Atop one of the highest points in Zurich, The Dolder Grand sits above other hotels in Switzerland’s largest city, literally and figuratively.  Renowned for its enormous spa as much as its luxurious accommodation and superb dining, The Dolder Grand returned to the uppermost echelon of European hospitality fifteen years ago upon its reopening in 2008.

Norman Foster’s prowess as a leading architect of the past fifty years is on ample display in the new wings constructed to complement the original building, which remains a landmark in Zurich’s world of elite hotels.  Although the modern Spa Wing and Garden Wing are contemporary in style, they serve as perfect backdrops to the classic architectural elements of the main building.

The Dolder Grand Junior Suite.

Until The Dolder Grand was revitalised, it had been in disrepair for years.  Down on its luck, the hotel that opened in 1899 was purchased by wealthy real estate mogul and art collector Urs Schwarzenbach, whose vast fortune rejuvenated the property by significantly renovating the original hotel and adding new wings.  Both parts of The Dolder Grand have accommodation options, all stellar in their comfort and style.

Rooms and suites facing Lake Zurich have expansive views across the water to the mountains.  Alongside the hotel is a private park where yoga and exercise classes can be taken outdoors to enjoy the scenery and fresh air.  Nearby, the Dolderbahn rack railway takes guests down to Zurich’s city centre; the hotel also offers a complimentary shuttle into town for shopping excursions on Bahnhofstrasse or seeing the city’s sights.

Downtown amusements notwithstanding, staying at The Dolder Grand can easily seduce guests into never leaving the property.  Every aspect of the hotel complex is outstanding, and enjoying them in situ creates a holiday to remember.  Need to feel refreshed?  Book a treatment in the fantastic spa and let the expert therapists rejuvenate tired muscles or amplify your glow with a facial treatment.  Upping the spa experience further are the spa library and meditation rooms, two spaces not commonly found in spas yet seemingly indispensable once experienced.  Refreshments can be taken at the spa café where healthy food and drink options are available.

The Dolder Grand spa area.

Gourmet cuisine is another aspect of The Dolder Grand experience that leaves an indelible impression.  Yummy meals in the formidable Saltz restaurant, where the red banquettes are tufted with real Swiss franc coins, include the classic sea bass in the Saltz crust for which it is famous.  Other options are similarly delicious for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  Under the careful supervision of Chef Julian Mai, Saltz brings gourmet dining to new heights in Zurich.  Add to that the exclusive summertime Krug Lounge X, where convivial conversation flows along with the champagne and the memorable experience is enhanced much more.

Returning to the rooms and suites, their innovative floorplans and stylish decor create private environments with a relaxed yet indulgent vibe.  Every detail is well thought out here at The Dolder Grand.  Art is everywhere in the hotel, thanks to the owner’s excellent taste and astute acquisitions.  Mr Schwarzenbach takes great pride in the pieces exhibited at The Dolder Grand.  A former Miss Australia, Francesca Schwarzenbach, is the other half of the couple whose vision of beautiful hospitality has been brought to life in Switzerland’s largest city.

Zurich has many five-star hotels, but none of the others can compare with the setting and offerings of The Dolder Grand, a member of Swiss Deluxe Hotels and The Leading Hotels Of The World. In the intensely competitive hotel industry, staying a step ahead is of paramount importance. Notwithstanding the excellence already found at The Dolder Grand, that excellence is merely a baseline from which to raise the hotel experience ever higher. Guests who have stayed at the grande dame of Zurich hotels would wholeheartedly agree.

Written by: Robert La Bua – Global Traveller Deluxe

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