Marktgasse Hotel

One of Zurich’s oldest inns has been restored into the chic new Marktgasse Hotel which opened at the end of 2015, combining a contemporary 39-bedroom boutique hotel with two restaurants and a bar. Tastefully mixing the old and the new, the Marktgasse Hotel cultivates an understated elegance with a refined sense of contemporary aesthetics and tremendous personality.

Located on the cobbles of Zurich’s old town across two historically listed buildings that originally date back to 1291, the houses were acquired by Swiss entrepreneur and philanthropist, Beat Curti, back in 2004 and form part of a wider heritage conservation effort in the city. Following its opening in November, the Marktgasse Hotel has introduced a compelling mix of timeless eclectic design and relaxed hospitality master-minded by the Ospena Group over a meticulous two-year restoration project.

The hotel’s contemporary forward-thinking design concept and progressive approach to pared down luxury hails a new direction for Zurich’s hotel scene. Scandi-inspired minimalist design and influences from Japanese purism combine with rediscovered heritage features evident throughout the hotel. Protected elements like stucco work, wall paneling and century-old columns have been meticulously preserved in respect to the building’s heritage. Its five varying room types, including two suites, offer an inter-connecting option for families and each have art-deco monochrome style bathrooms filled with Aesop products.

Stripped of the formalities of some of Zurich’s more traditional hotels, the Lobby and inter-connecting Salon and Library are relaxing spaces with an inviting living room atmosphere punctuated by modern furniture from designers &tradition, Swiss brand Vitra and Italian designers Cassina and Junua. Retro-style lamps by Flos and industrial-style overhead lights by Italian brand Viabizzuno subtly illuminate the room. A large selection of books relating to art, culture, cuisine and travel sit alongside board games to keep children occupied and this flexible space can be hired privately for business meetings, presentations or events.

The hotel’s signature brasserie style restaurant Baltho, is furnished in an understated modern style with an open kitchen and a striking art installation by prestigious Zurich-based artist Stefan Burger which forms a unique centre point to the restaurant and spurs lively discussions. Baltho’s deliberately pared down menu offers newly interpreted international classics and seasonal surprises throughout the day, and changes weekly. From light to hearty and from vegan to carnivorous, time-honoured favourites mix with the new, local with international, young with old and easy-going with refined.

The adjoining Baltho Bar is a lively artisanal-style bar draped in rich dark greens and deep woods, with its own street entrance attracting locals to meet for an aperitif, casual meal or digestif. Baltho understands the art of fine cocktails with home-grown infusions lining the bar top and one of the city’s most extensive selection of beer specialties from small breweries.

The Marktgasse Hotel’s second eatery Delish introduces an all-day healthy delicatessen style café that offers a variety of breakfasts, hearty appetizers, a wide array of oven-baked vegetarian dishes and inventive salads that change with the time of day and season: the perfect location for a lavish breakfast, healthy lunch or spontaneous round of drinks and nibbles. The sleek black and white interior, buzzy neighborhood atmosphere and excellent value for money are Delish’s trademarks.

Just two minutes’ walk from the Marktgasse Hotel is the Fitnesspark Hamam Münstergasse with hotel guests granted access to their state-of-the-art fitness equipment for individual training, yoga and pilates classes or bespoke spa treatments. The first and most luxurious Hamam in Zurich, Fitnesspark Hamam Münstergasse offers traditional treatment rituals, with experiences including herbal steam rooms, a relaxation sicaklik and a lather room.

2016 marks an important year culturally for the city of Zurich with the Centenary of Dadism taking place at the infamous Cabaret Voltaire, a stone’s throw from the Marktgasse Hotel, and the bi-annual arts festival Manifesta later in the year. Curated by Christian Jankowski, the Manifesta will take place in Zurich from June onwards with 35 productions exhibited across the city over 100 days at various locations across the city including the ‘Pavillon of Reflections’, a floating platform on Lake Zurich erected especially for the Manifesta.