Luxury and Sustainability at GAIA Hotel Basel, Switzerland

If luxury and sustainability are important to you when you travel, you’ll want to seek out GAIA Hotel Basel in Switzerland. The family-owned historic hotel has been operated by the Geyer family since 1929 – aging gracefully. 

I selected this 4-star hotel due to its convenient location to the SBB Basel railway station. We had been traveling by train from Amsterdam and wanted a nice place to stay before our Rhine River cruise. I’ll try not to gush about GAIA Hotel Basel, but there was absolutely nothing to complain about. The 86 room hotel began as two separate hotels, standing side by side as neighbors. Eventually, the staff house, along with both hotels, merged as one. In 2015 the hotel rebranded as GAIA (Mother Earth) Hotel with a focus on sustainability. 

You’ll note the remains of the Hotel Bristol in the original signage on the wall and the use of the historic breakfast hall, as the property is a protected monument. You’ll see for yourself why the hall is protected when you dine in the restaurant. More on breakfast below. 

Sustainability at GAIA Hotel Basel

While I don’t typically select my hotels based on sustainability, it always makes me feel better knowing that the hotel is going above and beyond with eco-friendly lodging. Indeed, Hotel GAIA is part of the responsible Hotels of Switzerland and Swiss-stainable level 3. Cleaning products are eco-friendly, the air conditioning system is ecology-minded and even the leftover bread from the restaurant is donated to the Basel zoo animals. 

I need not have worried about train noise during our three-night stay in Basel. While ideally located across from the train station, near public transport, Coop and Migros markets, the hotel presented an air of calm and elegance upon arrival. Being the chocoholic that I am, I immediately helped myself to the complimentary mini Swiss chocolate bars at the reception desk. 

While we spent the majority of our hotel time in our room, there were business and leisure travelers enjoying the property. There are four room categories at GAIA Hotel. From eco, to smart, gorgeous and awesome, there’s a room for every budget. We had a gorgeous junior suite. Our room, #201, had two separate bathrooms; one with a shower and the other with a bathtub. As my husband and I had been traveling together for 3 weeks, it felt very luxurious to each have our own bathroom. 

Another highlight of our hotel stay was the complimentary mini bar. It was re-stocked daily with beer, sparkling cider, sparkling water and still water. Our room included logo robes and slippers and offered plenty of natural light with large windows that opened, letting fresh air circulate in the room. 

Yet another perk of the hotel was the small spa area with sauna. We didn’t have time for a massage. We did appreciate the organic bath amenities. We found the same type of arrangement in our Baden Baden, Germany hotel. Spas with no charge are not a common sight in the United States. 

Room rates start at 158 CHF for an eco double. Smart rooms start at 209 CHF, gorgeous rooms, our category, begin at CHF 259 and awesome rooms start at CHF 359, depending on the season. Book your stay directly with the hotel, or go through a booking site such as Booking.com or Expedia.

GAIA Hotel Basel Dining

Breakfast is served daily from 6:30 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. in the historic dining hall. The complimentary breakfast, utilizing organic ingredients, included fresh squeezed juice, tea, coffee, cereal, cheeses and lunch meats. Additionally, eggs, sausage, pastries and yogurt were available. 

A bar, serving local beer and wine, using organic products, is on the first floor of the hotel. A small room service menu is available to guests. 

The hotel has elevators and 24-hour reception. On-site parking is available for an additional charge. The hotel is pet-friendly with a nominal nightly fee. GAIA Hotel Basel is one of the last family-owned hotels in Basel. I hope you have a chance to stay here. 

Basel Card for visitors

The Basel Card is a free guest card for every overnight hotel guest. There are a wealth of benefits to this card, including free use of public transport, free Wi-Fi at hotspots, 50% off museums, zoo and theater entrance, discount use of Guest Bike Basel, guided tours and more.

Finally, cruise passengers who do a pre or post cruise stay in Basel may travel for free from the EuroAirport in Basel to the city center to their hotel and afterwards to the cruise terminal. In case of any ticket controls before receiving the Basel Card at the check-in, the hotel confirmation may be shown as evidence. 

Review and photos of Luxury and Sustainability at Gaia Hotel Basel, Switzerland by Oregon Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown. She received a media rate during her stay while writing other articles. As always, all opinions are her own.