Innovative low-budget concept: Capsule hotel in the heart of Zurich's Old Town

Demand for hotel beds in Swiss cities is increasing: The number of overnight stays in Zurich alone rose by 19% between 2016 and 2019. 

Particularly for students, young people and other travellers on a limited budget, there is hardly any affordable accommodation at attractive inner-city locations. A new, original concept in the middle of Zurich's Old Town is about to change that.

The city's first capsule hotel, operated by Green Marmot, welcomes its guests just a few metres from the River Limmat in the heart of Zurich. It is located on the first floor of Schifflände 26, a building renovated in 2018. The capsule hotel concept originated in Asia: guests are offered compact capsules with a single or double bed for their overnight stay. Each capsule has a curtain for darkening and to give guests privacy.

Lighting and internet access in the capsules are provided for overnight comfort. Guests can also use a modern, spacious bathroom. In all other respects, the innovative hotel concept is strictly focused on the
essentials and therefore no catering is offered. However, guests will find a wide selection of cafes and restaurants around the hotel. 

The June 2020 opening in the middle of the coronavirus crisis posed a major challenge for the operator. However, he is confident that he will soon reach full capacity.

The building's other upper floors offer beautiful views of Lake Zurich and are let to companies from the services sector. 

There is also a restaurant and a fashion shop on the ground floor. These benefit from the Schifflände promenade with its numerous pedestrians. 

As a look behind the curtain shows, the cleverly designed sleeping capsules offer surprisingly cosy comfort and are an uncomplicated solution for low-budget travellers. 

^{First published in "Exposé November 2020"}