24 Nov The Dolder Grand

The Dolder originally opened in 1899 as a retreat from the city, but went on to attract illustrious guests including Winston Churchill, Roger Moore and Sophia Loren. Nowadays, its reputation as one of Switzerland’s best hotels continues, in part thanks to two Norman Foster-designed wings of steel, stone and tinted glass that sweep, wave-like, around the shuttered cream-and-merlot Belle Époque building in a glossy interplay of old and new.

Inside, Swarovski crystal chandeliers, high ceilings and oversized flowers radiate luxury style, but more striking is the sense of entering a gallery. Melded with 19th-century features such as Corinthian columns and ornate ceilings is an outstanding private collection of works by artists including Salvador Dali and Henry Moore. The 11-metre Andy Warhol piece spanning the reception desk is particularly impressive. It’s enchanting to wander the grounds and admire the sculptures or to hunker down between the fireplace and antiques in the library.

Dolder Spa is a seductive space imbued with monastic quietness. The centrepoint is the elliptical 25-metre indoor pool, while outside there are sun loungers, a hot whirlpool with a view of the lake, and shaded seating areas in the trees overlooked by Fernando Botero’s ‘Reclining Woman with Fruit’. Other spa facilities include gender-specific saunas and steam rooms, relaxation areas, a snow room, En Vogue hairdresser, and a well-equipped gym with a programme of complimentary classes.

The Dolder Grand gives you the opportunity to choose from a selection of complimentary cars if you wanna go for a short trip or visit Zurich.

The historic Main Building and the two new wings together offer 173 luxurious rooms and suites. In the Main Building, their refined, eclectic configurations instil a sense of history, while the two wings epitomize the spirit of the modern age.

Each of the Dolder Grand’s four Top Suites is an expression of individual extravagance. Harmonious interior designs, each different from the other, create an exclusive ambience in all four suites. Of all the many illustrious guests who have graced the Dolder Grand with teir presence, four have served as inspiration for the decor.

Chef Fine Dining Heiko Nieder has brought two Michelin stars to The Restaurant where his tasting menu might include combinations you’ve never dreamed up, such as lobster with strawberry, beet root, tarragon and mustard. Guests have some five hundred wine labels to choose from as well throughout the property’s dining venues.

The Dolder’s recently added Saltz is a work of art in its own right. Artist Rolf Sachs designed the property’s more casual restaurant to mimic the Swiss landscape: A thin and jagged, white-neon light runs the length of a red wall to suggest an Alpine silhouette; a rock hangs from the ceiling via a network of bright red climbing ropes and carabiners that lace the ceiling; the floor is oak and the chairs covered in felt.

The Dolder Grand exceeded all the expecations, it is a wonderful place and the views are stunning. I will definitely return if i am back in Zurich.