Adventurous guests can take a trip to Outer Space at Zurich hotel
by Kim Megson | 04 Mar 2016
A German artist and a Zurich hotel specialising in creating “special experiences” have collaborated to send guests on a voyage to outer space.
Michael Najjar and the Kameha Grand Zurich Hotel have opened an exclusive Space Suite on the hotel’s fifth floor, with the highly-detailed interiors designed to make those who stay feel as though they are embarking on an intergalactic journey.
The two-person room features a floating zero gravity bed, hovering astronauts, a steam bath with a window looking into space, rocket engine-inspired spot lights, images from the Hubble Space Telescope on the carpet and a space glove attached to the wall where guests can place their phones or key cards.
“The idea behind this is to immerse guests or ‘crew members’ in the atmosphere of a space station, tapping into various elements of perception to enliven the experience – creating a place where fantasy and reality converge, full of innovation and freedom of thought,” said the hotel in a statement.
Upon entering the Space Suite, an automated female voice inspired by John Carpenter’s science fiction film Dark Star welcomes the crew member, confirms their login and offers handling instructions for the suite.
Other cosmic touches include a semi-transparent foil covering the bedroom, blocking visibility to the outside but allowing light to enter, reflecting text from HAL 9000, the villainous ship computer from Stanley Kubrick’s film 2001: A Space Odyssey.
Films, books, podcasts and music on the subject of space are all available in the room.
Unlike most space ships, though, the room will at least have a minibar, kitchenette and room safe.
Najjar is known for his artistic works exploring space, and many of his previous installations on the theme feature in the room. He plans to be the first contemporary artist in space as one of Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic Pioneer Astronauts, and has undergone intensive cosmonaut training.
The Kameha Grand Zurich is managed by Lifestyle Hospitality & Entertainment Group and is part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection.
The hotel is known for its distinctive suites, with 11 other rooms created by Swiss designer Marcel Wanders, based on themes including ‘diva’, ‘poker’, ‘watchmaker’, ‘burlesque’ and ‘princess’.
Michael Najjar Kameha Grand Zurich Autograph Collection design themed suite space galaxy experience design
According to the hotel: 'The idea behind this is to immerse guests or ‘crew members’ in the atmosphere of a space station' Credit: Michael Najjar
A space glove attached to the wall where guests can place their phones or key cards
Credit: Michael Najjar
The bed is suspended in the air to make guests feel like they are experiencing zero gravity Credit: Michael Najjar
Najjar is known for his artistic works exploring space, and many of his previous installations on the theme feature in the room Credit: Michael Najjar
Books, music, films and art work are all themed around space travel Credit: Michael Najjar
The room's spotlights are inspired by rockets Credit: Michael Najjar
The room is one of twelve specially themed suites in the Kameha Grand Zurich Hotel Credit: Michael Najjar
A German artist and a Zurich hotel specialising in creating “special experiences” have collaborated to send guests on a voyage to outer space. Michael Najjar and the Kameha Grand Zurich Hotel have opened an exclusive Space Suite on the hotel’s fifth floor, with the highly-detailed interiors designed to make those who stay feel as though they are embarking on an intergalactic journey. The two-person room features a floating zero gravity
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