Finding a resort that can truly satisfy diverse tastes and physical abilities of three generations is not easy, but the five-star Dolder Grand does it in luxurious style, with a grand mix of historic and contemporary architecture, Michelin-star cuisine, a stunning spa, and abundant sports and outdoor activities. The iconic storybook castle perched above Lake Zurich has been the place to stay in the Swiss financial capital since 1899. Its guests include luminaries from Winston Churchill and King Charles to Elizabeth Taylor and Leonardo Di Caprio. As it celebrates its 125th anniversary this year, Luxury Travel Advisor checked-in with a teenage boy and a 90-plus-year-old grandma to see why The Dolder Grand has been the top choice in Zurich for generations.
Rooms and Suites
The majority of the 175 guestrooms and suites are in two contemporary wings designed by legendary architect Lord Norman Foster in 2008. The two wings flank the original Swiss wooden castle. Along with the stunning design, art is not an afterthought; there are over 120 museum-quality works displayed throughout the property with pieces from Andy Warhol, Salvador Dali and Fernando Botero, to name a few…more on that later!
Top Digs: A few unique suites are in the main castle with the most dramatic being the round Maestro Suite, located atop the majestic tower accessed by a private elevator. Inspired by conductor Herbert von Karajan, the architecture of the two-story, 4,300-square-foot suite features a symphony of exposed wooden beams and soft furnishings in earthy shades. The suite, which was refreshed in 2023, has two bedrooms, a circular living and dining room, a library, a balcony and a private terrace with views over the golf course and lake. There are four other Presidential Suites, with different vibes and distinctions: the Masina Suite has a private roof terrace; the Carezza Suite a pool table; Suite 100 has a retro-1960s look and a hand-signed electric guitar from the Rolling Stones; the 4,000-square-foot Terraza Suite (ideal for families) can connect with an additional three bedrooms. All Presidential Suites offer butler service. For VIPs, contact Anass Batale (anass.batale@dolderhotelag.com), director of sales.
The two Foster-designed wings are themed around either Spa or Golf, based on proximity to the aforementioned activities, and feature long glass-walled hallways that bring the verdant natural beauty indoors. We stayed in the Spa wing, Room No. 1308, a Deluxe Junior Suite with a private terrace overlooking the lake. There are 44 of this room type, in both the modern wings and main building, ranging between 580 and 650 square feet, featuring a king size bed, spacious seating area with a sofa and a desk. Touches we loved: wireless charger for phones by the bed, great outlet exchanges by the desk, multiple magnifying mirrors in the dressing area and bathroom, the freestanding whirlpool tub set with bath salts and a candle. Surprising Tech: The Dolder Grand is the first hotel in Switzerland to offer payment by Cryptocurrency.
Spa and Wellness
Located a quick glass elevator ride down from the guestrooms of the Spa wing is the 43,000-square-foot spa, which is truly an oasis for well-being and fitness. Inspired by designer and consultant Sylvia Sepielli’s recollections of Japan, the Dolder Grand spa juxtaposes Asian influences against views of Lake Zurich and the Alps. The vibe is definitely zen, with lots of polished wood, exposed rough hewn stone, and even an interior circular meditation walk. The aim is to help guests find balance—with treatments ranging from facials by luxury skin-care brands La Prairie and Margy’s Monte Carlo, to body-composition analysis and bamboo massages. These offerings are designed to harmonize the mind, body, and soul. For deeper issues, there is an onsite medical team, experienced Swiss specialists in the fields of internal medicine, sports medicine, dermatology and plastic and reconstructive surgery.
My mom and I both enjoyed massages and facials. Based on our treatments, it is easy to see why the spa is regularly voted the best in Switzerland. Spa Director Sabine Schanzenbach (sabine.schanzenbach@thedoldergrand.com), runs a staff of 60 people, including beauty specialists and about a dozen fitness instructors. There are 250 local members, which means there is a fantastic selection of fitness classes throughout the day. During our stay, I managed two classes daily from yoga and Pilates to weightlifting and a HIIT-style class. All were top-notch, and conducted in English. Meanwhile, my son made good use of the free weights, and loved trying the “Snow Paradise,” a combo of hot sauna and an ice room. Each day, the three of us relaxed all together in loungers by the pools overlooking the trees.
Beyond the spa, there are many options to enjoy the outdoors. These include the nine-hole Dolder Golf Club Zurich, one of Switzerland’s oldest golf clubs; five tennis courts; and recreational options from Dolder Sports, including a 50-meter swimming pool and mini-golf in summer, as well as the largest open-air ice-skating rink in Europe from October to April. Not to mention gorgeous wooded walks available right from the hotel, year-round.
Foodie Hotspot
The hotel offers five restaurants, including Zurich’s most highly awarded dining venue, The Restaurant. Led by world-class chef Heiko Nieder, The Restaurant boasts two Michelin stars and offers six- and eight-course tasting menus at dinner and four- and five-course options at lunch, with vegetarian menus available. Open Wednesday through Saturday only, booking ahead is essential. Sadly, we visited on a Sunday through Tuesday, so while we missed The Restaurant, we absolutely loved our meals at Saltz. A playful room designed by artist Rolf Sachs, Saltz’s menus are equally delightful, featuring local produce. A highlight was the incredible breakfast buffet, which my mom declared the best she’s had, with endless choices of creative little sweet and savory plates, plus a full à la carte menu.
Other options include Mikuriya, the Dolder Grand’s intimate Japanese restaurant, which seats only eight people for an “omakase” experience with chef Atsushi Hiraoka; Blooms, a seasonal vegetarian restaurant open in summer only; and the Grand Meatery, a pop-up focused on beef, set in alpine-style room. There are also a few bars and lounges throughout the property for cocktails and afternoon tea, which get buzzy on weekends when there is live music. Our favorite was the Canvas Bar, which serves up a mean Espresso Martini and is adorned with some of the more impressive works from the art collection.
Art
Speaking of the art, an absolute highlight for my mom was the self-guided tour of the hotel’s impressive collection of over 120 works using QR codes. While my son and I were off ice skating, she explored and learned about pieces from Niki de Saint Phalle, Jean Tinguely and others, which are dotted around all the public spaces.
Exploring Zurich
Despite being a major banking center, Zurich doesn’t feel pressured. The streets are clean, flat, broad and filled with high-end luxury boutiques and gourmet restaurants for the moneyed clientele that visit for business. We enjoyed strolling and shopping, working up an appetite for lunch at Zum Kropf, a traditional Swiss/Bavarian restaurant in a landmarked 15th-century house with murals, ceiling paintings and wood panels. Top Tip: Get the rosti and veal with cream sauce. It’s also nice to walk along Lake Zurich, for the more ambitious there are pedal boats and motor boats to rent (you don’t need a license). If you get hungry again, or even if you’re not, a must is Sprungli for hot chocolate with cream, their signature raspberry cream cake and the best Swiss chocolates by the pound. Try the Luxenberger, a local version of a macaron but better, lighter, creamier. For more suggestions in Zurich, Markus Dorner (markus.dorner@thedoldergrand.com), head concierge, is happy to assist.
Between the spa, art and sports, we all had activities to enjoy and plenty of time to spend together. The Dolder Grand is totally accessible, the restaurants are top class, and the unhurried nature of Zurich makes it an ideal getaway for all generations.
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