Tokyo (SCCIJ) – The Japanese style of hotel accommodation – sleeping in a pod – is conquering Switzerland. Europe’s largest capsule hotel with 144 “rooms” has just opened at Zurich Airport. The operator is already running capsule hotels in Lucerne and Basel.
The new hotel at Zurich Airport features sleep capsules decorated with photos of the Swiss Alps (© Capsule Services AG).
Alpine Garden
Located directly opposite Check-in 1, the new capsule hotel is positioned in a prime location of Zurich Airport. The business idea: To reduce the overnight stay before departure or after arrival to the minimum necessary for restful sleep by providing a clean, comfortable and quiet bed. Moreover, the ecological footprint is 80% lower than in a conventional hotel room, the operator emphasized in a press release.
The Japan-style accommodation named “Alpine Garden” received a special Swissness twist: Nature photographer Fabio Zingg decorated the hotel’s interiors as well as the individual capsules with pictures of hidden treasures of the Swiss Alps. With over 310,000 followers on Instagram, Zingg is one of the most successful influencers in Switzerland. “I bring travelers closer to the most beautiful sides of Swiss nature,” the photographer said.
Perfect service
The 144 sleeping capsules are designed and produced in Switzerland, are lockable and soundproofed so that guests can enjoy the greatest possible privacy in the smallest possible space. Air hygiene is also taken care of. The individual fresh-air air-conditioning system prevents the air from mixing.
Integrated into the hotel with over 1,100 square meters of floor space are cozy meeting zones, a small wellness area, co-working opportunities, and a bar with breakfast facilities where guests can help themselves to drinks and snacks around the clock. Capsules can be booked both night and day. The construction took seven months.
Open co-working space
Peter Schiffhauer, VRP capsule services AG: “With the unique design concept, vibe and overnight rates starting at 65 Swiss francs, we meet the needs of national and international guests. The exceptional ‘Alpine Garden design’ also creates the ideal atmosphere for encounters and exchanges among travelers.”
Lydia Naef, Head Property & Portfolio Management at Flughafen Zürich AG, is also convinced of the capsule hotel’s success: “The capsule hotel, ideally complements the existing range of overnight accommodation at the airport. In addition, passengers of all airlines and booking classes benefit from rest and co-working facilities.”
The hotel at Zurich Airport is the third location of “capsule services AG” after Lucerne and Basel. The operator attaches importance to unique designs. “We want a special vibe for each location,” says VRP Peter Schiffhauer. With sleeping reduced to the essentials while maximizing the guest experience, the capsule hotel team wants to revolutionize the hotel world, he said: “We build hotels where people are allowed to meet.”
Text: SCCIJ with material of Capsule Services AG
