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Ruby Mimi Goes Hollywood

A stylish, dimly lit bar and lounge with wooden tables, cushioned seating, a well-stocked bar, neon sign, palm plant, and warm ambient lighting, creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Step into the glitz and glamour of Hollywood's golden era at Ruby Mimi, our Zurich retreat infused with a dash of movie magic. Immerse yourself in the grit and glamour of early movie sets, sip on delicious cocktails, and discover Lean Luxury with a nod to cinema's past.

Introducing Mimi

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.

  • Elegant, dimly lit bar with black and gold decor, round tables with wooden chairs, a long counter stocked with bottles, and red velvet curtains on the walls in the background.
  • A stylish small theater room with plush blue armchairs, wooden side tables, and red lampshades. Red curtains divide the seating, and soft ceiling lights and geometric carpet create a cozy, modern atmosphere.
  • A stylish bar interior with a row of red velvet barstools, a sleek counter, and shelves lined with various bottles of liquor, set against a modern, dimly lit background with gold accents.
  • A stylish lounge with four cozy booth seats against a wall, each framed by rich red curtains and a decorative light above. Wooden chairs are neatly arranged in front of the booths on a sleek wooden floor.
  • Close-up of elegant, gold-colored pendant lights shaped like stylized leaves or petals, illuminated against a dark background.
  • A group of vintage-style pendant lights with ribbed glass shades hang from the ceiling, glowing warmly in a dim, elegant interior with mirrors and dark, reflective surfaces in the background.

Architecture

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.

Story

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 bright hotel room with a neatly made bed, large windows, an open door to a balcony, and a scenic city view featuring historic buildings and a tall church steeple in the background.
  • Bright, modern living room with two light gray armchairs, a vintage gramophone on a mirrored cabinet, a tripod floor lamp, a round side table, a potted plant, and large windows with sheer curtains.
  • A bright hotel room with white walls and curtains, a bed with red trim linens, double doors leading to a balcony with two red chairs and a table holding a water carafe, and a cityscape view with colorful buildings outside.
  • A modern bedroom with exposed wooden beams, a large bed with white bedding and a red stripe, two gray armchairs, a floor lamp, and a window letting in natural light. A chandelier hangs from the ceiling.
  • A scenic view of Zurich’s old town with historic buildings, a church with a tall spire, and the Limmat River, seen from a balcony through open glass doors on a sunny day.

Location

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.

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