Hotel Snapshot
At B2 Hotel, guests are welcomed with a beer in hand—a subtle nod to the building’s storied past. Just outside Zurich’s city center, this resolutely cool hotel occupies a former industrial landmark deeply tied to the city’s history. B2 Hotel is a small, urban boutique property with a character that sets it apart from the grand luxury hotels found downtown—and it comes with a far more approachable price point.
For 130 years, the building was home to Switzerland’s largest brewery, the Hürlimann Areal. Sixteen years after the final batch of Hürlimann beer was brewed in 1996, the space was reborn as a four-star hotel that masterfully blends industrial chic with timeless design. Today, it functions as an urban retreat where locals and visitors alike come to lunch, work from the lobby-turned-coworking space, unwind in the thermal baths, and, of course, spend the night.
Design & Character
From the outside, the hotel is imposing—a solid brick structure with a red chimney rising behind it. There’s little to suggest a boutique hotel within. Step inside, however, and the space has been carefully softened to feel warm and welcoming.
The design is guided by the building’s former life, with traces of its industrial past visible throughout. Rather than erase history, the renovation embraces it, transforming the space into a functional, character-rich hotel. The result is a compelling reflection of Zurich’s industrial and design-forward identity.
The Rooms
The hotel features 60 rooms and suites, with the most striking accommodations housed in the former cooling ship—a vast space once used to chill and clarify wort. It has been reimagined into dramatic duplex suites, each with a private loggia.
Across the property, rooms are decorated in a refined industrial-chic style, furnished with classic design pieces. Despite being more than a decade old, the interiors feel remarkably current thanks to thoughtful material choices, clean lines, light woods, and Scandinavian design elements that remain timeless. Hardwood floors and carefully placed details lend a homey feel. Each room includes a historical photograph of the space pre-renovation, and, naturally, Hürlimann beers in the minibar.
Food & Drink
The hotel’s restaurant, Library, is a destination in its own right. Lined floor to ceiling with more than 33,000 books—rescued from a library that was about to close—the space is as atmospheric as it is unique. Two oversized beer-bottle chandeliers hang above the tables, completing the dramatic setting.
The à la carte menu focuses on clean, wholesome dishes served from brunch through dinner. Ingredients are largely sourced from Switzerland. Dishes such as pistachio pesto pasta, beef tartare, and beetroot carpaccio with buffalo stracciatella are generous and unfussy, making this a favorite spot among locals for an easy yet satisfying meal.
Amenities
Whether you’re the kind of traveler who likes to work out while on the go, a visit to the hotel gym is a must to fully appreciate the building’s history. Set inside the former machine hall, the space pairs state-of-the-art strength and cardio equipment with original clinker-tiled floors and a preserved steam engine. Yoga classes are held here free of charge for hotel guests and are also open to the public.
On the rooftop, the hotel boasts one of Zurich’s most striking pools. Set high above the city, the infinity pool offers sweeping views and a serene place to unwind.
Spa & Wellness Scoop
Much of the hotel’s magic lies underground, in the thermal baths. Built atop a natural spring, the spa occupies century-old vaulted cellars that once stored beer barrels. Today, these spaces house an atmospheric wellness area designed for deep relaxation.
The Roman-Irish ritual is a standout: a ten-station journey that allows both body and mind to fully unwind. For a more indulgent experience, guests can add a massage or treatment. While the spa is located on the hotel grounds, it operates independently, and hotel guests pay a reduced day-entry fee of CHF 35.
Location & Neighborhood Recs
The hotel sits just outside the city center in an industrial neighborhood along the Sihl River, adjacent to Google’s Zurich headquarters. The city center and Lake Zurich are both about a 20-minute walk away.
Zurich offers plenty of cultural highlights, including the Pavillon Le Corbusier, Kunsthaus Zürich, and the Museum für Gestaltung Zürich, all ideal for getting a feel for the city’s creative side. In summer, follow the locals and cool off with a swim in the lake or one of the city’s many Badis—public river and lakeside baths.
Fast Facts
Location: Zurich, Switzerland
Address: Brandschenkestrasse 152, 8002 Zürich
Vibe: Industrial chic
Rating: Four-star
Room Count: 60
Starting Rate: From 400 Swiss francs per night
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: The gym
Dining: Library, the casual restaurant with an impressive decor
Amenities: One restaurant, a gym, a spa and a rooftop pool
Nearby Attractions: Kunsthaus Zürich, Pavillon Le Corbusier, The Lindt Home of Chocolate
Airport: 30 minutes from Zurich Airport by car
Zurich, Switzerland
