The Dolder Grand

This sprawling property offers two Michelin-starred restaurants, one of the world’s top spas, a golf course, recreational grounds and an impressive fine art collection.

• The over 100-piece art collection including works by Haring, Warhol and Miro
• Treatments like the Moor Mud body wrap and Eucalyptus salt scrub available at the 43,000 square-foot spa
• The morning views of Zurich and the Alps from the rooms’ private patios

Driving up the winding streets of Zurich’s suburbs, the Dolder Grand seems to suddenly appear between the parting of evergreen trees. The regal turrets and spires belong to the original castle-like hotel, which has housed the likes of Arturo Toscanini, Albert Einstein, Henry Kissinger, the Rolling Stones and Winston Churchill since it opened in 1899. The main house is now extended on both sides by Norman Foster’s contemporary wings, which were erected during a $450 million renovation in 2008 that lifted the property to one of the best in the world.

Sleek Bentleys and Maybachs line the sweeping, red-carpeted hotel entrance where guests are met by the attentive staff. Large oak and glass doors open to reveal the opulent lobby and a few paintings from the Dolder’s extensive collection. The gold-plated elevators lead to the hotel’s four top suites, each modeled after celebrities who have frequented the hotel: Suite 100 is an ode to The Rolling Stones and the Maestro Suite (which has been occupied for two straight years) is inspired by conductor Herbert von Karajan.

The remaining rooms in the main house are decorated in traditional, autumnal reds and brushed gold, with plush fabrics and oak armoires, and are ideal for guests wanting a homey feel in the winter months. The cavernous, chocolate-colored hallways of the contemporary wings lead guests to sleek, minimalist rooms with white leather day beds and purple satin accents. Each suite boasts floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking either the city or the Dolder’s golf course. The heavenly views can be enjoyed from the private deck and the blissful bathtub equipped with Jacuzzi jets and enhanced by lighting one of the handmade candles. Rooms offer up-to-date technology: temperature, lighting, the television and room service requests can all be controlled from the in-room iPad.

Downtown Zurich is only a 15-minute drive from the property via complimentary Mercedes shuttle and the Dolder Grand offers plenty of activities to fill a weekend on property. Guests can schedule private tennis or golf lessons, spa treatments or an art tour around the hotel. The tour, which is self-led and conducted by iPad, takes about an hour, and includes biographies and analyses of over 100 works of art by Andy Warhol, Henry Moore, Salvador Dali and others. Those looking for a dose of Swiss mountain air may choose to explore the property’s hiking trails. Oenophiles should reserve a space at chef Heiko Nieder’s two-Michelin-starred The Restaurant—the Amuse-bouche lunch and Swiss wine pairing is particularly excellent.

The most indulgent spa in Zurich is located at the Dolder. The hotel’s renowned 4,000-square-meter wellness center includes a large fitness studio, sleek onyx swimming pool, infinity Jacuzzis, a solarium, salon and separate spas for men and women. Guests should allocate at least a half-day to enjoy the warm pebble bath, the spa’s signature La Prairie facial and a shiatsu massage complemented by special Dr. Burgener products exclusive to the Dolder spa. Personal training sessions, nutrition consultations and four-day detoxes are available and can be customized upon request.

Couples looking for a romantic getaway or travelers who want a detoxing spa experience. Art lovers, outdoorsmen and oenophiles will also be captivated by the Dolder.