I was only in Zürich for one full night and then waking up at 3am the second night to catch a 5am flight. So for this visit, a capsule hotel seemed like an ideal option to save a bit of money and pay only for what I really needed. Especially since the "full service" hotels in Zürich are running $200-$300 this time of year.
I booked my stay using Chase points (which use the Expedia booking engine) and received a reservation confirmation. On my arrival day, I made my way to the hotel which is in the busy shopping area and between the first and second bridges north of Lake Zürich. Two blocks from the Helmhaus tram stop, it doesn't get much more central than this.
I was warmly welcomed, provided answers to my questions and handed an RFID key to my locker and to the entrance. The front desk is not staffed around the clock so please be sure to make arrangements if you're arriving late. There is a snack machine and an espresso machine in the lobby.
The capsule concept is based on the Japanese idea of being eco friendly and low footprint. A "single" is a little bigger than one meter wide by one meter high by two meters deep. The space has a mattress, sheets, duvet and blanket. There is a folding table, individual lamp and a small mirror inside plus two power outlets (EU style) and a low shelf. The capsule is secured only by a curtain. It was quite comfortable and mostly quiet other than a few people having a conversation in the early evening. I'd recommend ear plugs and night shade for your eyes. That first night, my FitBit recorded TEN hours of sleep!
Separate men's and women's bathrooms (yes, private toilet stalls) and shower cabins. If you've been to a fitness center, it's like that. The capsule areas have a separate "women's only" section and the rest is coed.
I felt secure enough but everyone has a different threshold for safety. I kept to myself and left my belongings in the locker. I was able to change between day clothes and pajamas in the capsule.
[Review 16456 overall - 8 in Switzerland - 1964 of 2021.] read more