25hours Design Hotel in Zürich West

 
For some travelers, selecting a hotel comes down to two factors: Location and price. But for a whole new generation of travelers, the hotel is the destination. Boutique hotels have jumped on this band wagon with ever more exquisite dwells. Each of those hotels comes with a special story, usually some fancy furniture and always individually designed rooms.
 

Initial Impressions

The newly opened 25hours hotel in Zürich has gone to great lengths at creating a very unique experience. Located in the up-and-coming 5th neighborhood ("Kreis 5") in a formally industrial zone, the latest design hotel does (mostly) everything right.

At every turn something unexpected: A ping pong table, colorful designer's chairs, a remarkable staircase, a gift shop featuring (too many) cool gadgets, and a DJ's turntable. The interior is refreshing and truly unlike anything I had ever seen. Nothing is left to chance; every door handle and lamp shade is thought through and matches the designer's concept.
 

 

The Rooms

We are told that the lobby was specifically laid out to be a gathering place for guests to mingle. As soon as we closed our third-floor room door, however, the cheerful noise from the lobby is gone. We suddenly find ourselves in a lovingly decorated designer showroom. Our standard double room is large enough for storing luggage and for moving around freely. A flatscreen TV is complemented with a boombox sporting an AUX port for iPhones.

The bathroom is spacious and features a modern walk-in shower. And then there is the window: Above the sink, a semi-transparent window separates the bathroom from the bedroom. This may be no issue for individual travelers or couples, but this in-room window might be a test for friends sharing a room.
 

 

The Extras

The hotel's name implies it, and we did find plenty of unexpected surprises. While the generous Sunday brunch, the roof-top sauna (extra charge), the library stacked with interesting books, the art gallery or the business center with iMacs may keep you at the hotel all day long, Zürich is waiting to be explored at the hotel's doorstep.
 

 
Two Mini Coopers are ready to be taken for a spin around town or even on a day-long road trip to see the Rhine Falls. The cars are complementary for all guests, and so is the fuel. We are told that each car comes with a prepaid refueling card!

If you would rather see the city at slower speeds, the 25hours hotel offers a small fleet of conventional bikes and e-bikes for rent at no charge.
 

 

Conclusion

Due to the hotel's proximity to the famous FREITAG flagship store, Frau Gerolds Garten and the markets IM VIADUKT, it makes it a perfect choice for urban travelers who want to discover the new sights of Zürich, as well as for business people who are tired of generic, off-the-rack digs.

More Information

25hours Designhotel Zürich
Double rooms starting at CHF 149 per night

(The 25hours hotel has offered one night of accommodation in exchange for this review)

25hours Hotel Zürich West
Pfingstweidstrasse 102
8005 Zürich
Phone: +41 44 577 25 25