If you are visiting Basel during the Christmas market the Motel One could not be any closer to the Market. Literally it is right outside the doors of the hotel. That being said, trying to haul your luggage thru the market can be a challenge, but that's no fault of the hotel.
Arrived on a Saturday, late afternoon, at the peak of the market. So of course winding our way thru the Christmas market crowds to the hotel was a challenge. Once inside the doors, it wasn't immediately clear where reception was, as it's on the opposite side of the large room as the doors. Check-in was a breeze. We had to pre-pay our entire stay at check-in. Other than that, check-in was seamless.
Once we got to the room, we found a very basic, and fairly small room. There is a Bed, a desk with a chair, another chair to lounge in and a lamp at the desk. Furnishings are minimal. However it's all functional. The bathroom is small, by North American standards, but again, minimal and totally functional.
The bed was firm but very comfortable to sleep on, and the individual duvet was fantastic.
We didn't eat in the lobby restaurant, but did order drinks, our server had initially forgotten our drinks and when he came by a second time, he was incredibly apologetic and was swearing to himself in German which was rather comical.
Overall, Motel One Basel is clean and modern. Rooms are small, but are very well sound-proofed as we didn't hear any other guest or noise in the room. The staff were excellent, and very helpful. For access to the Christmas market, you can't go wrong with the location. Value for money on this place is unbeatable ! read more