B2 Boutique Hotel + Spa

The hotel occupies three 19th-century industrial buildings, studded with brick chimneys, that were once part of the Hurlimann Brewery (once Switzerland's largest). The entire complex blends original details of the 1880 structure with a chic, stunning decor. A revolving door leads from a cobbled walkway into the lobby, where leather belts are whimsically clasped around soft round armchairs, as if cinching the girthy waistlines of contented beer connoisseurs. Small end tables are piles of thick books, and more books (some 33,000) fill the towering shelves of a wonderful library lounge and wine bar in the back. There are plenty of business travelers here during the week -- not surprising, given the hotel is part of a complex that includes the Swiss offices of Google. Leisure travelers -- who are mostly couples -- increase their presence on weekends, though the location outside of the city center isn't ideal for sightseeing. 

The B2 Boutique Hotel + Spa is part of a renovated historic brewery complex that also houses small shops, a luxury spa, and the Swiss offices of Google. The complex sits on a small hill, which is reached by a narrow cobbled road, so there isn't much within easy walking distance, though the nearest tram stop (Waffenplatzstrasse) is an eight-minute walk and the Bahnhof Zurich Enge railway station is an 11-minute walk away. Zurich's quaint Old Town (Altstadt), where there are plenty of bars and restaurants -- not to mention the famous Bahnhofstrasse, one of the most expensive shopping streets in the world -- is about a seven-minute drive from the hotel; it's also possible to walk in about 25 minutes, or take the tram. Kunsthaus museum is about a 10-minute drive away, across the river on the opposite side of town. Expect a 20-minute drive to Zurich Airport. 

The B2 Boutique Hotel + Spa has 60 rooms with oak floors, two-toned cream walls, and a sleek, sharp contemporary decor. Black pendant lamps hang above queen-size beds and sitting areas with a variety of designer leather armchairs and side tables. Large format black-and-white photos of the old brewery decorate the walls. Flat-screen TVs are wall-mounted and wardrobes open to reveal Nespresso machines and free minibars (stocked with non-alcoholic beverages). Basic Wi-Fi comes standard, but high-speed Wi-Fi comes with a fee. 

Aside from the toilets, which are tucked away behind inconspicuous doors, the bathrooms are open to the rest of the room, which might bother guests wanting more privacy. They have heated mosaic-tile floors and open rainfall showers partitioned by glass walls. 

Standard rooms have small desks and chairs, along with tufted benches at the foot of the beds. Executive Rooms add king-size beds and top-floor views. Suites have separate living rooms, and larger Duplex Suites have loft bedrooms and balconies (where smoking is permitted). 

B2 Boutique Hotel guests get a discount rate at the Thermal Baths & Spa Zurich, which is in the same building complex but managed by a third party. It has a beautiful rooftop infinity pool and a decadent spa with thermal baths and bubbling wooden hot tubs. The hotel's event spaces include the Machine Room, which can fit up to 100 people in a space that has a massive antique cooling compressor and other Steampunk-looking machines from the hotel's days as a brewery. More industrial leftovers are in the fitness center, which has a few treadmills, stationary bikes, and a few pieces of weight-training equipment. 

Breakfast, which is included in the rates, is served in the Wine Library and comes with such local treats as muesli and pastries, bacon and cheese from the region, and cooked-to-order eggs. The restaurant also serves a limited lunch and dinner menu, with rich choices like cheese plates, cream tarts, and burgers with Gruyere and roasted onions. There's also an extensive wine menu with bottles from local Zurich wineries, and of course, Hurlimann beer. Basic Wi-Fi is free throughout, and faster Wi-Fi can be purchased.