With Spring Break nearly over and summer almost upon us, many recession-weary Vancouverites are itching for a getaway but hamstrung by their pocketbooks. In these troubled economic times, taking a vacation is a frivolity that many of us will begrudgingly forgo this year. But wait – how about a stay at the world’s first Zero Star Hotel? That’s right, room rates become reasonable when you aren’t paying for high thread count linens, room service or…er…windows.

Zero Star is the antithesis of the luxury hotel. A concept developed by Swiss twin brothers Frank and Patrik Riklin, the Zero Star Hotel experience is “…tailored to fulfill the guests’ priorities, needs and expectations through innovative, value-oriented and functional accommodations.” At Zero Star you’ll get a perfectly fine bed in a remodeled cold war bunker (with complimentary use of a hot water bottle) and pretty much nothing else. That means no spa facilities (or even bathtubs), no heat, and only limited hot water. But for nine Swiss Francs per night – what the hell do you want?

The lowdown:

“Zero Star Hotel brand is a spin-off from the art installation Null Stern Hotel, which was raised in a fallout shelter of the commune of Sevelen […] Zero Star Hotel finds its roots and values at the core of today’s world economic, ecological and social environments. Zero Star Hotel offers a second life to prime real estate locations by transforming them into profitable, sustainable and community-oriented business opportunities. Zero Star Hotel spirit embodies Freedom by using existing resources, while cooperating with and involving different actors from all horizons within the local community.”

To me, it sort of sounds like two Swiss blokes opened a hostel and re-branded it as a hotel, used a smattering of socialist tag words and a few key media outlets to sucker everyone in and are now kicking back, most probably in a well appointed five-star somewhere warm while people line up for the pleasure of a shitty Zero Star experience. Clever buggers.

If you’re interested, you’ll need to get yourself on the waiting list – but that will give you time to save up for airfare…sigh.

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Michelle Sproule grew up in Kitsilano and attended Bond University in Australia and the University of Victoria before receiving her graduate degree in Library Sciences from The University of Toronto. She lives by the beach in Vancouver and enjoys wandering aimlessly through the city’s shops and streets with her best friend – a beat up, sticky, grimy, and uncooperative camera.

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