Pullman Basel

Having previously stayed at the Swissotel Basel and found it just about ok, we decided on our next visit to the city to stay at the recently renovated Pullman instead. Situated on Clarastrasse near the red-light district and the convention centre, the Pullman is mainly a business hotel. However, the area is safe (especially during the day) and the hotel is within walking distance of the old town, so leisure travellers shouldn't be put off, especially as some of the rooms have a balcony.

Having booked a Deluxe room, we were hopeful of an upgrade to a Junior Suite or Terrace room, courtesy of our Accor Platinum status. Unfortunately, the hotel was fully sold so no upgrades were available. We were grateful that our second night booked in a standard Classic room was upgraded to Deluxe room though, so we didn't have to move after the first night. Check-in was swift and we were provided with the complimentary public transport pass provided by all Basel hotels and a coupon for a welcome drink at the bar (platinum perk). In fact, as we had two back-to-back reservations, we were provided with two vouchers, each for two drinks!

Deluxe Room

At around 30 square metres, the Deluxe rooms are around 50% larger than the Classic rooms and well worth the extra space. We were delighted by the presence of a Platinum welcome gift (we rarely receive one at Accor properties) which consisted of some dark chocolate covered nuts and bottled water. We were also pleasantly surprised by the presence of a Nespresso machine and the general ambience of the room - ok, this isn't a luxury option, but it was very comfortable and definitely better than the Swissotel. Complimentary internet for all had a strange log-in process through the TV but was fast enough for everyday internet usage (we didn't try streaming). Worth noting for animal lovers is that the hotel allows cats or small dogs in the room, subject to a small fee.

Regular readers will know that Mrs d2t is not a fan of the shower-over-bath, so she was relieved to find a modern wet-room style bathroom - the toiletries (by C.O.Bigelow) are described in detail on the hotel's website, but were nothing special. 

Overall Impression

The Pullman is a solid choice in Basel and probably the best option in town, unless you can run to Les Trois Rois, a member of Leading Hotels of the World. Service was good and our Platinum status was recognised, with both welcome drinks and an amenity provided. Unless you are on an expense account, we wouldn't bother with the breakfast - this was nothing special and there are plenty of bakeries in the area where you can grab a bread roll and a coffee. The Co-Op is next door to the hotel - very convenient for buying an in-room picnic or any basics you may have forgotten. Bear in mind that Classic rooms are on the small side, thus it may be worth upgrading to a Deluxe room or Junior Suite. The hotel isn't exciting but provides slightly more than expected for a 4* business hotel.