The Dolder Grand
A historic hillside retreat in Zurich
RESPONSIBLE HOSPITALITY VERIFIED
Nestled between forests and a golf course and perched on a hill above Lake Zurich, The Dolder Grand majestically overlooks the financial center of Switzerland. From the lake's shore, the hotel is a notable feature, looking palatial in its surroundings.
Up close, the blend of traditional German hunting lodge and modern curvatures of architect Norman Foster beautifully blend into one. Fun fact: Where the original 1889 building and the 2008 extension join is called The Kiss.
There is nothing standard about this historic gem. Situated about 15 away from the hustle and bustle of Zurich's Bahnhofstrasse (the city center), the hotel affords you privacy and tranquility. While not centrally located in the city, The Dolder is easily reachable via its own funicular (Dolderbahn), private car or the hotel's limousine service and antique coach shuttle.
Up close, the blend of traditional German hunting lodge and modern curvatures of architect Norman Foster beautifully blend into one. Fun fact: Where the original 1889 building and the 2008 extension join is called The Kiss.
There is nothing standard about this historic gem. Situated about 15 away from the hustle and bustle of Zurich's Bahnhofstrasse (the city center), the hotel affords you privacy and tranquility. While not centrally located in the city, The Dolder is easily reachable via its own funicular (Dolderbahn), private car or the hotel's limousine service and antique coach shuttle.
Our Inspector's Highlights
- Arriving at the Zurich hotel is itself an exclusive experience. In the driveway, you’ll see Barry Flanagan's sculpture Leaping Hare on Curly Bell, while upon stepping into the Dolder's foyer, you'll spy an 1870 bronze statue by the French artist Albert Carrier-Belleuse.
- The Dolder is in many ways an art lover's dream, an impressive hotel-cum-gallery. The hotel knows this and offers guided tours with art experts or with an iPad.
- Perks include free bike rentals to hit nearby trails through the forest, the use of BMW cars for short excursions, an on-call butler service and a dynamic kids room with child care.
- What makes the rooms and suites in the luxury hotel so marvelous is that they have been individualized with close attention to detail. Like a Russian nesting doll, the hotel is a destination within a destination.
- The all-day spa with coed facilities as well as separate facilities for men and women feature both indoor and outdoor pools (including a stunning infinity steam pool), kotatsu foot baths, a nail lounge, a full fitness studio, a hair salon, spa café, and a quiet room for meditation.
Things to Know
- A few additional pieces worth noting in the art-focused hotel are Andy Warhol’s largest creation, Big Retrospective Painting; Salvador Dalí's Femmes métamorphosées – Les sept arts; and Joan Miró's Grand personnage: projet pour un monument.
- Spring for a room with a view of Zurich or the Alps—the vista is the perfect compliment to the comfortable spaces.
- For those who forgot their training gear, the hotel also has a shop featuring sneakers from On, a Zurich-based running shoe company that has taken the triathlon and marathon scene by storm.
The Rooms
- The Dolder has 175 rooms and in true Swiss fashion, it has traditionally understated its luxury suites. Equipped with all of the modern amenities, these suites also come with a butler and concierge service for long-term stays.
- Rooms vary in style from the main original building (contemporary classic) and the newer modern wings (sleek elegance), but all feel thoroughly modern and up-to-date.
- The Junior Suite Grand category has particularly spectacular panoramic views of the city, lake and mountains through curved floor-to-ceiling windows and a balcony.
- Expect typical top-of-the-line amenities such as Nespresso machines, stereo systems, separate whirlpool baths and newspaper service.
The Restaurants
- The Dolder features two restaurants: the alpine-inspired Saltz where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner, and sleek fine-dining venue, The Restaurant where multi-course meals await.
- The hotel's wine cellar is extensive and stocks an excellent array of selected bottles from around the world, including Switzerland's best.
- Be sure to check The Restaurant's hours before dropping by this fine-dining establishment. The dining room serves lunch Wednesday through Friday and is open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday.
- Helmed by chef Heiko Nieder, The Restaurant offers a six- or 10-course menu filled with flavorful dishes like lobster from Brittany served with melon, tomato, mole and saffron. Vegetarian options are also available.
Amenities
Bar
House car
Indoor pool
Meeting rooms
Outdoor pool
Restaurants
Spa
Getting There
Kurhausstrasse 65, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
TEL41-44-456-60-00
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