Hotel Volkshaus Basel

The place

An ivory 1920s building in the heart of Basel. Behind the century-old facade, Herzog & de Meuron pared the interior down — the 45 rooms and suites keep to wooden furniture, terrazzo floors, and the essentials, little else.

The 70 sqm terrace suite is the one to ask about, its private terrace opening onto the city. Downstairs, the all-day Brasserie moves between the dining room and the idyllic courtyard, cooking classic market cuisine by the season. Imi Bar stays lively later, with cocktails and comforting bites.