Gast - und Kulturhaus Der Teufelhof Basel
Artist-run cultural institution meets boutique hotel. Intellectual, left-of-center, independent. Feels like you're staying inside a contemporary art fair — intentionally.
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Why It Matters
Claimed to be the first art hotel of its kind in the world, with each Kunsthotel room conceived as a full-room installation by a commissioned artist. Chef Michael Baader has run the Bel Etage kitchen since the property opened in 1989. The property holds ibex fairstay Platinum certification and Swisstainable Level III for sustainability.
Der Teufelhof doesn't really want to be called a hotel. Founded by artists — not hoteliers — in 1989, it occupies two joined 18th-century townhouses in Basel's Old Town and operates as a guesthouse, cultural center, theater, and restaurant complex rolled into one. The Kunsthotel side gives guests nine rooms each conceived as inhabitable artworks by internationally recognized artists. The Galeriehotel wing is more conventional in layout but still doubles as a rotating gallery space across three floors. You sleep surrounded by contemporary art, eat gourmet food, and might catch a cabaret performance downstairs before bed.
Where You'll Stay
6 room types available
Easy Room (Galeriehotel)
The entry-level category in the Galeriehotel wing. Smaller than the Style rooms but equipped to the full Teufelhof standard. Grand lit bed with shower. The entire Galeriehotel building serves as a gallery, with rotating annual exhibitions spread across three floors — so even these rooms come with art context.
grand lit
Family Room (Galeriehotel)
Two connected rooms: a living area with sofa bed and a separate bedroom with king-size bed, plus shower or bath. Good option for families who want to be in the heart of Basel's Old Town without a generic chain hotel.
king size + sofa bed
Junior Suite (Galeriehotel)
Two separate rooms — a living area and a sleeping area — with a king-size bed and full bathroom. A decent step up in space for couples or those wanting room to spread out. Lift accessible.
king sizeKunstzimmer I–VIII (Art Rooms)
Eight rooms in the Kunsthotel, each conceived as a full-room installation by a different commissioned artist. The current series is themed 'Crossing Definitions' and features works by Sonnhild Kestler, Dieter Meier, Mickry 3, Polina Moroz, Claudia & Julia Müller, Bruno Zhu, Gina Folly, and Renée Levi. You're not just looking at art on the walls — you're sleeping inside the artwork. All rooms have twin beds (except the suite). Accessible by stairs only due to heritage protection.
two separate beds (most rooms)Kunstzimmer IX / Art Suite
The suite in the Kunsthotel wing, currently designed by Clare Kenny as part of the 'Crossing Definitions' series. Unlike the standard art rooms, this suite is set up for double occupancy with a grand lit. Accessible by stairs only.
grand lit (double)Style Room (Galeriehotel)
More generous floor plan than the Easy rooms. Grand lit / king-size bed with shower. Same gallery-hotel concept — you're staying inside a working art exhibition. Lift accessible.
grand lit / king sizeThe Property
Eat & Drink
5 venues on property
Restaurant
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Below the building lies an archaeological cellar where you can walk along preserved sections of Basel's ancient city walls. An unusual add-on to the cultural program — not many hotels sit on top of medieval archaeology.
Staying in one of nine hotel rooms each designed as a full-room art installation by a commissioned contemporary artist. The current series 'Crossing Definitions' features artists including Dieter Meier, Renée Levi, Bruno Zhu, and Gina Folly, curated by Jean-Claude Freymond-Guth. Rooms are periodically redesigned with entirely new artist commissions.
The entire Galeriehotel building functions as a gallery across three floors, with a new exhibition installed roughly each year. Exhibitions are curated by Teufelhof itself and present either comprehensive monographic shows or interesting juxtapositions. Open to hotel guests and visitors alike.
Hotel guests can borrow e-bikes or an electric Smart car for getting around Basel — part of the property's sustainability commitment. A practical perk for exploring beyond the Old Town without a taxi.
The on-site theater hosts a regular program of cabaret, comedy, and experimental performance. The venue actively supports emerging regional artists from development through to premiere. Tickets sold separately via the theater website.
Every Tuesday, the Bel Etage gourmet restaurant runs a special offer for guests under 35: a seasonal 3-course menu with aperitif, full wine pairing per course, water, coffee, and a grappa finale. CHF 139 per person.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
The Galeriehotel wing has elevator access. The Kunsthotel wing does not — stairs only due to heritage protection.
Several function rooms available for seminars, banquets, and private events. In-house Ryago catering. Not a traditional conference hotel — spaces reflect the property's artistic character.
Breakfast buffet included in packages; on weekends served until 11:30. Late checkout to 12:00 available with selected packages.
Gift vouchers available for hotel stays, dining, and experiences via the Bocco Voucher platform.
Guests can voluntarily contribute CHF 1 per night to a joint climate fund. The hotel doubles every contribution and invests proceeds in local sustainability initiatives including renewable energy transitions.
All hotel guests receive a BaselCard on arrival, giving free access to Basel's public transport network and various other city perks.
There is no swimming pool or spa on site. The property focuses on art, dining, and cultural programming rather than wellness facilities.
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Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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