The DNA: Basel may not be known for its boutique hotel offerings, but this has changed with the opening of the 67-room Nomad, owned by the same design-conscious minds as the cult-favourite Hotel Krafft. The new hotel spreads across two buildings; the front house – which was the city’s first apartment building in the 50s – and a new loft-like structure in the former courtyard, designed by local architecture practice Buchner Bründler. Inside, design outfit Grego has tempered the the stark concrete walls with over 1,500 sq metres of kilim (a woven wool fabric), which has been used as carpeting, furniture upholstery and even shrouds the sound-absorbent ceiling panes. Produced by Swedish textile experts Kinnasand, its contemporary designs stand in harmonious contrast to a centuries-old weaving technique. Complimenting the bold textures and colours, are bespoke furnishings in oak and leather, by Swiss designer This Weber, while playful details such as desk lamps in the shape of globes and the occasional floral-patterned cushion adds a dash of warmth and liveability. At the heart of the hotel is the Eatery, which is divided into a classic dining area with turquoise leather seating, and a backroom with a ‘cushion landscape’ underneath a large skylight. The menu by chef Roger Willimann draws inspiration from ‘places which the urban nomad enjoyed on his travels’, and includes such comforting delights as Vietnamese Pho Ga, Bismarck hering and falafel with hummus.

Seen: archilovers, Top Hotel Design, Wallpaper*

✅ free Wi-Fi • size matters: 65 rooms & suites (22-55m2) (237-592 sq ft) • hotel opened: January 2016 • architecture: Buchner Bründler • interior design: GRECO • on-site parking (charged) • pets allowed on request • wheelchair accessible