Switzerland may not be the first country that comes to mind when planning a European getaway, but it is filled with beauty in unexpected places at any season. Hop on a train and let yourself float away.
VISUALS & WORDS: Jasmine Perrier at Studio J•T•P
This feature is produced in collaboration with 25hours
If you travel to Zurich by train, there is a chance you will already spot 25hours Langstrasse’s boxy modern building from the rails. As you dare to go past the door to the reception desk, you have a jaw-dropping moment — and the first of many to come. You wonder if you landed in an analog wonderland or a hotel. It’s apparent the design by Werner Aisslinger reflects the local area’s identity and youthful energy. The lobby is home to some lively places with a convivial soul, from the 25h things corner shop where you can bring back the coolest souvenirs from your Swiss stay and find a dried flower stand, to the NENI restaurant and the Cinchona Bar where you can enjoy one of their highballs in the evening or just sit and relax around a coffee in the daytime. To stay inspired, guests can grab a free copy of the eye-catching 25hours hotels newspaper that showcases the latest trends, shines a light on local artists, and delivers think pieces across fashion, culture, and lifestyle.
After checking in, take the time to discover the giant playground that 25hours Langstrasse offers across its seven floors — you may not want to miss amenities like the game room with arcade machines, gym, or sauna alongside the rooftop terrace. Because of the high-spirited atmosphere and open-mindedness spread throughout the hotel, you never worry about not fitting in. Even though Zurich is in the German-speaking part of Switzerland, the city is pretty much multilingual between German, English, and French.
The elevators leading up to the 170 rooms are designed as black boxes decorated with quotes in neon lights, creating an exciting atmosphere that makes you eager to see more. Once you reach your level, you are guided by bohemian hanging lanterns where the room numbers are indicated. Our Medium Room for one night was located on the sixth floor, overlooking the west side of Zurich and Uetliberg — Zurich’s home mountain — that you can admire from the window seat while savoring Swiss snacks and fresh drinks provided by the free mini-bar. From this part of the building, you hardly hear the railway activity and even the bustle of the street below feels miles away.
In line with the rest of the property, the bedroom mixes the industrial and eclectic aesthetic, integrating an earth-tone color palette that helps curate a cozy yet singular space that you can escape to. It is set up as a playful open-space studio filled with warmth and comfort, featuring concrete floor, wooden furniture, retro props, an impressive mural inspired by New York’s skyscrapers. The most creative of us can be entertained with a coloring book recalling the artistic touch of the hotel.
The bathroom area goes bold and dramatic with dark brick walls and a trendy LED mirror where you can use Soeder natural products. It includes a shower cabin with a frameless glass door that is not fully separated from the sleeping area, but it creates a nice roomy feeling. During their stay, 25hours guests can even borrow a sustainable FREITAG shopping bag that the hotel provides in each room. They are also displayed in the lobby, hanging from the ceiling, and available to buy.
For our four-legged companions, 25hours has a Dog Package available on request for CHF 25.00 per night at the time of booking. It offers a top-level pet treatment, providing two bowls full of treats and water, and a comfy bed.
A tasteful and lavish breakfast buffet is served in the cheerful boho room of NENI in the morning, where you can disconnect to recharge and relax before starting your day. Guests are generously treated with delicious Swiss and oriental flavors that are the restaurant’s signature. It includes varied local products, condiments of the Middle East, pastries, as well as hot dishes and beverages that can be ordered on demand through the wonderful breakfast team. The bircher muesli parfaits — a must-try traditional Swiss breakfast dish — and plum cakes are a pure delight for the eyes and taste buds.
The hotel’s central location opens up a world of many possibilities to explore Zurich on foot. For dog owners looking for a green space, the Bäckeranlage park is just around the corner, and you can get to the charming Lake Promenade within 30 minutes, walking through the cobblestone streets and hidden canal-side passageways of the historic center (Altstadt) marked by its beautifully preserved medieval heritage. Along the way, climb the Lindenhof hill — there is a small tranquil square at the top that reveals a scenic view above the Limmat River.
For a mesmerizing viewpoint, go to Uetliberg at sunset. The mountain is car-free but easily reachable from the city center thanks to the railway lines. Therefore, you fully immerse yourself in a unique scenery, where the endless view of the city and the lake is set in contrast with the vast green plains and the Alps in the background. The escape starts from the Üetliberg S10 train as you get lost in the landscape that already appears on the horizon.
After a night at 25hours Langstrasse, discover more of the beauty of Switzerland with a day pass — it covers unlimited travel in all public transport across the country. Take a train from Zurich to Chur in the morning to get to the starting point of the Bernina Express, one of Switzerland’s iconic panoramic trains listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will embark on a four-hour unforgettable journey across the valleys and mountains. Make sure to reserve your seat in advance!
25hours Langstrasse offers a great combination of convenience, luxury, and cultural immersion, making it a gem for a getaway or brief stop in town. However, 25 hours may not be enough time if you aspire to make the most of every corner of this destination full of inspiration and quirkiness.
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25hours Hotel Zurich Langstrasse, Langstrasse 150, 8004 Zurich
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