With its fantastic hilltop location near the historic center of Zurich, THE DOLDER GRAND is truly one of the best luxury hotels in Switzerland, where the peaceful surroundings of unspoiled nature offer you unlimited opportunities for the complete rest and relaxation.
THE DOLDER GRAND, formerly “Dolder Grand Hotel & Curhaus” built in 1899, after several years of renovation, in 2008 appeared in all its splendor.
The hotel was designed by renowned London-based architecture firm Foster and Partners, who combined the hotel’s historic main building with contemporary architectural elements. While the exclusive decor of the main building exudes the unique character of the former location, the two new wings embody a modern twist.
All the way, the three buildings only touch at a single point: “The Kiss” at the lobby exit, which has been moved to the valley side so that guests can enjoy panoramic views of the city. The grand entrance, located on the mountainside, is impressive from afar as you drive up to the hotel. Once inside, one enters an extravagant, charming and historic space with a grand chandelier, grand staircases and unique works of art.
Zurich has traditionally placed great emphasis on the arts, and this also applies to THE DOLDER GRAND — the hotel’s art collection features over 100 works by 90 artists from various periods, including originals by Takashi Murakami, Niki de Saint Phalle, Salvador Dali, Fernando Botero.
Not the least of the people who have stayed here over the years have also played a role in shaping the hotel. Some of them left a deep impression that a separate room was dedicated to them. Of particular note are the four Top suites dedicated to famous guests of the hotel — Herbert von Karajan, Giulietta Masina, Alberto Giacometti and the Rolling Stones.
UPSCALE STAY
The hotel has 175 luxurious rooms and suites, each featuring thoughtful interior design with many exquisite details. All rooms allow you to enjoy maximum comfort and all the amenities of a five-star hotel. You can choose whether you want to relax in a modern or classic ambience.
We stayed in one of the most spacious Junior Grand suites. Each suite conveys a wonderful sense of space and exudes a combination of individual elegance and exclusivity.
Upon arrival suite guests are greeted with a welcome compliment of hand-made sweets and champagne.
The suites have a spacious living area with a sofa and work area, a bedroom with a king-size bed. The bathrooms are equipped with a whirlpool bathtub and separate shower, all bath amenities and perfumes.
The Junior Suite Grand offers spectacular panoramic views of Zurich, the lake and the Swiss mountains.
GASTRONOMY WONDERLAND
THE DOLDER GRAND invites guests to immerse themselves in the exquisite and surprising world of its gastronomy. The hotel’s special pride is THE RESTAURANT 2-Michelin star dining experience under the direction of Chef Heiko Nieder (Heiko is also the brand chef of all the hotel’s restaurants) — you can explore the full story of THE RESTAURANT here.
Connoisseurs of Asian cuisine can embark on a fascinating journey through the flavors of the Land of the Rising Sun.
Magnificent breakfasts, lunches and dinners await in the European and Swiss cuisine restaurant Saltz, while signature cocktails accompanied by live music in the Canvas Bar & Lounge will be a great reason to socialize with friends in a relaxed atmosphere.
Saltz Restaurant
Our culinary experience began with breakfast in this cozy restaurant designed by artist Rolf Sachs, which exudes a unique atmosphere of casual familiarity combined with understated luxury.
THE DOLDER GRAND breakfasts are considered to be among the best hotel breakfasts in Switzerland and are served in buffet format as well as À la carte. During the warmer months, all meals can be enjoyed on the outdoor terrace.
A wide assortment of cold and hot specialties, pastries, fruits, vegetables and drinks awaits guests. The menu offers a variety of egg dishes, meat and mushroom dishes, toast, waffles, vegetable and fruit assortment, as well as a healthy foods selection.
Among À La Carte options you definitely should try “The Signatures”:
“Armer Ritter”
Brioche, Egg, Truffled Ham, Spinach Truffle & Cress
“Onsen-Egg”
Sea Trout Roe, Pickled Salmon, Croûtons, Potato Espuma, Dill & Wasabi
You can complement your morning meal with à la carte drinks for every taste: different types of coffee and tea, smoothies, freshly squeezed juices. A glass of elegant champagne to lift your spirits — A.R. Lenoble Brut/Rosé or Krug Grande Cuvée 171** Edition and Krug Rosé 27*m Edition (available for extra charge).
In a very convenient way Saltz open to guests all day, and in addition to breakfast, you can have lunch and dinner here, while we opted for the latter.
Restaurant chef Julian Mai has created a menu of uncomplicated sophistication, which is characteristic of the simple yet refined approach he takes to cooking and his belief in using regional ingredients and specialities.
We tried some of the bestsellers: Gambero Rosso-Carpaccio, Stracciatella di Bufala and Sliced Veal Zurich Style with French Fries Dolder style.
