Hotel Märthof, Basel, Switzerland
Neo-Baroque grandeur, Art Deco elegance, and one of Basel’s finest addresses on the Marktplatz
Why DNA Hotels Loves It
● A beautifully restored 1894 landmark where neo-baroque architecture meets elegant Art Deco-inspired interiors.
● Individually designed rooms combine historic character with contemporary comfort, many overlooking Basel’s vibrant Marktplatz.
● A lively restaurant, rooftop terrace, and unbeatable Old Town location place you at the very heart of the city’s cultural life.
The Grand Dame of the Marktplatz
Some hotels occupy a city. Hotel Märthof occupies its centre. Standing directly on Basel’s Marktplatz, opposite the striking red Rathaus, the building has been one of the city’s defining landmarks since 1894. Originally conceived as a grand neo-baroque hotel, it later spent much of the twentieth century as a beloved department store before being carefully returned to its original purpose. Today, the Märthof once again welcomes travelers—this time with the confidence of a grand hotel and the intimacy of a boutique address. It feels entirely at home on Basel’s most beautiful square.
History Without the Dust
The restoration is remarkably respectful. Burckhardt + Partner preserved the building’s architectural character while Iria Degen Interiors introduced a softer, more contemporary elegance inspired by the glamour of the 1920s. Brass detailing catches the light. Mosaic floors reference the building’s past. Sculptural lighting, bespoke furniture, rich fabrics, and carefully restored historical features create interiors that feel refined without becoming theatrical. The atmosphere is unmistakably historic. But never old-fashioned.
Rooms with Individual Character
Across 68 rooms and suites, individuality replaces repetition. Oak floors, warm textiles, custom furnishings, and beautifully integrated contemporary bathrooms create spaces that feel calm and personal rather than standardized. Some rooms enjoy charming bay windows or wrought-iron balconies overlooking the lively Marktplatz, while others reveal quieter corners of Basel’s Old Town. No room feels identical. Which suits a building with so much history. Rather than imposing a single design formula, the hotel allows each space to develop its own personality.
The City’s Living Room
At street level, Bohemia Restaurant & Bar has quickly become part of the rhythm of the square itself. Deep green velvet seating, polished brass, Art Deco references, and generous natural light create a space that remains lively throughout the day. Breakfast gradually gives way to lunch, afternoon coffee, evening cocktails, and long dinners shared by hotel guests and Basel locals alike. It never feels like a restaurant existing solely for the hotel. It feels like part of the neighbourhood. Exactly as it should.
Above the Rooftops
The rooftop terrace offers an entirely different perspective. Above the bustle of the Marktplatz, panoramic views stretch across Basel’s historic rooftops, church spires, and surrounding hills. It’s an ideal place to pause after a day spent wandering museums or exploring the Old Town, whether with a coffee in the afternoon or a cocktail as the sun disappears over the Rhine. A compact wellness area with sauna, steam room, and fitness facilities completes the experience without distracting from what remains the hotel’s greatest luxury: its extraordinary location.
The Best of Basel on Your Doorstep
Few hotels place you more naturally within the life of the city. Step outside and you’re immediately surrounded by Basel’s markets, cafés, boutiques, galleries, and centuries-old streets. The Kunstmuseum, Museum Tinguely, Fondation Beyeler connections, and the Rhine are all within easy walking distance, while Art Basel transforms the surrounding streets into one of the world’s most exciting cultural neighbourhoods each June. The hotel doesn’t simply overlook Basel. It participates in it.
Why It Works
Hotel Märthof succeeds because it understands that heritage hotels should continue evolving rather than simply preserving the past. Its magnificent neo-baroque architecture provides the foundation, while Art Deco-inspired interiors introduce warmth, elegance, and contemporary comfort without competing with the building itself. Add one of Basel’s most enviable locations, an excellent restaurant, and a rooftop overlooking the city’s historic skyline, and the result is a hotel that feels every bit as timeless as the square on which it stands.
