Basel - attending? accommodation?

[influential]

Planning on a visit late March - train journey from London via Paris looks very appealing, low hassle factor, nice view and reasonably priced. But, hotels are proving an absolute nightmare. Anyone got experience in staying in/around Basel for this event?

[Dominic H]

Andy, it's a fabulous show. However, unless you are an AD with an appointment it's almost impossible to get onto the stands of the major exhibitors (AP,PP,Rolex etc).
With regard to accomodation, most rooms are booked for the following year when you check out. Most rooms are normally let for a 5 days or so. A lot of people stay in out of Town, for example Zurich and travel in by train.

Hope this helps....

[influential]

Indeed it does - thanks. Having had no luck with accommodation via the usual engines, have managed to get a few choices now, all within 15 minutes by public transport. So, I think that side of it is sorted. Now, need to see whether I can actually get onto the relevant stands - without that, hardly worth going - hadn't realised they wouldn't be open to the masses.

[Dominic H]

influential said:

Indeed it does - thanks. Having had no luck with accommodation via the usual engines, have managed to get a few choices now, all within 15 minutes by public transport. So, I think that side of it is sorted. Now, need to see whether I can actually get onto the relevant stands - without that, hardly worth going - hadn't realised they wouldn't be open to the masses.

When I last went, I was running the Rolex showroom in Old Bond St (part of Watches of Switzerland). As a company we would be spending a lot of money with the best known luxury brands. All our appointmemts were pre-booked, I couldn't even get on the Rolex stand before my designated time. You'll almost certainly find this with all the 'Star' stands. It's probably easier getting into the hottest West End club, with the wrong clobber.
On a more positive note, the stands are fantastic. To give you an idea of size/$$$$'s, Breitling had an aircraft suspended above their stand....You should be able to get to see the smaller,esoteric manufacturers. Each of the big firms will have window displays that you will be able to see the new pieces. If you have a good relationship with or spend a lot with a decent, independant Jeweller they may take you with them onto a stand.....Or not.

Here is a link to a photo report made by a Swedish enthusiast on his roadtrip to Basel last year just for for interest...

http://www.roleks.se/basel2008.htm

Have fun!

Dom

[whoami]

influential said:

Indeed it does - thanks. Having had no luck with accommodation via the usual engines, have managed to get a few choices now, all within 15 minutes by public transport. So, I think that side of it is sorted. Now, need to see whether I can actually get onto the relevant stands - without that, hardly worth going - hadn't realised they wouldn't be open to the masses.

If you spend enough with your dealer, they will sort it.

[Seight_Returns]

No experience with the show but used to work in Basel and commute to/from London every week a few years ago.

The SAS Radisson and Drei Koenigen (sp?) were my favourite hotels but from what others say I imagine they'll be booked out. The train link between Basel and Zurich is excellent, many of my Swiss colleagues used to commute from Zurich daily, so staying in Zurich is no problem if you can't find anywhere in Basel.

Several flights daily from London City to both Basel and Zurich if you don't fancy the train.

Basel's a nice place. University city so lots of good places to go out. Nice architecture too - people call it the "Paris of the Rhine" although that's pushing it a bit.

[sam.r]

influential said:

Indeed it does - thanks. Having had no luck with accommodation via the usual engines, have managed to get a few choices now, all within 15 minutes by public transport. So, I think that side of it is sorted. Now, need to see whether I can actually get onto the relevant stands - without that, hardly worth going - hadn't realised they wouldn't be open to the masses.

Hi i'll be there however always leave it till the last minute!

I stayed at a hotel 10 mins from the Airport last year and got a free mini bus to the event however cant remember what its called

Have you any reccomendations for hotels with room not far from the airport or the fair??

TIA

[influential]

I've never been there, to be fair, so am entering this somewhat blind. However, despite personal searches failing to find any accommodation, a third-party company has come back with (copy/paste):


Kyriad Hotel, first class, located in Mulhouse, Restaurant, laundry, parking, ensuite bathroom, Sat TV, Tel, desk,Double/Triple: €158.00 per room per night incl. taxes and breakfast`

Egerkingen Hotel, Egerkingen, ca 15 mins by public transport to Fair, First class, Restaurant, lobby bar, parking, ensuite bathrooms, Sat TV, Tel, mini bar, Double/Single: €218.00 per room per night incl. taxes and breakfast

Hotel Adler, located in Basel/Weil am Rhein, 5 mins to te Fair by public transportation, rate is Euro 298.00 per room per night incl. taxes and Buffet Breakfast

Code: RIVB&B-located ca 10 mins to Basel Messe by direct tram, area Muttenz – EACH ROOM HAS ENSUITE BATHROOM, breakfast is served in restaurant downstairs, wireless Internet available, each rooms has Tel, Sat TV, radio, hairdyrer, serviced daily.

Rates: Sgle € 248.00, Dble/Twin €298.00 per room/night incl. taxes, Buffet Breakfast

• * Please note transport to/from the Fair is included in the cost.

[/i]

Edited by influential on Thursday 26th February 20:27

[sam.r]

Thanks for that