The hype
Travelers love the vibe, food, and staff energy, but many feel misled by the 'City Resort' name given the distance from downtown.
FIVE Zurich - Luxury City Resort
$250-450/ night
Book this if You want a Dubai-style pool party with a Swiss mountain backdrop and don't mind taking a taxi to the actual city.
Why People Love It
- The 'Social Pool' is arguably the best summer day-party spot in Zurich
- Maiden Shanghai and Soul Street serve genuinely excellent, high-energy food
- Views from the Uetliberg foothills are sweeping and unique
Quick Take: A high-gloss, high-decibel party compound that feels like it was airlifted from Dubai and dropped onto a Swiss cow pasture.
Reviewed by @escapes_and_excursions_with_e: I felt like a total VIP staying here. The energy is electric with all the music and art, but my room was this perfect sanctuary. Waking up on Uetliberg mountain with that view of Zurich was the highlight of my trip. Definitely hit the spa if you need to recharge!
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'Amazing Room' category is small (17 sqm) and located in the annex, leading to major disappointment for those expecting main-building luxury.
- You own more than three pairs of designer sunglasses
- You prioritize a vibrant pool scene over a quiet night's sleep
- You're driving and want easy parking (CHF 30/night) outside the tight city center
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.2
- Housekeeping: Generally good daily service, though some reports of missed dust in the East Wing.
- Bathroom hygiene: Clean surfaces, but the 'flooding shower' design flaw makes floors perpetually wet and risky.
- Maintenance: Main building is pristine; East Wing shows signs of wear and AC struggles.
- Linens & towels: High quality, plush, and plentiful.
- Odors & scents: Heavily perfumed in public areas (signature scent); rooms are generally fresh.
Sleepability™
5.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Bass from The Penthouse nightclub
- DJ sets at the Social Pool
- Hallway noise in the East Wing
Before you book
Good to know
- The shuttle only goes to local stations (Triemli/Schweighof), NOT Zurich Main Station (HB)
- A taxi to the city center costs roughly CHF 35 each way
- Breakfast is steep at ~CHF 55 per person; consider grabbing coffee at the cafe instead
What to pack
- Statement swimwear — the pool is a runway
- European power adapter (Type J) — not all plugs are universal
- High-quality earplugs if you plan to sleep before 2am
Room Genie
Best picks
- Luxe Room (Main Building) — 46sqm, huge balcony, and no tunnel walk
- Luxe Suite — for the dual balconies and city views
Rooms to avoid
- Amazing Room (East Wing) — tiny (17sqm), far from amenities, and often has central AC issues
- Superior Room (East Wing) — same tunnel trek, not worth the savings
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would appreciate a room in the Main Building (Luxe category or higher) to avoid the tunnel walk. Please ensure it is on a floor not directly below the Penthouse club to minimize bass vibration.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the pool free for guests?
Yes, usually. While outsiders pay CHF 50-100, hotel guests get access, though it can get packed during ticketed events.
How far is the Old Town?
It's not walkable. You need a 20-minute Uber or a shuttle-plus-train combo (S10 line) that takes about 30 minutes total.
What is the 'East Wing'?
It's the former staff building, now renovated. It's connected by a long underground tunnel. Rooms here are smaller and cheaper.
Is it pet friendly?
Yes, for a fee of CHF 40 per night. There are great walking trails on Uetliberg right outside.
Is there a resort fee?
No explicit 'resort fee,' but you'll pay City Tax (~CHF 3.50/person) and a hefty deposit (CHF 100/night) at check-in.
Can I control the AC?
In the Main Building, yes. In the East Wing, it's often a central system that guests complain is too hot or unresponsive.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Social Pool' closes at 7pm, but the indoor pool is open later and is usually empty.
- ✨
Ask for a 'forest view' room if you want slightly less noise than the 'city view' (which faces the pool/party).
- ✨
The S10 train from Triemli station is the secret weapon for getting to town cheap (CHF 4.40) and fast.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'immersive tunnel' to the East Wing is fun once, annoying every other time.
💡The bathroom glass is often fully transparent with no curtain — awkward for friends sharing a room.
💡You might see cows grazing right next to the luxury pool area.
💡Room service prices are eye-watering, even for Zurich standards.
💡The 'Luxe' rooms have massive balconies that are often larger than the 'Amazing' rooms' entire footprint.
Local Playbook
Map
See where FIVE Zurich - Luxury City Resort is located and what's nearby.