easyHotel Zürich

We weren’t surprised to hear that the 33-room easyHotel is almost always completely booked. Like its namesake airline easyJet, the easyHotel offers standardized, no-frills service at great rates. Located in the heart of the dynamic Langstrasse neighborhood, this budget hotel is an affordable alternative to the big chains.

The easyHotel maintains the airline’s gray-and orange color scheme. Its smallish rooms are decked out in linoleum and plastic, and the beds, crowned with white duvets, are surprisingly plush. (Note to Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, easyJet founder: Thank you for not insisting on orange bed sheets.) Each room is outfitted with a television.

The sliding door that separates the wee bathrooms from the small bedrooms might be reminiscent of some luxury train compartments, but the plastic shower curtain and bright orange walls are easyHotel all the way.

As is the case with easyJet, perks at the easyHotel are minimal. (We were slightly surprised that use of the television and blanket did not cost extra.) There is a vending machine in the lobby, and Wi-Fi is available for an additional charge. But at rates this low, we wouldn’t expect much more.

Do note that while Langstrasse is a popular party destination among young people, this has been—and still is—a red light district. Keep your wits about you, and don’t be surprised to see a prostitute (or several).