Hotel Review • Europe • Switzerland • Zurich
The Dolder Grand Review: A Fairytale Castle Turned Contemporary Art Oasis Above Zurich
A historic five-star resort blending Belle Époque architecture, a 43,000-square-foot spa, world-class art, and two-Michelin-starred dining.
Credit: Hiepler Brunier
The Dolder Grand pairs a storybook 1899 landmark with contemporary wings, a serious modern-art collection, and the restorative hush of the Adlisberg above Zurich.
The Review • Europe • Switzerland • Zurich
Why it works
Review Author
Katie Chang
Hotel Snapshot
As my driver, Marcus, winds up the steep, tree-lined hill toward The Dolder Grand, passing stately Belle Époque villas along the way, he tells me he's worked with the hotel for 18 years. He rattles off some reasons the grande dame remains an icon: its proximity to Zurich's city center, its expansive wellness offerings—including a legendary 43,000-square-foot spa—and, above all, the restorative mountain air. "It's a city hotel where you can sleep with the windows open."
Even before we pull up under its glossy red porte cochère, the hotel—opened in 1899—cuts quite a figure. The original building, designed by Swiss architect Jacques Gros, resembles a fairytale castle, with a pristine ivory façade and three slender spires. It is framed by two sleek glass-and-aluminum wings, added in 2008 during a sweeping four-year renovation overseen by British architect Norman Foster.
That juxtaposition—historic grandeur meeting contemporary design—captures what it’s like to stay at The Dolder Grand.
Design & Character
Given the property's legacy and roster of high-profile guests—Nelson Mandela, Sophia Loren, and Billie Eilish have all retreated here—I expected top-notch professionalism. What didn’t I expect? The hotel’s sense of humor is revealed through its art, much of it drawn from the private collection of its Swiss billionaire owner, Urs Schwarzenbach.
At check-in, I noticed what appeared to be a disheveled man slumped beside a sleeping bag in the reception area. It took a couple of double takes before I realized he wasn't a person, but a hyperreal sculpture by American artist Duane Hanson. It's this thoughtful, often cheeky placement of art throughout the hotel that makes The Dolder Grand so distinctive. While the property is steeped in history, its playful energy keeps it firmly in the here and now.
That dialogue between past and present extends beyond the art to Norman Foster's renovation as well. Key features of the original structure, including the grand staircase and ornate coffered ceilings, were painstakingly restored using historic photographs as a guide. Meanwhile, the contemporary wings, cocooned in stencil-cut, tree-patterned screens, echo the surrounding mountainside.
The Rooms
The 175 rooms and suites are spread across the three interconnected buildings. The original structure preserves much of its old-world character, with six rooms lovingly restored to their 1899 appearance. Protected as cultural landmarks, these rooms are bona fide charmers, with four-poster spindle beds, floral wallcoverings, and herringbone wood flooring. Accommodations in the newer wings feature more modern touches, including floor-to-ceiling windows and minimalist furnishings.
The Food & Drink Situation
When the weather’s warm, check out Mikuriya’s summer pop-up for positively pretty Japanese fare, from king crab chawanmushi to pristine nigiri; the outdoor Krug Lounge, perfect for lingering over a glass of fizz; and the al fresco Blooms, a vegetarian dining experience set within the hotel’s bountiful working garden.
Year-round, Saltz’s lavish breakfast spread—featuring individually portioned glasses of beef tartare, pomegranate-studded bulgur salad, and fresh-pressed juices—makes for a bright start to the day, while lauded chef Heiko Nieder draws locals and hotel guests alike to his exquisite, experimental prix fixe menu at the hotel’s two-Michelin-starred Restaurant. Canvas Bar & Lounge is exactly the kind of plush perch I love sinking into for a proper nightcap.
Amenities
Wellness takes center stage at the Dolder Grand Spa, a 43,000-square-foot oasis built around four pillars: Relax, Vitality, Beauty, and Detox. Highlights include the signature Snow Paradise cave, where dangling icicles and blue lights heighten the frosty feel, and a tranquil meditation room adorned with shimmering mosaic tiles. After several circuits of freezing, warming, soaking, and—best of all—simply sitting in stillness, I left feeling as blissed out as I would after a deep-tissue massage, no spa treatment required.
Location & Neighborhood Recs
Despite technically being located in Zurich, The Dolder Grand feels more like a secluded urban resort than a city hotel. Fortunately, getting to the heart of the city is easy thanks to the Dolderbahn funicular and the hotel's complimentary shuttle.
Fast Facts
Location: Nestled on the tree-covered slopes of Adlisberg
Vibe: Where old-world luxury and a contemporary art gallery merge
Rating: Five-star
Room Count: 175
Pricing: From $930 per night
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: Finding art in unexpected places—I especially loved Keith Haring’s towering red sculpture, surrounded by the garden’s fresh vegetables and herbs
Dining: The Restaurant (fine dining), Saltz Restaurant (all-day dining), Mikuriya (Japanese), Blooms (seasonal, al fresco vegetarian), Asly (Middle Eastern), Canvas Bar & Lounge (cocktails and light bites)
Nearby Attractions: The surrounding Adlisberg Forest is perfect for scenic hikes, and the city center is also easy to reach
Airport: Approximately 20 minutes to Zurich Airport by car
|
Booking Link Ready to check availability?Preferred booking link Book Now → |
Gallery
A closer look
Credit: Hiepler Brunier
Courtesy of The Dolder Grand
Courtesy of The Dolder Grand
Credit: Hiepler Brunier
Credit: Hiepler Brunier
Hotels Above Par
Boutique luxury travel expertise for travelers who care where they wake up, not just where they land.
Partnership Disclosure
Hotels Above Par may receive compensation, promotional fees, hosted-stay consideration, affiliate commissions, or other benefits from hotel, travel, or brand partners mentioned in this email. These relationships do not determine our editorial judgment. We choose what to feature based on relevance, taste, usefulness, and fit for our readers. Purchases, bookings, or inquiries made through partner links may result in compensation to Hotels Above Par at no additional cost to you.