Hotel Märthof Basel: Where Neo-Baroque Grandeur Meets Art Deco Chic
A historic landmark reborn as Basel’s most stylish retreat
A Heritage Reimagined
Standing proudly on Basel’s Marktplatz, just opposite the city’s iconic red Town Hall, Hotel Märthof is a masterpiece of reinvention. First opened in 1894 as a neo-baroque showpiece, the building has lived many lives—most notably as a popular department store during the 20th century—before its recent rebirth as a boutique hotel. The transformation, led by Burckhardt + Partner architects, is a lesson in architectural sensitivity: restoring original details while layering in the sophistication of Art Deco glamour. Inside, Iria Degen Interiors has crafted a world of quiet elegance. Polished brass accents, bespoke furniture, mosaic flooring, and soft 1920s-inspired lighting create interiors that feel cinematic yet inviting. It’s a hotel that wears its history with grace, while never feeling stuck in the past.
Design-Forward Accommodations
With 68 rooms and suites, no two stays at Märthof feel the same. Each room celebrates individuality, blending light oak floors with warm textiles, playful decorative touches, and open-plan bathrooms that give a contemporary edge. The suites are especially characterful: some boast bay windows and wrought-iron balconies with sweeping views over Marktplatz, others carry whimsical nods to Basel’s artistic energy. What unites them all is a sense of tailored comfort and timeless style.
Bohemia: The Beating Heart
At the center of the hotel’s social life is Bohemia Restaurant & Bar, a vibrant space that channels the exuberance of the 1920s. Forest green velvet seating, gleaming brass fixtures, and Art Deco mosaics set the scene for a menu that is as diverse as it is delicious. From breakfast spreads to long, leisurely dinners, the kitchen plays confidently with both classic dishes and modern culinary ideas. By night, the bar comes alive—its golden glow spilling onto the square, drawing locals and travelers alike.
Wellness Above the Rooftops
After a day of exploring Basel’s rich cultural layers, Märthof invites guests to unwind. The wellness area features a sauna, steam room, and a compact but well-equipped gym. But the true highlight is the rooftop terrace—a serene urban escape with panoramic views over Basel’s Altstadt and the rolling hills beyond. It’s the perfect perch for a sunset cocktail, watching the city transform from day to night.
Basel at Your Doorstep
Few hotels place you more squarely in Basel’s cultural flow. From Märthof, the city’s most celebrated museums—the Kunstmuseum, Fondation Beyeler, and Tinguely Museum—are within easy reach, as are the boutiques, galleries, and bustling market stalls of the old town. Whether you’re here for Art Basel, the world’s premier art fair, or simply to soak in the city’s layered history, Märthof is both a gateway and a grounding point.
DNA Hotels Verdict
Hotel Märthof Basel is a boutique gem that balances heritage and hedonism in equal measure. By honoring its neo-baroque bones while infusing Art Deco chic, it has become one of Basel’s most stylish addresses. For design lovers, culture seekers, and travelers who appreciate hotels with a true sense of place, Märthof is not just where you stay—it’s where you experience Basel at its most atmospheric.
