Despite not being a capital of Switzerland, Zurich is one of the world’s financial powerhouses, and consequently, one of Europe’s most expensive cities.
The nature of the modern business world is one of mobility, and this is one of the unofficial mottos of the global economy – the ability to streamline the flow of goods and services across different, but interconnected, marketplaces. This has naturally brought forward the need for the employees to adapt to these circumstances, and move from one continent to another with ease.
Despite not being a capital of Switzerland, Zurich is one of the world's financial powerhouses, and consequently, one of Europe's most expensive cities. Going on a business trip with great accommodation in Zurich has proven to be something which often requires more than just luxury – a personal note that most traditional accommodation methods fail to address.
High quality of life – in tune with high prices
Zurich is famed for its top of the line hotels, where anything lower than a five star rating is considered second rate; prices have risen in accord with this level of service. Zurich's small population contributed to this effect of concentrated wealth. The city has constantly been proclaimed for one of the best places to live in, and the low tax rates turned it into headquarters for many multinational companies, from FIFA to some of the world's most powerful banking institutions.
The architecture of Zurich places an emphasis on tradition; skyscrapers are few and far between, and even those are squat when compared to their counterparts in some metropolises. Retaining of traditional values while not neglecting modern trends has been one of the city's trademarks that went hand in hand with its economic rise.
The luxurious heart of the city
The appropriately named Paradeplatz (Parade Square) is represents what is perhaps the most expensive real estate market in Switzerland, being situated in the heart of downtown Zurich. Some of the oldest Swiss banks are headquartered there, and the square itself has a rich history, from being a livestock market to the focal point of the global business.
One of the world's most expensive avenues, Bahnhofstrasse, leads directly from the square, carrying some of the best opportunities to do luxury shopping. It is not a place to miss, both due to its rich, ornamental facades and for the retail opportunities it offers for a business traveler that has some time to spare. It is also a place populated with some of the city's best restaurants, perfect for business luncheons.
A perfect setting for serviced apartments niche
Over the past decades, companies doing business in Zurich were perfectly satisfied with providing an adequate hotel room to their employees and partners; this was considered to be the optimal way of providing downtime when away from work, and was not questioned before the advent of digital age.
Today, the nature of the business world requires more mobility than ever before. For an employee, this can mean that his surroundings just become one hotel room after another, and no luxury can stop the alienation from setting in. Serviced apartments niche sprouted from the observed needs of both an employee and the company doing business. Representing a tailor made accommodation experience away from lobbies lacking in identity, they have taken the market by storm, and experience steady rise precisely because they cater to the needs of an individual.
