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Swiss ‘zero star hotel’ offers sleepless nights to ponder world’s crises
Global Banking & Finance Review®
Company
By Denis Balibouse
SAILLON, Switzerland (Reuters) – “I couldn’t sleep,” and “my room was too noisy,” may be complaints hoteliers dread from guests, but for the Riklin brothers that is the entire point of their latest ‘zero star hotel’ art installation.
The Swiss concept artists’ hotel room is essentially a double bed on a platform, with two bedside tables and lamps. There are no walls, ceiling or doors to provide any privacy or shelter.
They have set up their null stern suite – German for zero star – on a roadside next to a petrol station in the village of Saillon, in the southern Swiss canton of Valais.
The intention is to make guests think about the problems in the world, the twin brothers said, and inspire them to act differently.
They’ve created similar beds in idyllic spots, but this is their first ‘anti-idyllic’ site.
“Sleep is not the point,” said Frank Riklin. “What’s important is reflecting about the current world situation. Staying here is a statement about the need for urgent changes in society.”
Guests are invited in their ‘half sleep’ to consider topics like climate change, war, and humanity’s endless quest for perfection and the damage it causes the planet.
“In a nutshell, now is not the time to sleep, we have to react,” said Patrik. “If we continue in the same direction we are today, there might be more anti-idyllic places than idyllic.”
The project, which has been developed with hotelier Daniel Charbonnier, also features three further null stern suites in a more idyllic vineyard and on a picturesque hillside.
The suites, which come with butler service offering drinks and breakfast, will be available form July 1 to Sept. 18. The price for an imperfect night’s sleep: 325 Swiss francs ($337).
($1 = 0.9656 Swiss francs)
(Reporting by Denis Balibouse, writing by John Revill, editing by Alexandra Hudson)
Sustainability refers to the ability to maintain or improve certain essential processes without depleting resources or causing harm to the environment, ensuring that future generations can also meet their needs.
Climate change refers to significant changes in global temperatures and weather patterns over time, primarily driven by human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes.
An art installation is a three-dimensional work of art designed to transform a particular space, often incorporating various materials and media to create an immersive experience for viewers.
A hotel suite is a larger accommodation option that typically includes separate living and sleeping areas, often featuring additional amenities such as a kitchenette or dining space.
In hospitality, a statement refers to a declaration or expression of a concept or idea, often used to convey the purpose or message behind a service or experience offered to guests.
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