Hilton Zurich Airport

The Hilton Zurich Airport offers a reliably pleasant chain hotel stay near the Zurich Airport. Other than the futuristic looking steel and glass front entrance, the hotel's overall aesthetic is slightly bland and corporate. Curved red walls and LED overhead lighting in the lobby are reminiscent on an airport, and departure information is advertised on screens near the reception desk. The adjacent restaurant and lobby bar provide seating on banquettes and high-back tables. Chalkboards above the built-in buffet area and kitchen advertise the daily menu. Most of the guests are European business and leisure travelers on a layover, and flight crews often stay here. The hotel is bustling with guests coming and going from the airport at all hours (though room corridors are quiet), and the lobby bar is popular until late night. 

As the name suggests, the Hilton Zurich Airport is best suited for travelers who need to be near the airport. The terminals are a six-minute drive or shuttle ride away from the hotel's front doors in Opfikon, which is about a 15-minute drive from central Zurich's picturesque Old Town, restaurants, and chocolate shops. The hotel's surrounding area includes pretty wooded areas and running trails, but little else of interest. Most guests are just here to sleep between flights. For those who have some time to explore, Lake Zurich is a 40-minute drive; Zoo Zurich is a 17-minute drive; and FIFA World Football Museum is a 20-minute drive. 

Much like the public areas of the hotel, the rooms have a pleasant corporate vibe, are spacious, and are spotlessly clean. Decor is done in soft woods, neutral colors, and clean lines. Some rooms have white carpet with a red stripe, while others feature laminate wood floors. Twin beds or king-size beds are available. Upscale photo collages of Zurich's landmarks add local character to the spaces. Most of the rooms include an armchair, desk, and ergonomic chair. Standard amenities are free Wi-Fi, satellite flat-screen TVs with English channels (and up-to-date airport information), air-conditioning, multiline telephones, electronic safes, refrigerated minibars, and kettles with tea and instant coffee. Executive Rooms upgrade to Nespresso machines and free bottled water. Most of the bathrooms feature shower/tub combos with adjustable shower heads, Peter Thomas Roth toiletries, and hairdryers. Large windows let in lots of light and have views of the hotel's entrance or woods. 

Features here cater to guests who need to eat, work out, and maybe have a business meeting before taking the shuttle back to the airport. The Swiss-style restaurant serves a wonderful breakfast buffet with hot and cold items including salad, eggs, fruit, yogurt, charcuterie, cheeses, rosti, and pancakes. Staff pours coffee and tea, and is quick to clear plates. However, the meal isn't included in room rates and is wildly expensive. Lunch, dinner, and 24-hour room service are available a la carte. The adjacent lobby bar serves cocktails, wines, and specialty coffees -- and is a popular spot. The modern fitness center provides TechnoGym cardio equipment with individual media screens. Strength-training machines and free weights are also presented. Relaxation beds are placed near the sauna. Outside, there's a well-marked jogging track.Guests in Executive Rooms get access to the Executive Lounge for free breakfast, hot snacks, and drinks. There are also meeting rooms and a business center that's staffed on weekdays. Wi-Fi is free and fast throughout the hotel. Parking costs extra. The shuttle to the airport costs extra, but it's free from the airport to the hotel and runs on a regular schedule. Pets are welcome with a non-refundable deposit.