The wine list features a solid selection of international and Swiss winemakers, as presented in bottles, half-bottles or by glass. (Marchesi Antinori – Tignanello – IGT Toscana 2018)
MIKURIYA
MIKURIYA, “a kitchen where food is prepared for special guests”, has ushered in a new era of gastronomic enjoyment at THE DOLDER GRAND Hotel, where innovation meets tradition, and “Omakase”, which means “I leave it up to you”, comes to the fore — you leave it entirely up to the chef to decide what dishes he serves you. This style of cuisine is very revered in Japanese culture and always attracts the attention of gourmets from all over the world.
One of the evenings we had an exclusive dinner experience, where chef Atsushi Hiraoka prepares Japanese specialties in front of his guests.
Atsushi Hiraoka has over 30 years of experience in Japan and Switzerland and his gastronomic talent has acquired a wealth of experience and knowledge, which leads him into a culinary dialog with guests and lets his innovative and artistic talent shine through.
Our version of Omakase menu:
-Masu Tartare — Swiss Masu Salmon Trout, Caviar, spicy Miso Sauce Myoga, Nori Chips, Orange-Ginger Sauce
-Hokkaido & Wagyu Soup — Wagyu Bouillon, Hokkaido-Pumpkin, Tonburri
Salmon Trout Caviar
-Unagi Dashimaki Tamago — Eel, Japanese Omelette, Truffle
-Kurose-Buri with Seaweed Soja Sauce —
Japanese Kingfish, Yuzu-Juice, Seaweed Soja Sauce
-Deep fried Tofu — Silk Tofu, Swiss Shrimps, Okura, Tomato, Dashi Bouillon
-Sashimi — Blue Fin Tuna, Swiss Salmon, Hotate Scallop
-Pikeperch No Suri Nagashi — Swiss Pikeperch, sweet Corn Puree-sauce, Dry Natto Young Sardines with Sansho
-Wagyu Beef Sukiyaki — Miyazaki-Wagyu-A5
-Nigiri und Maki
-Dessert — Fresh Mango — Homemade red Bean Ice Cream with fresh Fruits, White Chocolate Sauce
Premium Sake, shochu or Japanese beer are offered to accompany selected dishes, perfectly complementing the traditionally light cuisine that focuses on the subtle flavors of ingredients and uses the finest seasonings.
Japanese Drink Pairing:
-Shichiken Spaking Hakashu
-Hakurakusei Tokubetsu Junmai
-Taka Grand Cru Akaiwa Omachi
-Zaku Impression N Junmai Daiginjo
-Yebisu Black Beer
-Kagatobi Junmais Daijinjo Nishikie Koshu
-Zankiyo Super7
The restaurant has been awarded 16 GaultMillau points, maximum seating for 8 people.
Menu — 300 CHF
Japanese Pairing — 220 CHF
Canvas Bar & Lounge
One of the hotel’s popular meeting places is Canvas Bar & Lounge, nestled in the heart of the hotel. The bar’s avant-garde design creates a warm, inviting atmosphere, serving snacks and drinks as well as homemade cakes, pastries and coffee.
In the evening, with DJ music or live music, the bartenders mix classic cocktails as well as their signature drinks such as the Dolder Negroni or Grand Espresso Martini.
Ananas Royal — Cachaca 51, Pineapple & Anis Liqueur, AR Lenoble Brut
Head Bartender Matthieu Doucet‘s boundless creativity allows him to develop cocktails that are unparalleled in taste, texture and aroma. In 2023, Canvas Bar was named the best hotel bar in Switzerland, and weekly live music performances are firmly embedded in Zurich’s music calendar.
Dolder Negroni — Tanqueray London Dry Gin, Campari, Ouzo, Strawberry & Champagne Reduction
WELLNESS ESCAPE
Calm, relaxation and physical well-being are central to THE DOLDER GRAND, so when you stay here, don’t deny yourself a visit to the award-winning, one of Switzerland’s most exclusive spas, which offers a unique range of wellness services over 4,000 square meters.
Internationally renowned spa designer Silvia Sepielli was involved in the development of the spa. Sylvia was impressed by the majestic mountains and deep valleys of Switzerland, which is reflected in the Meditation Room, where the stones get bigger and bigger as you approach the pool, and many elements of the spa area reflect Japan, where Sylvia lived for many years.
The women’s and men’s areas feature a sauna, steam bath, foot bath, aroma pool, steam pots, bathing pool and solarium. The Aqua Zone offers a 25-meter pool, hot tubs, a sanarium, snow paradise, steam room, relaxation rooms and an outdoor sundeck. Two spa suites are available for a secluded spa visit.
The variety of face and body massage performed by highly qualified masseurs using cosmetics of the world-famous brands are aimed at rejuvenation, strengthening, restoration and increase of vital tonus.
In addition to the spa area, there is a modernly equipped fitness studio with a large cardio area, exercise machines and a functional area. Individual and group classes are also available on request.
Outdoor sports enthusiasts have a variety of options: five tennis courts, a golf course, and in winter guests can go ice skating on the Dolder Kunsteisbahn, one of the largest outdoor ice rinks in Europe.
The Dolder Grand
Address: Kurhausstrasse 65, 8032 Zurich Switzerland
Instagram: @thedoldergrand
Text: Marina Timo
Photo courtesy: EATWEEKGUIDE
