Introducing The Dolder Grand in Switzerland
September 8, 2023 by Perrie Hartz
Opened in 1899, The Dolder Grand is a luxurious urban retreat that beautifully merges past and future, nestled among lush forests and boasting an exquisite setting with wonderful views overlooking Zürich, the lake, and the Swiss Alps. Originally designed by architect Jacques Gros and updated in 2004 by Foster + Partners, the palatial villa is a splendid blend of a traditional German hunting lodge with modern curvatures and additions, and it is situated just a short 15 minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Zürich’s Bahnhofstrasse (city center). It is also easily reachable via its own charming funicular (Dolderbahn).
A true art lover’s haven, Zürich has an incredibly rich arts and culture scene, yet guests of The Dolder Grand won’t even have to step outside its walls in order to get the museum experience. Around 100 works of art by 90 internationally-renowned artists are on display throughout the property, with the majority located in the public areas that are accessible to all guests. Curated by the Schwarzenbach family—the owners of the hotel itself—the in-house collection is as diverse as the guests. Next to works by Swiss icons such as Ferdinand Hodler, Urs Fischer and Max Bill, you’ll find pieces by artists from all over the world, including “Femmes métamorphosées – Les sept arts” by Salvador Dalí at the entrance to The Restaurant, and “Le Monde” by Niki de Saint Phalle and Jean Tinguely. Joan Miró, Max Ernst, Anselm Kiefer and Keith Haring are also represented, along with more contemporary artists such as Jani Leinonen, Takashi Murakami and Sylvester Stallone.
The Dolder Grand boasts 175 luxurious rooms and suites, all with bright, spacious windows that offer gorgeous views of Zürich and of the surrounding countryside. Situated in both the modernized new wings and the historic Main Building, Double Rooms have south-facing views, king-sized beds, and private balconies, while the 44 Junior Suites feature an exquisite king-size bed and a spacious seating area, along with a luxurious whirlpool bathtub and walk-in shower. While all rooms offer beautiful vantage points, the Grand Junior Suites have especially stunning panoramic views of the city, lake and mountains through large curved floor-to-ceiling windows.
The larger Suites are all outfitted in warm colors, creating a calm and cozy ambience, and include separate living rooms, fireplaces, a whirlpool bathtub and a private sauna. All suites also come with a dedicated private butler service. A few specific suites throughout the hotel have been decorated in honor of the world-renowned artists, musicians, and tastemakers who have once graced the property: The “Maestro Suite” is a tribute to the Austrian conductor Herbert von Karajan, while the spirit of the 1960s is alive in “Suite 100”, (named after the Club 100 in London) with extravagant black, orange and purple interior and retro-style furniture, along with an electric guitar signed by the Rolling Stones.
The Dolder Grand is not just a destination for art connoisseurs, it also attracts spa lovers with its state-of-the-art, 4,000 square-meter wellness center. The large complex spans 20 treatment rooms, 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. There is a dedicated Ladies’ Spa and a Gentlemen’s Spa, each equipped with a sauna, steam bath, foot bath, aroma pool, steam pots, plunge pool and solarium. The Aqua Zone offers a 25 meter long swimming pool, whirlpools, sanarium, snow paradise, steam bath and outdoor sun terrace. The spa menu offers both European and Swiss treatments with traditional Japanese touches, concentrating on detox, vitality, relaxation, and rejuvenation.
The Dolder Grand is a lively and stylish social hub, and one of Switzerland’s top addresses when it comes to culinary delights. From incredible Michelin-star dining to chic cocktail lounges, the cuisine and bar options are seemingly endless. There are two main restaurants: the alpine-inspired Saltz that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and the sleek fine-dining venue The Restaurant. Saltz, designed by artist Rolf Sachs, exudes a unique atmosphere of relaxed familiarity combined with an air of understated opulence, complimented by a menu of regional ingredients and specialities by Chef Julian Mai. Michelin-starred The Restaurant serves fresh and innovative gourmet cuisine by Chef Heiko Nieder in a stylish, sophisticated atmosphere, and is one of the most highly rated dining destinations in Zürich.
There is also a Japanese Omakase restaurant called Mikuriya helmed by Chef Atsushi Hiraoka, a lobby bar for cocktails and light bites called Canvas Bar and Lounge, and a seasonal pop-up on the terrace during the summer months called Lobster Club.
Also this summer, The Dolder Grand will be unveiling a new al fresco lifestyle restaurant called Blooms, situated in the garden amid vegetable beds, herbs and fruit bushes. The new restaurant serves up a relaxing outdoor dining experience with a menu that offers refined vegetarian, vegan, organic, regional and seasonal creations.
Zürich and its surroundings offer so many cultural activities and outdoor experiences, yet guests seeking to soak up the calming atmosphere of unspoiled nature need not stray far from The Dolder Grand. Apart from walks in the nearby woods, there are plenty of sporting activities on offer: five tennis courts, a 9-hole golf course, a driving range, a mini-golf course and the public Dolder Bad swimming pool. In winter, guests can go ice skating on The Dolder Kunsteisbahn, one of the largest open-air ice-skating rinks in Europe. There is also a dedicated concierge service that caters to anything a guest may need, including childcare, dog-sitting, limousine chauffeurs, and e-bikes. In addition, The Dolder Grand concierges are well-acquainted with the city of Zürich and all it has to offer, and can plan out exceptional activities, make hard-to-get dining reservations, and much more.
Contact:
The Dolder Grand
Email: info@thedoldergrand.com
Website: https://www.thedoldergrand.com/en/
