Nomad Design & Lifestyle Hotel

Switzerland holds fast to its traditions — lucky for us, among those traditions is a rich, deep vein of pure modernism. Basel’s Nomad Hotel makes its home in a classic 1950s apartment block, the first ever constructed in the city, whose distinctive concrete facade has been preserved, as well as a contemporary addition, purpose-built for the hotel project. And the interiors take off from there, using the raw concrete as a backdrop for a look that’s surprisingly warm, with vibrant pops of color and clean-lined, modernist-inspired furniture by local designer This Weber.

If it’s not quite the sort of presidential-suite luxury on offer in Basel’s traditional business hotels, there’s still plenty of comfort and convenience to be had. The furniture is thoughtful and well-designed, the electronics are fully up to date, and you’ll have a digital press reader with access to thousands of newspapers and magazines, a considerable step up from the typical daily paper outside your door. Meanwhile, downstairs, the Eatery serves a variety of purposes, from casual drinks and quick bites to a proper restaurant dinner. If it’s a bit familiar, maybe it’s because you already know the sister hotel, Krafft Basel — or, if you don’t, then you can consider yourself duly informed.