The Captivating Elegance of The Dolder Grand in Zurich

From armchair travelers to frequent globetrotters, we all understand the power of travel. We may have different motives and passions, but we all know what it means to be pampered and have that 5-star treatment. And after the pandemic, travelers continue to make up for the lost time by booking vacations to bespoke destinations and by indulging in luxury experiences, such as a stay at The Dolder Grand in Zurich. 

When staying in this queer-friendly city, LGBTQ+ travelers with the money to splurge should consider staying at this palatial hotel that features 175 luxe rooms and suites, four world-class restaurants, a 43,000 square-foot spa, and an art collection of 100 works, including originals from Andy Warhol, Salvador Dalí, and yes, you’ll be surprised to know that actor Sylvester Stallone also a piece on display near the hip, but classy Canvas Bar. 

The Dolder Grand is an official partner of the Swiss Queer Wedding Association, making their mission to ensure that LGBTQ+ couples have a positive experience and feel supported when planning their weddings. LGBTQ+ couples looking for an incredible place for a wedding and a large event space for a reception – consider this hotel. 

The Dolder Grand Upgraded

The Dolder Grand opened in 1899 as the Dolder Grand Hotel & Curhaus, and still offers guests amazing views of Zurich, Lake Zug, and the Alps. Between 2004 and 2008, the Dolder Grand underwent extensive renovations. The renowned, London-based architecture firm Foster and Partners combined the Hotel’s historic Main Building of 1899 with two new contemporary wings – one overlooking the golf course and the other near the spa.

The Presidential Suites, Suites, and Rooms

The hotel’s four extravagant Presidential Suites are inspired by the works of the many famous guests who have stayed at the hotel.  For example, the design of the Carezza Suite was inspired by the works of Swiss sculptor and painter Alberto Giacometti. Some of the famous guests who have stayed at the hotel, and probably one of these exquisite suites, include Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela, and Hillary and Bill Clinton.

 The spacious Suites and Rooms are located in the new wings of the hotel. Each has a balcony or terrace with floor-to-ceiling windows to give guests incredible views of the lake, the Alps, and or the property’s meticulously manicured grounds. Although pretty standard, I stayed in the spacious newer Double Room Deluxe Wing Bedroom. I’m not sure what type of rooms they chose to stay, but Oprah Winfrey and Leonardo DiCaprio were previous guests at the hotel. Out actress Rebel Wilson visited the Dolder Grand last year with Charlotte Gainsbourg while promoting their movie, “The Almond and the Seahorse” at the Zurich Film Festival. 

World-Class Restaurants

The Dolder Grand has four restaurants including Mikuriya, where chef Yusuke Sasaki serves up Japanese culture and cuisine, and Blooms, where award-winning chef Heiko Neider and his team create vegetarian, vegan, and organic fare. Chef Neider also heads up The Restaurant, which has won 19 GaultMillau points and two Michelin stars. That makes it one of Zurich’s most highly decorated restaurants. Decorated with work by world-famous artists, The Restaurant boasts dishes that “go beyond classic expectations and taste” and they are usually paired with a selection of wines, 1,200 to be exact, stored in the wine cube specifically made for this specific restaurant.

Guests can also enjoy a three-course dinner at Saltz restaurant, designed by artist Rolf Sachs and awarded 14 GaultMillau points. The contemporary ambiance is the perfect backdrop for lunches to festive dinners. Award-winning chef Julian Mai takes a simple yet refined approach when cooking, using regional ingredients and specialties. Try his Baked Taleggio, Sliced Veal Zurich Style, and the Cinnamon Crème Brulée. You’ll thank me later!

With its historic elements, modern design, and contemporary art, the Canvas Bar and Lounge is the place to be if you’re looking for a social place to mix and mingle with other guests. You can stop by during the day for drinks, coffee, snacks, and homemade cakes and tarts. In the evening, kick back and listen to the resident DJ or live jazz music while a bartender mixes a classic cocktail or signature drink such as the Dolder Negroni or Grand Expresso Martini. 

The Dolder Grand Spa

For active guests, there are five tennis courts, a 9-hole golf course, a driving range, a mini golf course, and a public swimming pool. In the winter, guests can go ice skating on the Dolder Kunsteisbahn, one of the largest open-air ice-skating rinks in Europe. Guests should definitely indulge in the onsite Spa that features the Ladies’ Spa and the Gentlemen’s Spa each with a sauna, steam bath, foot bath, aroma pool, steam pot, cold-water basin, and sunbeds.  The Spa has an Aqua Zone that includes an 82-foot-long swimming pool, whirlpools, a snow paradise, a steam bath, and an outdoor reclining area.

Need to rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit? The Spa has 20 treatment rooms for facials, manicures, massages, and body rituals such as the Organic Bath Ritual by Amala, which uses organic lavender, vanilla, and aloe vera to relax guests and soothe their sensitive and dry skin.

LGBTQ+ Nightlife

Getting to and from the hotel is pretty easy with Zurich’s tram system. Hotel guests should hop on the T3 tram heading toward Klusplatz, but you’ll hop off at the Römerhof stop to catch the funicular to the Dolder stop. Keep in mind that if you want to stay out late after 11 pm, then you may have to catch an Uber back to the hotel because the funicular to the hotel stops operating at 11:30 pm. 

The assortment of LGBTQ+ bars in Zurich includes Cranberry Bar, Platzhirsh, Heaven, Predigerhof Bistro and Bar, Labor Bar, Odeon, and Männerzone, a leather and Levi’s bar with a shop. At Heldenbar, don’t be surprised to maneuver your way through a tightly-packed crowd. Make your way to the dance floor to the right of the bar to twerk the night away listening to DJs play everything from disco to contemporary pop divas.

Visit The Dolder Grand’s website for more information about the hotel and its amenities or follow the @thedoldergrand on Facebook and Instagram and @DolderNews on Twitter.