Zürich makes itself a city of the world by having this hip B2 Boutique Hotel. We realize that when lying in the amazing rooftop pool, staring at the skyline of the city. The pool and stunning spa does attract a lot of day guests as well, especially at night when people start gathering here after work. It seems to us that’s a good sign and our girls plunge the water one more time.
It’s also a bright idea that cameras are not permitted in the pool, so the atmosphere is lovely and quite. Inside we get ourselves some drinks and a bite, to settle on a few beds and enjoy the serenity around us. Adults can use the spa as well, which is stunning. Sometimes one wishes to not have your children around, just for a second…
Don’t think that’s all we can write about this hotel based in the former Hürlimann brewery. The architecture is a well done combination of industrial and modern urban. We love the friendly staff helping us with all our needs, including our guest ambassador showing us around.
View on the great architecture
The entrance is spectacular. The reception is emerged with the lounge and dining room, and filled with books, design sofas and tables made of books. “Look, we are eating in a bookcase”, our daughter screams when we are eating there later. Indeed: with 33.000 (German) books and stunning chandeliers made from the original beer bottles, you very well feel that way. The restaurant has a little menu, which is fine for one night. And of course we enjoy a beer that used to be brewed here. If you’re not such a drinker: don’t forget to ask for a little beer... Although it’s very tasteful, before you know it you will be forced to stay here all night to finish your glass.
When you just learned how to read...
Next to the Wine Library there’s a small museum with antique machines from which we immediately believe they have been used here previously. A nice detail is the fitness room attached to it; it has the same industrial air which might give you a boost to work out. It’s really all in the detail. We reach our suite over a typical rug, a print of the former days in the factory has been printed on it. And our suite is built in a building which itself has been built in the framework of the factory. It’s playful, modern and huge. The architect really did a great job by putting an upper floor in it, for parents to sleep and bath. And it turns out to be a fun place to play for our kids as well. Just in case you forgot: a giant photo of the building before construction began, is placed on the wall.
"Our" home
The hotel is not a typical family hotel. Actually it seems it’s mostly used by business people (Google is all around) or people travelling along Zürich. But the design is playful, the pool is great and the girls love their special treatment. For example the children package in the room. In the evening they immediately put on their new, blue bathing shoes. Ready to dive again.
If you are not in a hurry: Zürich is a beautiful, safe and clean city. Yes it’s a bit expensive, but it has lots to offer. Try the St. Peter Church or some of the great musea: the Rietberg Museum, the Kunsthaus or the Zoological Museum. Your children will enjoy the small Zürich Toy Museum. On walking distance from the B2 Boutique Hotel you’ll find the Fifa World Football Museum for the real lovers. For chocolate lovers: stroll the lanes of Altstadt (Old Town) for home made ice cream, hot chocolate, truffles and Swiss chocolate bars. And you can find plenty of other restaurant in the neighbourhood.
St. Peter Church, Zürich
A few things can be done around the beautiful Lake Zürich. Ride a ferry and in summer swim and sunbathe in the lake. Or just walk along the lake and enjoy the view. It has a peaceful atmosphere and kids can feed the ducks. One can often find artists on the side. It is a fun way to stretch your legs, walk, balance stones & grab a hot chocolate. And it is absolutely worth to take a ride with one of the regular boat service on the lake. It is not expensive for 1h trip (in Swiss terms) and you will see a lot of small and interesting villages. Do as the locals do and relax. Ferries depart on regular basis so you can be sure to always catch something.
Another option is to catch a boat to Rapperswil. You can stop at the Knie Zoo where it seems you can even ride on elephants and camels. But there’s a great zoo in Zürich as well, it’s in the forest and easy to reach by tram. In summer you might check out the beach at the side of the Zürichhorn Casino, Tiefenbrunnen, with several slides for the children. Or consider a day trip to see the historical highlights of Lucerne. Another option is an Alpine adventure by riding an aerial cable car up of Mount Rigi. Finally we’d like to mention the summit of Kleine Scheidegg to admire vistas of the Monch, Eiger and Jungfrau mountain ranges.
Special thanks to all of the staff for our lovely stay. Copyright: Frank Hoppe and Adrien Baharat for images of the interior, pool and spa.
WOW
# The pool on top is absolutely our highlight of the B2 Boutique Hotel.
# True respect for the history of this remarkable building is shown.
# All though we feel really welcome in this unique hotel and would love to hang around, Zürich is close by and has lots to explore.
