Hotel

Until 1392, Kleinbasel was an independent town with its own town hall at the right end of the Mittlere Brücke. Today, Café Spitz and the Hotel Merian are located at this very historic site—a place where Basel’s history has come alive for centuries.

With the merger of Kleinbasel and Grossbasel, the district lost its political independence. The former town hall became the so-called Richthaus and henceforth served as the seat of the city court. Café Spitz, named after the building’s distinctive pointed turret, became the headquarters of the three honorary societies and belonged to the Christoph Merian Foundation for a long time.

The current Hotel Merian was built between 1838 and 1840 by Amadeus Merian and developed into the shared social club of the honorary societies of Kleinbasel. Since then, it has stood for hospitality in a place with a special tradition.

The building underwent a major transformation in 1969 when a fire caused extensive damage. In the years that followed, the hotel was extensively renovated: the historic facades were preserved, while the interior was completely redesigned and stylishly inspired by the original architecture.

Today, the Hotel Merian combines historic charm with modern comfort—offering its guests a stay at one of Basel’s most significant locations, right on the Rhine.

In spring 2026, the Hotel Merian was given a fresh new look. With new rooms and a modern lounge and lobby area, the hotel now shines in new splendor.