Why book?
The grand dame of Zurich, this Old World-made-modern hotel is the spot where well-heeled visitors roll up for a buzzy bar, serious wellness, and panoramic views of the city below.
Set the scene
This isn’t a walkable heart-of-the-city type of spot—at the Dolder, you're on high, but you can grab your car from the valet or hop on the shuttle to return to the reality of Zurich beyond the walls of the hotel, if you choose. You'll see more people flocking in then heading out though. Many guests, who vary greatly from gaggles of influencer types in their best après-ski looks, to couples in their 50s who beeline for the spa—with a mix of business travelers and even young families thrown in—are impressed with the view from the hot tub, and the option to have a full night out at the lobby bar (vibes were strong, with a DJ spinning the night I stayed). There's even an art gallery inside this hotel, with over 100 pieces from 90 artists including Botero, Dalí, Haring, and Murakami.
The backstory
This hotel has been around since 1899. Seriously. An extensive renovation completed in 2008 carried the historic building into the 21st century. You feel it, as you move from the castle-like main building into the sleek dark gray-glass wings that now allow for a total of 175 rooms and suites. There's a sense that yes, the wild heydays of the 60's with fur coats and flowing Champagne did unfold here; but it's not surprising that, today, well-heeled travelers are just as excited to shrug on their spa robes for a “Vampire Lifting” skin tightening treatment.
The rooms
Rooms in the historic building go a bit cozier, with pops of tangerine and patterns, though there's a minimalism across all of the rooms with lots of ivory and dark wood details. In the new wings, though, expect a sleeker feel brought on by chrome details and white leather, for a slightly futuristic vibe that Dr. Evil would probably take to. The simplicity in decor lets the view out the windows shine, and shine it does—whether you're looking out at the city and its twinkling lights at night, or across the waterway at snowy mountains.
Food and drink
The Saltz restaurant is modern Zurich, with one side boasting bright red walls, and hints that an artist definitely designed it throughout. In warmer months, the patio is reason alone to visit; in winter, you'll see guests cozying up over dishes like Zurich style veal and rösti, and glasses of Swiss wine. There's an Asian influence here, though I went full Swiss (I figured they'd nail it, which they did, whereas kimchi fried rice required a greater leap of faith). I wasn't disappointed with anything I ordered though the service was surprisingly slow for a country with such a passion for watches.
The spa
If you don't visit the spa, you've really wasted a visit to the Dolder Grand. It's 4,000 square meters for starters, and you'll find a sauna, steam bath, foot bath, aroma pool, steam pots, plunge pool, snow room, and even outdoor terrace. And that's not even everything. I made the mistake of trying to go an hour before dinner—I could have spent three or four there. Go, enjoy, and go again. If you're planning a visit around the spa, just keep in mind that many of the sections are separated by gender, and the pool and a couple facilities are unisex. There are all kinds of massages, and beauty treatments, but most exciting is that the facials are by Margy's Monte Carlo (a Swiss skincare brand focused on results-oriented care).
The neighborhood/area
You're floating above the city of Zurich here. I loved hoping on the little funicular beside the hotel and riding into the city center to explore Christmas markets and charming, winding streets. Zurich feels totally underrated to me.
The service
Kind service, and plenty of staffers always within earshot.
For families
I watched a very bored child iPad-and-pasta at the restaurant—others were promptly taken to the nearby hill for sledding. I wouldn't say the hotel itself caters to kids, but you wouldn't feel out of place either.
Anything left to mention?
Look up as your car pulls into the drive—there’s a moment where it feels like you might fall off the edge of the world, in a fantastic way.
Kurhausstrasse 65, Zurich 8032
Switzerland
http://www.thedoldergrand.com/en.html
+41 44-456-60-00