Bâlehoo

OK. Enough with the hotel roundups. I’ve finally moved into my ugly little furnished apartment – or as I have quickly come to call it, my Smoking Cell (and yes sometimes I replace that “c” with an “h”).  Not only was there a miscommunication about the concept of “furnished” that has resulted in me needing to hunt down a TV and all kitchen items, there is an added surprise:  a steady stream of cigarette smoke is seeping in from the apartment downstairs.

Everything reeks: my towels, clothes and hair smell like smoke – hell, even my food is sadly reminiscent of my childhood favorites, the Smokie Links.  Plus my throat aches and my sinuses are throbbing.

So now I am on the hunt for a) duct tape b) air purifier and c) an entire kitchen’s worth of supplies.

Four months can’t go by fast enough.

Things have been busy since I arrived back in town, and finding a nice hotel was the last thing I wanted to add to my plate. After just one night (and one centipede on the rug) at the Hotel Basilisk, I cracked and did the only thing a slightly spoiled and entitled American girl can do in these situations. I asked the concierge.

Not at the Basilisk mind you. Instead I contacted the Hotel au Violon and, upon learning they had no availability, received several recommended alternatives - including the Hotel Steinenschanze. Hooray!

The Hotel Steinenschanze is a breath of fresh air.

Conveniently located on the Steinengraben just 5 minutes walking distance to Heuwaage, Barfusserplatz and the SBB, the hotel rooms have a vaguely IKEA aesthetic with cheery bold-striped curtains and matching free-floating schranks (wardrobes). The striped theme is echoed in more subtle fashion in the horizonal bleached wood on the walls.  The red-painted floors were a refreshing surprise and contrasted nicely with the crispy white bedding. The bathroom was small and plain, but the adjustable water pressure was so strong it could skin a cat (a huge plus in my book).

Although not large, the room I had used space efficiently, and, like the Hotel Wettstein, WiFi access was included in the room rate (150 CHF single, 190 CHF double).

The public spaces are this hotel’s true gem. An adorable restaurant area was the location for a hearty breakfast buffet of meats, cheeses, pastries, soft-boiled eggs, vegetables, sausages and more.  There is also a charming outdoor garden area with stylish tables, chairs and a zen-like reflecting pool with fountain.

Just before entering the restaurant area you’ll find another sitting area with streamlined lounge chairs. This the location of the “Welcome Drinks” – my favorite feature of this hotel. Each evening, guests are invited to enjoy a complimentary glass of wine, hot tea or a Nespresso coffee.   It is a “serve yourself” situation and I did so with gusto.

The hotel staff is friendly albeit a little reserved. However, you’ll definitely warm up to this hotel’s ethics – proceeds from the hotel are the primary support for a charitable organization called COMPAGNA that according to the hotel website “helps people in Basel in difficult life situations”, including support for the elderly and disabled and counseling for troubled women.
Hotel Garni Steinenschanze
Steinengraben 69
CH-4051 Basel
Telephone +41 61 272 53 53
Fax +41 61 272 45 73
www.steinenschanze.ch

Photo is from Hotel Steinenschanze website