While it isn't the top of the line, Hotel Alexander does fine as a place the rest of us non-trust-funders can stay. My star rating is based on the experience not "official hotel class".
You can't beat the location: across the street from the exhibition hall, down the street from the theater district, and 1/4 mile from the river. With the central train hub at the next corner down, you're stopping in three countries in about 30 minutes.
That's if you even feel like leaving town. Walk down to the main road and pass five restaurants along the way, each unique. Then turn the corner for everything as you head toward the old bridge and old town.
Fall/winter/spring you're set without any A/C. You might get toasty in the summer. The back rooms get hot in the afternoon but at least it's cool at night. And points for allowing the windows to open all the way as you trust us not to fall out like big boys and girls.
Also points for hard-core room service daily. None of this "we're going to come every three days since we're charging you triple the room rate (but let us know if you need an extra wash cloth)". Speaking of that, what's the deal with no wash cloths or conditioner? However there was fresh everything daily whether you left the towel on the floor or hung it up. Nice.
I guess neutral points for having an elevator but since it was the size of a car trunk it meant sometimes you might as well take the stairs. The coffee was good in the Made in Italy maker so it made you forget the stairs.
Like (for some reason) all other Swiss outfits, heaven forbid you get a breakfast included in your room rate. No way, that'll be about 20 CHF minimum. At least I have my coffee.
I'll remember my stay fondly however and appreciate the Basel exposure. read more