a nice touch, in my opinion. The staff who greeted us were very friendly, and hooked us up with a card which gave us 50% off discount for the city bus tour and free transit rides so all we had to do was walk across the street to catch the bus, and then transfer to the train.

From the moment we arrived the staff were helpful and friendly all through to checkout. An amazing spread at breakfast and little touches like bathrobes, slippers and a turntable with records in the room make it feel more than the 3 star it has on the front. Even the "small charming room" was plenty spacious for three nights. Location for trams, restaurants and shops was perfect eve. With the steps up and down to the town.

Room was comfortable and cheerful, good closet spaces, breakfast was very good, and the location to old town was perfect. But the real difference was the staff. They could not have been more helpful and friendly, especially Elmira and the lovely man who worked with her. First the welcome drink with snacks, good maps, and best was the Free BaselCard - AND the bus stop was right in front of the hotel which takes you directly to the train station where you can pick up a tram and go anywhere any direction, great for getting out of the city.

It’s all the little touches that made this hotel so special. They’ve really thought through what a traveller might need in their room and added a few surprises. Such as a turntable and there were 2 of my favourite albums in the small collection provided! Sparkling water on tap in the downstairs bar. Duvet selection service. External motorised blinds to keep the room dark/cool. Good shower pressure. They were able to swap my room for one on the other side of the building away from the busy road (my original room was well soundproofed so the traffic noise was faint but there). My room was very quiet and peaceful