ART HOUSE Basel Part II
I have first visited the ART HOUSE last August, and eight months later, I had the chance to return for the last week of April 2021. The Hotel opened its doors during the first wave of the Covid pandemic in May 2020. As in any new opening, a period of readjustments, realignment and fine-tuning is needed. A few things have changed since my last visit, in my opinion, for the better. The team continues being how I remembered, though: young, dynamic, fun, authentic—a promise for good laughs and “part of the tribe” feelings.
The main change worth mentioning is at the restaurant: new art, new furniture, new setting and new menu. A big black table in the middle, widening the space and hoping for a corona-free time soon, to share the delicious meals prepared and interact with the neighbouring parties of individuals. A lounge area with comfy sofas to enjoy a cosy morning or afternoon coffee accompanied by an inspiring book or great company. In the evening, the perfect spot for an intimate aperitif. In the back corner, a private space with provocative art can be separated from the main hall with a curtain or included in it. An urban, stylish, artsy, multi-use ambience, which in the evening is extended to the bar and terrace outside, immersed in one of the outgoing streets of Basel. The food? Continuous outstanding. With a few menu adjustments but an offer for every taste remains: vegetarians, pescatarian and meat-lover will find something to share or enjoy the plate solo (if you’re like Joey, who doesn’t share food 😅). The breakfast has also been slightly adapted, with Sunday specials including pancakes and avo toast 🤤
The Mirador rooftop bar changed slightly, but the core remains. A more private, intimate bar accessible only to Hotel guests or Mirador Members, where edgy drinks are prepared in a cool surrounding with a view over the city. The artist lounge compasses a separate room with vinyl disks and comfy vibes.
The rooms remain the same (their hästens bed continues to be outstanding), with a small colourful detail added: snug covers by Ezcaray, hand-made in Spain. The lounge located on the first floor has been finished and is an excellent place to relax or wait for your friends or partners while they finish getting ready ;)
Unlike last time, during my stay last week, I had the chance to get to know a bit of Basel. Antoine and Chen (the young souls running the show) recommended me a few of the spots. Foundation Beyeler (with its current installation LIFE of the talented Olafur Eliasson - worth visiting during the day and evening), Klybeck (as Antoine put it, a “Berlin” side of the city, by the river, close to the port), Münsterplatz (including the church courtyard, the view and the wide square itself, where the “Tree Connections” art installation by Klaus Littmann is to be seen until July 11) are a few of the places to visit. The day I went out to explore the weather was stunning, spring flourishing, with people laying in the sun, reading their books by the river, meeting good friends at the coffee places’ terraces and riding their bikes and skates. A chilled, easy-going vibe with super friendly individuals. The place to be.
I am already looking forward to returning to this unique place and revisiting the inspiring individuals that work there (and, of course, continue exploring the gems that Basel has to offer).
