Inside the cool European hotel where your room comes with an ab roller

By Julia D'Orazio Zurich West is no longer an eyesore. The once-industrial neighbourhood continues its exciting metamorphosis into one of Zurich's trendiest districts. It's the perfect example of large-scale upcycling, with former factories and landmarks given new leases of life. A shipbuilding yard is reimagined as a jazz theatre and club; the 1890s viaduct railway arches have been transformed into a one-stop destination filled with stores, restaurants and a food hall. And another district landmark that has undergone a dramatic makeover is 25hours Zurich West. In June 2024, this Swiss incarnation of Accor's design-driven hotel brand adopted a "world of sports" theme, drawing inspiration from its location between the Limmat River and Letzigrund Stadium, as well as active locals. 25hours Zurich West is in Hard Turm Park, which features a mix of corporate and residential buildings and urban spaces. A five-metre chrome sculpture of music student Anne-Sophie located metres from the hotel's entrance, represents the youth of her generation and the neighbourhood. While its block-like exterior exudes a corporate feel, its interior is anything but. Designed by Swiss-Argentinean designer Alfredo Haberli, the hotel's "world of sports" theme encourages workouts and game time with its colourful (and functional) sports-inspired furnishings, including balls galore, basketball hoops, boundary lines, and a giant baseball glove chair in its open lobby and co-working area. Get exclusive travel tips, hidden gems & expert insights: delivered to your inbox There are 123 rooms across seven room categories. I'm on the top floor in a 27-square-metre extra-large room. My king-sized bed faces a spacious balcony that overlooks railway lines, buildings and the city's fringing green hills. Inside, the bright, warm-toned room features a desk, a bar fridge, a TV, wooden floors and shelving, a geometric rug, yellow curtains, and a simple, silver mosaic bathroom. Ever helpful is the labelling on all light switches - no more guessing games. The hotel is home to Ribelli, an Italian restaurant and bar. In the mornings, the bar counter changes into a breakfast buffet. It serves continental fare, including charcuterie, an assortment of cheeses (all Swiss), freshly baked breads, and pastries, muesli, and fruits. There's also a juicer, which feels novel to use - as does the option to craft your own protein shake in the lobby. This hotel wants to help you hit your fitness goals. My room is opposite the gym and wellness centre (open 24/7), featuring a nest-like sauna with city views. With such easy access, I embrace a new morning routine (and perhaps lifestyle intervention). Meanwhile, a rack of fresh towels is positioned alongside running maps in the lobby. Not wanting to sweat it out sightseeing? Explore Zurich at a relaxed pace, with contemporary museums and spaces, chic eateries and bars, and boutique stores within walking distance. That includes a tower of 19 stacked shipping containers, which now stands permanently as cult bag brand Freitag's flagship store, and Frau Gerolds Garten, a gritty adult playground, strewn with recycled art installations, food trucks and a shipping container bar. Tram 4 is located outside the hotel, allowing an easy 12-minute ride to Zurich Central Station. Keeping true to the sports theme, some decor in my room doubles up as practical fitness gear, such as a yoga mat and ab roller. The writer was a guest of the hotel