What happens when an art project turns into a social experiment? You get something like the Null Stern hotel in the small town of Sevelen, Switzerland. The first of its kind, the hotel is off the charts – so far off the charts, it doesn’t even rate a coveted star.

The “zero star” hotel was designed by brothers Patrik and Frank Riklin as a major art project. It is built inside what was once a nuclear bunker and, while that may seem like a safe alternative to some, it certainly has its pitfalls.

What Makes Null Stern Special?

For one, heating a nuclear bunker is virtually impossible. Because the hotel lacks a definitive heating system, guests are given traditional hot water bottles upon arrival. They can place these in their beds to aid in keeping them warm at night.

The beds themselves aren’t anything special, either. They’re standard army-style bunk beds and are scattered amongst both private and dorm-style rooms. While you won’t find many of the traditionally expected amenities, you’ll receive not only the aforementioned water bottles but a pair of slippers to protect your feet from the cold concrete floors, a set of earplugs to drown out the ventilation system while you sleep, and a chocolate on your pillow.

There are no windows, so those of you who enjoy waking up to sunshine are simply out of luck. The only view of the outside world you’ll get will come from a row of monitors in the reception area fed by cameras set up outside. Don’t expect a hot shower, either. You’ll only be lucky enough to get one of those if you win the daily draw amongst all of the hotel’s guests.

What Does It Cost to Stay in a Zero Star Hotel?

Far from a seven-star hotel or, heck, even a five-star hotel, you’ll find the price is at least in line with what you’re getting. A bed in a dorm-style room is a mere $14 per night while a private luxury room runs $39 per night. You aren’t assigned a bed upon arrival, either. Everyone staying in the hotel gets to spin the “wheel” to determine which bed he gets to sleep in if staying in a dorm-style room. They’re all different, some with more padding and others with nicer duvet covers.

Whether or not you consider the room a luxury is a matter of opinion. For your extra money you’ll receive not only a little extra privacy, but also an “antique” bed recycled from an old hotel instead of a standard bunk.

Most of the guests who stayed at the hotel on its first trial run spoke German and the hotel’s “code of conduct” with 24-rules is written in German as well. For example, one rule states that you shouldn’t walk into Null Stern unless you are prepared for surprises. Another rule mandates guests must work together to establish what time the lights are going to go out each evening, keeping in mind that the hotel’s 7am wake-up call is mandatory.

Some might call this hotel a step up from a hostel, but we beg to differ. Last we checked, hostels had heat and you didn’t necessarily need ear plugs to sleep.

Null Stern Paving a Future within the Hotel Industry

The hotel is not yet open to the general public. Twin brothers Patrik and Frank Riklin have placed a couple of test evenings on the schedule to see how overnight guests react to their creation.

If all goes well, they’ll open Null Stern to the public sometime in 2009 and if it remains popular they’ll open another dozen hotels throughout Switzerland. There are dozens of unused nuclear bomb shelters throughout the country begging to be utilized and most towns would be happy to let the brothers turn them into something more than a simple eye sore.

Image credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10