Indulging yourself by staying in a luxury hotel during a weekend doesn’t require any pretext. But still, let’s say Valentine’s Day is a great occasion to do so and I found the right place in my new home country: the Dolder Grand hotel in Zurich, Switzerland.
Located at the top of a hill, the Dolder Grand offers unparallel views over Zurich and the Lake. Its iconic design catches immediately the eye, once you get there you feel like a King coming to its castle. A castle with first class services since its reopening in 2008, after 4 years of renovation led by architect Lord Norman Foster.
Living
The Dolder Grand is more a urban resort than a hotel. It has several tennis courts, a garden to chill, rooms expanding over two large wings and on the basement, an incredible Spa.
Despite its huge size, you feel like at home at the Dolder. The main building – the “castle” – hosts two restaurants and the original hotel rooms. It showcases also a lot of art pieces from the personal collection of the owner, Urs Schwarzenbach, including a priceless conical pendulum clock from Eugène Farcot.
I would really like to insist on the quality of the 4,000sqm Spa area. It proposes indoor and outdoor pools (overlooking Zurich Lake), sauna & hammam, a snow room, a relaxation lounge and many treatment cabins. A destination in itself, opened from 6am to 10pm. Ideal for a romantic sunset or night bath!
Room
We stayed in a Double Superior Room in the Golf Wing. Even if that’s one of the lowest category, the room was large with balcony, nice over view over the mountain and the lake (partially), as well as nice bathroom with standalone tub.
Not to be missed, the beautiful interior design with high quality furniture, the Bang & Olufsen audio and video system, and the swiss-made bath amenities from Dr Burgener.
For anyone looking for an outstanding experience, I recommend to book a Deluxe Junior Suite. Whatever in the Golf Wing or the Spa Wing, they both offer magical views over Zurich.
Dining
We had the chance to experience breakfast and dinner at Saltz Restaurant, the casual dining destination of the Dolder Grand designed by artist Rolf Sachs. Although the breakfast is buffet based, you can order a-la-carte eggs and pancakes. Food is sourced in Switzerland and cooked locally, you can really taste the quality.
In the evening, we noticed many external guests coming for dinner. It seems that’s a popular destination for affluent locals! The menu is definitely upgraded from the breakfast : some dishes are clearly up to a one-michelin star restaurant. Chef Julian Mai is really doing a great job with a menu of “uncomplicated sophistication”.
Service Quality
Generally speaking, Switzerland is renowned for its faultless execution of luxury standards. The Dolder Grand is no exception, from the moment I check-in until my check-out, the staff were perfect. I have to particularly thank the Spa team, as well as the Saltz restaurant waiters. Great people with high level of professionalism!
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