The Best Room At ... the Dolder Grand
Our column "The Best Room At" offers a glimpse inside some of the most charming, luxurious, and iconic properties around the world.
Perched up above the bustling Swiss city of Zurich, is a hotel that is equal parts modern and traditional—down to its appearance. The Dolder Grand, which is independently owned, is a landmark in the region, with the original structure dating back to 1899, but the posh hotel's new wings were designed and renovated in 2008, giving the extravagant lodging an air of being at the intersection of a tremendous history, and the on the forefront of something new. Beyond the impressive art collection housed and displayed on site, guests are treated to an experience that is so high tech it feels like it is just out of a James Bond flick, making the digs the see-and-be-seen place to go when you are in the region.
What makes the majestic resort just so special? Managing Director Mark Jacob takes Town & Country inside the Maestro Suite—the very best accommodations they have to offer— offering a look at why the glossy digs make the hotel a can't-miss stay.
Describe the Dolder Grand in one sentence.
Located in the pulsating city of Zurich, the Dolder Grand is a spectacular, independently owned hotel well-known for hosting influential guests, and for setting the scene with a renowned 43,000-square-foot spa, over 120 works of art through the property (giving it a museum-like feel with pieces from Andy Warhol, Salvador Dali, Fernando Botero, to name a few), and the most exquisite two Michelin star dining experience led by Chef Heiko Nieder.
Which room is the best—and why?
Although the Dolder Grand has five fantastic luxury suites, the Maestro Suite is the best of all because it’s located in the main building’s tower. Inspired by the maestro himself, conductor Herbert von Karajan, the design and architecture of the suite resembles classical music with subtle but beautiful colors and finishes. A gorgeous grand piano welcomes you to the foyer, and the spire’s dark red woodwork, which has been restored to its original state on the basis of historical documentation, will immediately catch your eye as you enter the circular tower room.
Lucky guests of the Maestro Suite also have access to a private lounge-style terrace with breathtaking views of the city of Zurich, the lake, and the Alps. A fun fact about the suite, all of the Maestro Suites stainless steel kitchen appliances had to be flown in by helicopter and brought in through the roof because they were too big for the suite’s private elevators!
What’s the average nightly rate?
14,500 CHF/14,850 USD.
Who is your typical guest and how would you describe them?
Our typical guest has a deep appreciation for culture and luxury; from gastronomy to wellness, art, design, and architecture, the Dolder Grand provides guests with superior service to experience the very best of Switzerland. Whether your style is more classical or contemporary, the Dolder Grand gracefully marries both with its main building, a beautiful 120-year-old historical structure, and its newer Spa and Golf wings, designed by architect Norman Foster to accentuate a drastic contrast with a contemporary flare.
Are you able to mention any celebrities that the hotel has hosted?
Among our many notable guests are the likes of Hillary and Bill Clinton, Leonardo DiCaprio, Oprah Winfrey, Winston Churchill, Arturo Toscanini, Albert Einstein, the Shah of Iran, and Henry Kissinger. The Rolling Stones also frequent the Dolder Grand, hence why one of the hotel’s other top suite is named Suite 100. Another interesting piece of trivia: The Dolder Grand has been a prominent setting in many feature films, namely David Fincher’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.
What’s one local recommendation you always give first-time visitors?
The old town of Zurich is free of traffic and really worth seeing. I advise our guests to take the uniquely beautiful Dolder Bahn into the city and take a guided tour on foot through the old town and stop at one of the beautiful cafés for relaxation.
Can you share an interesting tidbit about the hotel’s history?
Sir Norman Foster is the architect of the new Dolder Grand. When the owner of the Dolder Grand asked him to rebuild and renovate the hotel, he was not at all enthusiastic about the idea—but during a visit to Switzerland they flew over the estate by helicopter and from then on Sir Norman Foster was so overwhelmed and impressed that he immediately made a sketch. This very sketch was used to redesign the The Dolder Grand's new wings.
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