B2 Boutique Hotel + Spa

Located in a former 200-year-old brewery, this renovated property is today uber-modern and quirky (mimicking the aesthetic of its neighbor, Google).

• The lobby library, which boasts over 33,000 books
• Elements of the former brewery that are incorporated into the design

In 1880, the Hürlimann Brewery was the largest in Zurich, sitting on 16 acres of property a few miles from the city center. Today, the brewery’s former grounds are home to a few shops, Google’s European headquarters and the B2 Hotel. In 2012, the 60-room hotel opened in a fully renovated space that incorporates original materials into its eccentric furnishings. The lobby, which features exposed pipes and brass lights, is decorated with antique maps, brewery blueprints and wooden beer crate tables. The Wine Library lounge boasts over 33,000 books, stacked high along one wall up to the 50-foot ceiling, and illuminated by enormous blooming chandeliers crafted from glass beer bottles. Breakfast and a small snack menu are available in the library lounge where guests can peacefully work, read or gather.

The offbeat details of the hotel are balanced by the clean lines of Scandinavian minimalism in the rooms, which are outfitted with wide oak panel floors, white bedding and minimal decorative touches. The bathrooms feature glass walls and full cityscape views are visible from the rainfall showers. The Thermal Bath and Spa offers indoor baths and a rooftop pool with panoramic views of the city.

B2 is a quirky, hip alternative to the opulent hotels in the city center. Budget conscious travelers with an appreciation for both history and contemporary design will be happy here.