Zurich is notoriously expensive. We all know it. You step off the train at the Hauptbahnhof, walk two minutes toward the Limmat River, and suddenly a basic coffee costs nine francs. Most people end up staying in sterile, corporate boxes because they’re "safe" bets. But honestly? If you’re heading to Switzerland and want something that actually feels like a vibe—rather than a hospital wing—you’ve gotta look at the Ruby Mimi Hotel Zurich. It’s tucked inside the skeleton of an old 1920s cinema.
Think velvet. Think dim lights. Think about the fact that you can literally rent a Marshall amp for your room.
The building itself is the historic "Du Pont" house. It used to house one of the city's first movie theaters, and the Ruby group (a Munich-based brand known for "Lean Luxury") basically took that Hollywood glam and turned it into a hotel. It’s not perfect for everyone—the rooms are tiny—but for a weekend in Zurich, it’s hard to beat the location or the aesthetic.
The "Lean Luxury" Reality Check at Ruby Mimi Hotel Zurich
What does "Lean Luxury" even mean? It’s a marketing term, sure. But in practice at the Ruby Mimi Hotel Zurich, it means they cut out the stuff you don’t actually use so they can spend money on the stuff you do.
There’s no room service. No sprawling gym with a sauna. No bellboy hovering for a tip.
Instead, you get high-end mattresses, soundproofing that actually works (crucial since you're right by the tram lines), and rain showers that feel like a spa. They focus on the "sleep and shower" experience. If you’re the type of traveler who needs a trouser press and a 24-hour concierge to book your dinner reservations, you’ll hate it here. If you just want a killer bar downstairs and a bed that feels like a cloud, it’s a win.
The rooms are categorized in typical Ruby fashion: Nest, Cosy, Lovely, Wow, and Loft.
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- Nest rooms are basically ship cabins. We're talking 13 to 15 square meters. If you’re traveling with three suitcases, don't do it.
- Cosy and Lovely are the sweet spots.
- The Loft rooms actually give you enough space to stretch your legs, often featuring higher ceilings and better views of the Zurich skyline.
That 1920s Cinema Aesthetic
You can’t talk about this place without mentioning the design. It’s a love letter to the silent film era. The lobby—which doubles as a 24-hour bar—is filled with vintage cameras, spotlight lamps, and heavy curtains. It feels moody. It’s the kind of place where you actually want to grab a drink before heading out to Niederdorf.
The 24-hour bar is a lifesaver. Zurich shuts down surprisingly early on certain nights, but the Mimi bar stays open. They serve a signature breakfast too. It’s not a massive buffet with omelet stations; it’s high-quality, local, and organic. Think Swiss cheeses, fresh bread, and good muesli. It’s about quality over quantity.
One weirdly cool feature? The "Galley." Since there are no minibars in the rooms (part of that "lean" philosophy), each floor has a station with filtered water and ice. You can also borrow an iron there. It feels a bit like a high-end hostel in that specific way, but the execution is much more polished.
Location: The Real Reason You’re Here
The Ruby Mimi Hotel Zurich is located on Beatenplatz. It’s basically a five-minute walk from the main train station. This is a massive deal if you’re using Zurich as a base to explore the Alps or if you have a 7:00 AM flight.
You’re steps away from Bahnhofstrasse, which is one of the world’s most expensive shopping streets. Even if you aren't buying a $50,000 watch, it’s a great walk. Cross the bridge, and you’re in the Old Town (Altstadt).
- The Proximity Factor: You can walk to the ETH Zurich funicular (Polybahn) in under ten minutes.
- The Vibe: It’s urban. It’s busy. There are trams rattling by constantly.
- The Quiet: Despite the chaos outside, the triple-glazed windows at Ruby Mimi are incredible. You won't hear the nightlife, which is a rare feat in this part of town.
Let’s Talk About the Quirks (The Stuff People Complain About)
Every hotel has its downsides. Honestly, the open-plan bathroom situation isn't for everyone. In most rooms, the shower is partially glass and integrated into the living space. If you're traveling with a brand-new partner or a platonic friend, it might be a bit... intimate. There’s a curtain, but it’s not exactly a soundproof wall.
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And the storage? It’s minimal. They use pegs and small shelves rather than massive wardrobes. It encourages you to live out of your suitcase. For a three-day trip, it's fine. For a two-week stay, you might start feeling claustrophobic.
Also, the check-in is automated. You do it on a tablet. There are hosts around to help if things go south, but the human interaction is kept to a minimum during the boring parts of the stay. Some people find this cold. I find it efficient. I’d rather spend my time talking to the bartender about where to find the best fondue than waiting for someone to manually type my passport number into a 1990s computer system.
Comparison: Ruby Mimi vs. The Traditional Zurich Hotels
Zurich has plenty of grand dames like the Baur au Lac or the Dolder Grand. Those places are icons. But they also cost a month’s rent for a single night. Then you have the budget chains like Ibis, which are fine but soul-crushing.
The Ruby Mimi Hotel Zurich sits in that "moxy-style" middle ground but with more class. It’s for the person who wants the boutique feel without the boutique price tag.
What you gain:
- A sense of place. You actually feel like you're in a historic building.
- A high-quality bar that locals actually visit.
- Tech-forward features like high-speed Wi-Fi that actually stays connected and a Marshall Bluetooth speaker in every room.
What you lose:
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- Traditional amenities. No pool. No spa. No "official" restaurant for lunch or dinner (though the bar has snacks).
- Space. Zurich real estate is expensive, and Ruby maximizes every square inch.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
If you’re planning to book, keep these specific points in mind to make the most of the experience.
First, sign up for the Ruby Rewards program on their website before booking. They usually give you a free drink or a slight discount that you won't find on the major booking sites.
Second, if you're a musician or just a fan, ask about the guitars. You can actually rent a Fender guitar and an amp from the lobby to use in your room. They provide headphones so you don't annoy the neighbors. It’s a weird, niche perk that perfectly encapsulates the brand’s "lean luxury" but "high personality" ethos.
Third, skip the hotel lunch and walk three minutes to Sprüngli on Bahnhofstrasse for a sandwich or their famous "Luxemburgerli" macarons. For dinner, head across the river to Frau Gerolds Garten in the Zurich West area if it's summer, or stick to the local spots in the Niederdorf alleyways.
Finally, check the room type carefully. If you are taller than 6 feet, the "Nest" rooms will feel very tight. Spring for the "Lovely" room; the extra space for your luggage is worth the extra 20 or 30 francs.
The Ruby Mimi Hotel Zurich isn't trying to be a five-star palace. It’s trying to be a cool, efficient, and historic home base in one of the world's priciest cities. As long as you know what you're getting into regarding the room size, it’s easily one of the most interesting places to stay in Switzerland right now.
Next Steps for Your Trip
- Check the Event Calendar: Ruby Mimi often hosts live music or DJ sets in the bar area on weekends. Check their Instagram or website before you arrive so you don't miss out.
- Download the ZVV App: Zurich's public transport is legendary. Even though the hotel is central, you'll want the app for easy tram and boat tickets across Lake Zurich.
- Book Direct for Flexibility: Zurich travel plans change often due to weather or train delays. Booking directly with Ruby often gives you a better cancellation window than third-party sites.
- Pack Light: Given the room dimensions and the "pegs instead of closets" setup, a carry-on is your best friend at this property.
Stay here if you value design and location over square footage. It’s a smart way to do Zurich without feeling like you're staying in a generic airport hotel.