The Dolder Grand: Art & Luxury in Zurich
I originally wrote this article for Forbes Travel Guide in 2016. It has since been redacted, updated and edited down on their site. (Forbes)
Idyllically Situated
Nestled between forests and a golf course, perched on a hill above Lake Zurich the Dolder Grand majestically overlooks the financial centre of Switzerland. From the lake's shore, the Dolder Grand is a notable feature looking almost palatial in its surroundings. Up close, the blend of traditional German hunting lodge and modern curvatures of Norman Foster beautifully blend into one like a man and woman coming together. In fact, where the original building from 1899 and the extension from 2008 join is called the Kiss.
There is nothing standard about the five-star superior Dolder Grand in Zurich, Switzerland. Situated away from the hustle and bustle of Zurich's Bahnhofstrasse, the hotel affords its guests privacy and tranquillity. Despite not being centrally located in the city, the Dolder is easily reachable via its own funicular (Dolderbahn), by private car, or with the hotel's limousine service and antique shuttle.
More Than a Hotel
Arriving at the hotel, you'll already get the feeling for the exclusivity of this hotel. In the driveway, there's Barry Flanagan's piece "Leaping Hare on Curly Bell". Stepping into the Dolder's foyer (Steinhalle), you'll see a bronze statue by the French artist Albert Carrier-Belleuse dating back to 1870 and a piece that has been in the Dolder since its opening. The Dolder is in many ways an art lover's dream, a hotel cum gallery. The hotel knows this and offers guided tours with art experts or with an iPad. A few additional pieces worth noting are the largest Andy Warhol creation "Big Retrospective Painting," Salvador Dali's "Femmes métamorphosées – Les sept arts," and Joan Míro's "Grand personnage: projet pour un monument."
A piano in the penthouse suite of the Dolder Grand.
Rooms for Short and Long-Term Stays
The Dolder has 173 rooms that range in price from CHF 580.00 to CHF 14'000.00 per night. In true Swiss fashion, the hotel has traditionally understated its luxury suites, though those in the know are loyal guests. Several of the suites, including the largest one in the central tower, have recently been rented for long-term stays of over two years. Equipped with all of the modern amenities these suites also come with a butler and concierge service for long-term stays. The Maestro Suite includes a Steinway & Sons baby grand piano, a harp, and fireplace. There could hardly be a better place to entertain. Of course, there is also the Rolling Stone's much-loved Suite 100 inspired by 100 Club in London. What makes the rooms and suites in the Dolder so marvellous is that they have been individualized with close attention to detail. Like a Russian doll, the hotel offers a destination within a destination.
The Spa: Back to the Roots
When the hotel was originally built it was a health spa (Curhaus), and that spa element has been rejuvenated in the 2008 renovations and expansion. The all-day spa with coed facilities as well as separate facilities for men and women feature both indoor and outdoor pools, full fitness studio, treatments, café, and a quiet room for meditation. The Dolder also has a full staff of professional trainers who can take you through the weight room, in the pool or out on the trails. Entry to the spa includes a treatment of choice. For those who forgot their training gear, the Dolder also has a shop featuring running shoes from On, a Zurich-based running shoe company taking the triathlon and marathon scene by storm.
A Place for a Culinary Experience
The Dolder features two restaurants; the main restaurant with its head chef Heiko Nieder boasts two Michelin Stars. The second restaurant is the newly renovated and alpine-inspired Saltz where guests can enjoy their breakfast. The wine cellar is extensive and features an excellent array of selected wines from around the world including Switzerland's best. The garden terraces afford guests beautiful views over Lake Zurich and the city. The main restaurant beautifully blends old and modern and with several alcoves to provide guests with privacy while they dine. Each year the Dolder also invites gourmands to enjoy five days of fine dining and gourmet experiences with The Epicure: Days of Culinary Masterpieces.
Enjoy breakfast and lunch at the fabulous Saltz.
Your Business Location
The Dolder is not just a vacation or long-stay destination, but also excellent for business travellers. There are several banquet- and conference-halls as well as ballrooms which are ideally suited for conferences and larger meetings. The library can also be reserved for smaller working groups.
The Extras
Today, five-star hotels separate themselves from four-stars with the unexpected extras. At the Dolder, this comes in small and large forms: from the Kerstin Florian skincare products in the bath to the free rental bikes and BMW cars to use during your stay.
