Zum Spalenbrunnen

The free transport card, plus 50% off some attractions, was a great bonus. There are several bus and tram stops nearby. The place is pretty basic, but everything was clean and tidy. The woman who checked us in was very nice and helpful. Breakfast was pretty good, and I loved the coloured eggs. A bit expensive, though everything in Switzerland seems to be!

We could hear trams rumbling past even with the windows closed in our corner room, though there’s very little other traffic. There’s no air conditioning, but a fan, tea and coffee, and a fridge were provided. Central heating is available, but it wasn’t on. The carpets need renewing, although the rooms are otherwise large, comfortable, and clean. The location is great, close to the old town and university. Staff were friendly and helpful, and the attached Indian restaurant is very nice, if a little expensive, like much of Basel. It’s popular, so book ahead on Friday or Saturday. Good value for Basel.

We ended up calling Booking to cancel and book somewhere else. We’re also considering calling the police because things went way too far, and Booking will be taking action too. It’s sad, since this was our first time in Switzerland and we’d been looking forward to enjoying it. The manager was horrendous from the start for no reason. He refused to give us our room and made derogatory comments about our appearance. He showed no professionalism or manners, as if it were his first day in hospitality.

I read online that the hotel is bike friendly, and it is. There’s a large storage room behind the front desk that locks, so your bike can be kept safe. The rooms were clean, the area was good, the Indian restaurant was really good, and breakfast had a good spread. A perfectly lovely stay.