This is my first time staying at this hotel, which I think used to be a Swissotel before.

Location

The hotel is quite well situated, on the North side of the Rhein river, right opposite the Messe, which is the convention center where all the big events take place in Basel. It's easily accessible via public transport. There are 4 regular tram lines that go throuhg Messeplatz, of which number 2 will take you to either Basel SBB (main station on the Swiss side) or Basel Badischer Bahnhof (Basel station on the German/Swiss side). It's actually faster if you get off at that second station if you're coming from Germany. If you're coming from Switzerland, then the Swiss station would be easier. That stop is also served by 2 "rush hour" lines, which only operate during weekdays for commuters. More details here https://www.bvb.ch/en/fahrplan/liniennetz/ 

The tram lines will take you to the old town through Claraplatz or the main station through Wettsteinplatz. You just need to cross the road to get to the tram stops.

Can't beat this location unless you really want to stay in the old town but you won't find any big hotels there. I stayed onec at the MotelOne and that was smack in the middle of it.

Check In

I used the online check-in feature on the app 48h prior to the day of arrival. About 24h before check-in, I could see that I was upgraded from a Superior King (this is their standard room type) to a Club Room King. That's a 2 step upgrade I would say, as they have Deluxe rooms in-between.

The upgrade held up to check-in. The room was ready already at 10AM as I was notified by the app so I could check-in earlier at 1PM. Late check-out requested at 3PM was also confirmed via the app. I'm a Plat member.

Friendly front desk agent, efficient and quick. You get a Basel Card, which gets you free public transport during your stay as well as some discounts on museums and activities.

Room

As said before, I was upgraded to a Club floor room on the top floor: 6th floor. Access to the floors are done via tapping the card inside the elevator.

The room was big and bright. You can't open the windows by the way. The view is nothing special.... you see the Basel Messe. It's a bit noisy during the day due to all the trams passing by but at night, I didn't hear anything special.

Bed was comfortable, with 2 side tables and plugs underneath them. There's a mini bar stocked with 2 bottles of water. Nespresso coffee machine also available. TV, proper desk to work on with plenty of plugs. There's a small chair with a side table to chill on or watch TV. Nothing fancy but all the basic necessities were there. 
There's a big closet with bathrobes and the safe.

Someone then brought me some fresh fruits and a signed letter from the GM, nice touch.

Bathroom

The bathroom was bright and of decent size. One large mirror and one sink. Walk-in shower with some "fancy" touch-buttons to operate the shower... The water pressure is average and the design of the glass is again not optimal, you get the floow nice and wet after each shower...

Lounge

So I had a Club Room but there are no Club Lounge at this hotel.... which is weird. They have some small "M Club" room situated on the ground floow, open 24/7, located between the restaurant and the lobby and bar. You access it via your room key.

It's fully stocked with sodas, juices, teas and coffees. The only alcoholic beverages I saw were beers. 

The "lounge" is not very big so I can't imagine it when the hotel is full during conventions... it must be crazy.

Dining

Breakfast was served at their unique restaurant on the ground floor. Simple but had all the usual items: eggs, bacon, sausages, tomatoes, waffles, breads and danishes, fruits, yoghurts, cold cuts.

Overall

Overall a good stay, especially for the price paid (150CHF a night). I think I even saw some weekend rates at 129CHF, including the city taxes. I'd stay there again if I were in Basel.