Disappointing Final Night in Switzerland — Holiday Inn Express Zürich Airport
Stay: September 28–29, 2026 | Room 115
Unfortunately, my stay at Holiday Inn Express Zürich Airport was the most disappointing hotel experience of my 14-day solo trip to Switzerland.
I chose this hotel mainly because it was close to the airport and offered an airport shuttle for an additional fee. As an IHG member, I also trusted the brand to provide a clean, comfortable, and reliable stay before my flight home. My hotel charge was $211.91, and I believe the airport shuttle fee was approximately $18, included in the total.
After a long day of traveling from Chur, I arrived tired and carrying my luggage. The receptionist was pleasant, although I regret not getting her name.
Unfortunately, my room experience was not what I expected. When I entered the elevator, there was a strong smell that I suspected was from marijuana smoke. In Room 115, the sofa bed was already opened, leaving me with limited space to sit comfortably. When I accidentally dropped my charger and picked it up, I noticed that the floor had not been properly vacuumed. There were also candy wrappers underneath the couch.
I tried to overlook these issues because I was staying for only one night before flying home. However, the biggest problem came when I used the bathroom sink and discovered that it would not drain.
I called the front desk immediately, explained the problem, and was transferred to another number that rang without anyone answering. I tried again approximately 15 minutes later, with the same result. I made one final attempt, but still received no help.
I was disappointed that no one came to inspect or repair the sink, and I was not offered another room. I ended up taking a shower and brushing my teeth in the shower because I could not use the sink properly. It was an unpleasant way to end what had otherwise been a wonderful trip.
At that point, I honestly wished I had booked the Radisson Hotel near Zürich Airport instead. I had noticed it while looking at airport-area hotels, and I regretted not considering it more seriously. I had chosen Holiday Inn Express because of its convenient location, shuttle service, and the confidence I placed in the brand as an IHG member.
I also found the breakfast area disappointing compared with the other four hotels I stayed in during Switzerland. The cleanliness of the breakfast area concerned me enough that I used a napkin to touch the coffee-machine buttons and made sure to sanitize my hands before eating.
To be fair, the hotel's location was convenient, the receptionist was pleasant, and the airport shuttle was useful for my early departure. I left for the airport at around 7:00 AM on September 29.
I wish my final hotel stay had been as positive as the rest of my Swiss adventure. I understand that problems can happen at any hotel, but cleanliness, functioning bathroom facilities, and a timely response when a guest reports a problem are basic expectations.
Sadly, this was my worst hotel experience of the trip. I hope management takes these concerns seriously and addresses room-cleaning standards and the process for responding to guest maintenance requests.
I had such a beautiful time in Switzerland, and I wish my final night had ended on a better note.