Zurich Airport Transit Accommodation

This is not a luxury hotel - it is exactly what it advertises: a place to transit through - or to catch an early morning flight after doing early-check-in and going through security the previous night. There are a nice, clean bed, a desk, and a shared bathroom, somewhat like a youth hostel. It's a lot cheaper than most hotels in Zurich. You might get a room with a view onto the tarmac, which is cool for anybody who likes aviation. The hotel is in the secure area of the airport, in particular the international (non-Schengen) transit area, meaning: you need to go through passport control to go into the area where the hotel is, and again to get back into the Schengen area. Going into the hotel is the last thing you should do in the day; in particular, have dinner before going to the room, since the passport control is closed overnight. Some reviewers stated that the hotel has the charm of a prison, and in fact, overnight you are basically locked in. But the next morning: just walk to the gate (potentially through passport control again if your gate is in the Schengen area).

My wife and I had a lay-over of 6 hours in Zurich. As we were transiting from Northamerica to Malé (Maldives), we were debating between exploring the city or just rest, take a shower and save energy for our next 10-hour flight. At the end, we decided to stay at this Transit Hotel which turned out to be a great idea. The room was very basic, but it was very clean and had a comfy bed which is all what we were looking for. Please note restrooms and showers are not in-suite as they are shareable, but not busy at all. They were also very clean. As our final destination was not in a country within the Schengen area, we did not need to pick up luggage or go through passport control. We landed in Terminal E, then all passengers were taken to Terminal D via Bus where it was really a short walk to the Transit Hotel (next to passport control). Upon arrival, the front desk person was very useful calling a contact who confirmed the luggage did not need to be picked up (initially we were told otherwise by the airline staff in the US). After check-out, we simply had to walk back to Terminal E and pass through security screening (be mindful of liquids, sharp objects and so on). One of the things I like the most about this booking experience was the fact that they do not charge for last minute cancellations (handy as you never know what could happen with your flights). To reserve your room, make sure you submit the form via email and let them know any changes in your itinerary, so they do not cancel on you. Thanks to all the staff. Very friendly and useful. I will not hesitate to stay again for long layovers.

In viaggio per Marsa Alam da Venezia il 26 giugno, avremmo dovuto trascorrere la sera e la nottata in scalo arrivando alle 20.00, fino alle 5.30 della mattinata successiva con un bambino di dodici anni. Poichè abbiamo scoperto che nell'aereoporto, dalle 22 chiudono tutte le attività (già dalle 21 in molti locali non servono più da mangiare) e che dalle 23 tutta l'area transfer è interdetta, abbiamo deciso di prenotare una stanza. Camera spaziosa per le ore necessarie, pulita, con bollitore e buste di te e caffè a disposizione oltre a lavandino e televisione. Nel bagno comune docce comode, doccia shampoo a disposizione per tutti, phon e servizi (stanze da bagno separate per maschi e femmine e bagni a ogni corridoio uno per genere ogni 3-4stanze). Il costo non è poco (noi abbiamo pagato 200 franchi) ma piuttosto che dormire male su una sedia, avendo paura di chiudere gli occhi, se dovesse ricapitare, sicuramente ripeteremmo l'esperienza. Per chi vuole nel corridoio comune si trovano le macchinette con merendine e caffè, noi avendo avuto l'aereo in partenza per le h. 6.20 abbiamo fatto colazione a bordo. Se avete necessità, al banco vendono anche kit da toilette con pettinino, spazzolino, dentifiricio e deodornate a 15 franchi l'uno. Noi ci eravamo oganizzati portando nel bagaglio a mano ciò che era consentito dal normale trasporto a bordo e ci siamo adattati (deodorante stick che non è vietato, denti con lo spazzolino senza dentifiricio e pettinino senza lacca per capelli).