If you’re traveling through Zurich Airport, you may be looking for a place to sleep. There are several options available, depending on your budget and needs. Here is a guide to the best places to sleep at Zurich Airport including a discussion on whether there are sleep pods at Zurich Airport.
What is a sleep pod?
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A sleep pod, also called a micro-hotel, a mini-suite or sleep cabin/box is a small, self-contained sleeping unit that can be rented by the hour or day. They are becoming increasingly popular in airports and other public spaces as a way to get some rest without having to find a hotel room.
One of the first companies to pioneer this sleep pod concept was NapCabs, which launched its first airport sleep pod at Frankfurt Airport in 2006. Today, there are NapCabs at a number of airports around the world including Zurich Airport.
A few years later in 2010, Gosleep followed suit. GoSleep, another European company, has also installed sleep pods at a number of airports including Helsinki, Amsterdam, and Dubai. In 2018, they launched their first airport sleep pod in the United States at JFK Airport in New York.
Below is an image of Gosleep pods;
Notice how they have a reclining chair/bed which can be transformed into a bed. They also have a privacy curtain, reading light, and power outlet.
Amenities you can expect at Zurich’s Swiss Capsules/Pods:
Below is a list of amenities you can expect to get from Zurich’s Swiss Capsule™ which appear to be better than Gosleep’s actually;
- Privacy on 2m2
- Lockable and safe
- Swiss quality bed linen
- Autonomous ventilation
- Dimmable light
- USB and power connection
- Shelf, table, mirror, and storage space
- quality mattress
Check out the image of the sleep capsule below with a gentleman comfortably working on his computer and sitting on a comfy bed;
Image credit: Swiss Capsule website
Unlike the Gosleep pods, the Swiss Capsules are not designed to appear as cocoons. They are rectangular-shaped mini-cabins similar to Minute Suites in Atlanta with the additional advantage of enough space to store your luggage as you sleep.
How much do Zurich Airport sleep Capsules cost?
The soundproof, lockable sleeping pods with their own air conditioning systems start at 65 Swiss francs a night. Six of the sleeping pods provide an unobstructed view, while one has been designed to be wheelchair accessible. Guests also have access to meeting rooms, a small wellness area, co-working spaces and a bar where they can enjoy breakfast.
Normally, you can expect to pay around $100-120 for a 4-hour block of time. This price includes access to all the amenities listed above. Some companies, like NapCabs, also offer discounts if you book in advance online.
Does Zurich Airport have sleep pods?
Yes, Zurich Airport has sleep pods and they installed them earlier this year in February 2022. According to a press release from Feb 2022, the so-called Capsule hotel formally opened its doors to the public on February 12, 2022, and is operated by a new hotel called Alpine Garden. This was welcomed news to many travelers who were looking for a place to sleep at the airport.
How many sleep pods at Zurich Airport?
Swiss firm capsule hotel has opened Europe’s largest capsule hotel with 144 sleeping pods at Zurich Airport, according to a press release. The interior design was entrusted to Swiss nature photographer Fabio Zingg. In addition to the capsules, the hotel also offers co-working spaces and a small wellness area.
The Zurich Airport hotel sleep pods which are direct across from Check-in 1, have 144 sleeping pods in an area that spans approximately 1,100 square meters. This beats the size of pods at Schipol, Heathrow, or in any other European City.
Capsule Hotel Zurich in Switzerland
Nestled in Kloten, 4 miles away from Zurich Exhibition Hall, Capsule Hotel – Alpine Garden Zurich Airport offers rooms with air-conditioning and a bar. This property provides guests with numerous services and amenities, such as a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage space, free WiFi access throughout the hotel, and a snack bar.
From Booking.com’s website, it appears that the Capsule Hotel lists Upper level and lower levels of their bunked beds. The lower-level beds are more expensive going for over $100 while upper-level beds cost around $90.
Swiss Capsule – lower level
- Capsule lower level
- Ventilation
- Side access
- Mirror
- Mood lighting
- Power plug
- USB-C
- Lockable
- Comfortable single bed with bedding
- Towel
Swiss Capsule Upper-level Amenities:
- Capsule upper level
- Ventilation
- Side access
- Mirror
- Mood lighting
- Power plug
- USB-C
- Lockable
- Comfortable single bed with bedding
- Towel
Check out this detailed FAQ page on Swiss Capsule’s website;
You can book Swiss Capsule’s room on their website here;
You’ll be taken through a registration page shown in the screenshot below;
FAQs
Are sleep capsules same as sleep pods?
Yes, sleep capsules is just a different name given to sleep pods designed by Swiss Capsule and sleep pods as a name was originally used to refer to earlier models of Gosleep and RestWorks sleeping pods. They mean the same thing, though varying in their make and design.
Where can I sleep at Zurich Airport?
For those of you with airline lounge access, there are a few lounges at Zurich Airport that would be ideal for a quick nap. The Swiss International Air Lines First and Business Class Lounge as well as the Lufthansa Senator and First Class Lounge both have shower facilities which you could use to freshen up after your rest. Lounges are great if you have the proper access, but they’re not ideal for everyone. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, there is now a capsule hotel at Zurich Airport.
What are some Zurich airport lounges;
- Aspire Lounge (Non-Schengen)Location: Terminal E, Airside, Non-Schengen Area, 3rd Floor, near Gate E45
- Aspire Lounge (Schengen)Location: Airside, Schengen Area, 3rd Floor.
- Dnata Skyview LoungeLocation: Airside, Airside Center, 3rd Floor.
- Primeclass LoungeLocation: Airside, Non-Schengen Area, 3rd Floor, near Gate E52.
- Swiss Lounge DLocation: Airside, Non-Schengen Area, Transit Area D.
You can check Zurich pod’s prices today on Tripadvisor here.
How much does a capsule hotel cost?
As per their booking website info in October 2022, the cost of a lower-level capsule is 63.70 CHF per night and the cost of an upper-level sleep pod is 70.90 CHF per night. In USD, this translates to $69 and $77 per night respectively.
What are the hours of Zurich Capsule Hotel?
The capsule hotel is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
How do I get to Zurich Capsule Hotel?
The capsule hotel is located at Kloten, 4 miles away from Zurich Exhibition Hall. You can take the S-Bahn train from Zurich city center to Zurich Airport. The journey takes around 10 minutes and trains depart every 15 minutes.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Zurich Capsule Hotel?
Check-in at the capsule hotel is from 2:00 PM onwards and check-out is until 10.30 am the next day.
Is breakfast included in the price of Zurich Capsule Hotel?
No, breakfast is not included in the price but there are vending machines available at the capsule hotel that sell snacks and drinks. There’s also a 24-hour airport restaurant located nearby.
Can I cancel my booking at Zurich Capsule Hotel?
Yes, you can cancel your booking but please note that cancellations made within 24 hours of the check-in date will incur a 100% cancellation fee.
Is there Wi-Fi at Zurich Capsule Hotel?
Yes, there is free Wi-Fi available at the capsule hotel.
What are the other amenities at Zurich Capsule Hotel?
Other amenities available at Zurich Capsule Hotel include:
– Showers
– Lockers
– Towels
– Earplugs
– Eye mask
– Toothbrush & toothpaste
– razor
– Shaving cream
– Deodorant
– Hairdryer
– Laptop table
– Power outlet
– Reading light
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Website: airportllc.com
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