Ruby Mimi Goes Hollywood

Taking our cue from an era-defining spirit and style, we’ve sprinkled a little Hollywood magic throughout our hotel in Zurich. Housed in what was once one of Zurich’s first cinemas, Ruby Mimi is a celebration of the early days of Hollywood – when movies were silent, studios flourished and stars were born. Leading the charge in this new era of international celebrity were five young starlets, all called Mimi.

And this is exactly what we conveyed in Mimi’s design narrative. Our 24-hour bar blends the grit and glamour of early movie sets - from rich, velvet furnishings and art nouveau nods to vintage cameras, lighting, and costumes.

As is typical for Ruby, Mimi offers a locally sourced, healthy breakfast and barista coffee, delicious cocktails and Italian-inspired snacks at the bar. Mimi's rooms reflect our Lean Luxury style, featuring a spacious, comfy bed, a rainfall shower, and soft, fluffy towels.

Warm wood panelling and muted tones contrast with burnished brass and touches of dressing room luxe. Stepping back inside, you’ll find a Marshall amp to add your own movie soundtrack.

As already mentioned, Mimi’s Building at Beatenplatz was the first purpose-built movie theater and was called "Du Pont". Though the outside of the building shows strong classical tendencies, the cinema interior was designed to capture the imagination of its blue-collar guests with visions of stylized oriental splendor. The restaurant “Du Pont” is also an original feature of the building. Office space and apartments filled the remaining floors.

The building was gutted in the 1950s with all the period details removed in order to create something more modern. The cinema continued to be in use until a few years ago.

We’re taking inspiration from the silent film era and the tail end of Art Nouveau movement to tell the story: A star is born.

A look at entertainment in 1913 shows the rising starlets it birthed, actor-crazed pop culture that developed out of it, and how life (and the cinema) has changed.

Rich colors and luxe materials harken back to cinema’s vibrant past. Original film equipment and posters portray the movie industry in its infancy. It’s not all glitter in the business however, rougher materials such as concrete convey the hard-knocks life often associated with film making. A bit exotic, a bit gritty, this interior space will convey the lean luxury vibe in a unique, historically inspired context.

A stone’s throw from the River Limmat, Zurich’s old town and the city’s top shopping streets, Ruby Mimi is a great starting point for first-time visitors and old friends. It’s also just a few minutes’ walk from the main station. For window shoppers or shop-til-you-droppers, Bahnhofstrasse is the place to be. Flanked by high street names and designer labels, there’s something for every budget and style.

For history lovers, a short stroll south along the river will take you to the cobbled streets and quaint old buildings of the Altstadt. As well as lots of photo ops, you’ll find excellent restaurants and cosy coffee shops to keep your energy up. 

For a slightly boozy, sugary taste of Switzerland, an indulgent slice of Zuger Kirschtorte should hit the spot. If it’s the outdoors you’re after, Zurich also delivers. The lake is a 15-minute walk from Mimi, or a short hop on the tram. Otherwise, head for the hills with a hike up nearby Uetliberg. (There’s also a train, if that sounds like hard work. Zurich’s main station is only a five-minute walk from Mimi’s front door, from where the airport’s just ten minutes by train or S-Bahn.