This Review of the Dolder Grand Hotel in Zurich, Switzerland, is from our 2019 site inspection stay. The Dolder Grand was originally built in 1899, as the Grand Hotel Dolder and was open seasonally; only in 1924 did it open year round to guests. The hotel was acquired in 2001 by Swiss financier Urs Schwarzenbach, who lined up CHF 440 Million in financing for an extensive renovation and construction of two modern wings, between 2004-2008.
Dolder Grand 2019-2020 Virtuoso Benefits
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability (for Superior, Deluxe, Jr. Suite categories booked)
- Full breakfast daily for up to 2 guests per bedroom
- $100 USD SPA Services credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
Dolder Grand Location and Check-In
The Dolder Grand is located on Adlisberg Hill, 660 feet above the Zurich city center. Despite its elevation, it only takes 10 minutes by car to reach the Zurich train station, or about 30 minutes by public transit. By tram, take 3, 8 or 11 to Romerhof, then the 25, the Dolderbahn, ~10 minutes to the stop directly outside the Dolder Grand.
An entrance by the parking garage leads to an indoor walkway all the way to the hotel's main lobby, the historically listed Steinhalle, and the reception.
My husband had arrived just before us and checked in, doing a double take at the lifelike “Traveler” sculpture by Duane Hanson snoozing to the left of the front desk (see the below video). The Dolder Grand is known for its extensive modern art collection, a key draw for art lovers.
Dolder Grand Junior Suite Deluxe
We were in one of the modern wings, in a Junior Suite Deluxe. These are 580-680 square feet (54-63 square meters), with lofty ceilings, and plenty of natural light from the floor to ceiling windows on one side.
A stylish and comfortable cream leather sofa formed a seating area, by a coffee table and a flat screen TV.
If you're constantly frustrated with the lack of closet space and storage space for suitcases, the Dolder Grand has you covered–the closet area is one of the largest I've seen to date, for this size of room.
We also liked the bathroom, which shares a large floor to ceiling window (shades can be lowered for privacy).
In addition to the rain shower, there's a free standing whirlpool soaking tub:
Although there weren't welcome amenities already in the room, soon after arriving, there was a knock on the door, and a friendly associate provided a bottle of raspberry lemonade, a box of chocolates, mini “ice cream” sweets, and these fresh cherries with chocolate cherry cakes, all of them delicious.
Chocolate always goes well with coffee, and fortunately there's a Nespresso machine.
The perfect place to enjoy these treats is on the furnished private balcony. Ours overlooked the hotel grounds, but also had a distant view of Zurich Lake.
Here's our Dolder Grand Hotel YouTube Video Review:
Breakfast at Saltz Restaurant
Saltz Restaurant is the hotel's all day dining restaurant (the Dolder Grand is also home to The Restaurant, with 2 Michelin stars, which we did not try).
Saltz serves a buffet breakfast from 6:30-10:30am daily, with an array of high quality fresh fruits and berries, fresh squeezed juices, yogurts, smoked fish and gravlax, bread and pastries, and hot dishes such as rosti potatoes, tomatoes, scrambled eggs, sausages, etc.
There's also a menu of egg dishes, pancakes, and other specialties that can be made to order:
On a nice day, the Saltz Restaurant Terrace provides glorious lake views.
The Verdict
We enjoyed a fantastic stay at The Dolder Grand. While it won't be the most convenient hotel if you're in Zurich for business, it's not hard to access the downtown, either via taxi or via the Dolderbahn and a transfer to a tram. It's especially good if you're active, and seeking a great place to run, bicycle, play tennis, swim, practice your golf swing, or just enjoy one of the nature paths.
Our Junior Suite Deluxe was beautiful, with high ceilings and great natural light. We enjoyed sitting out on the private balcony, tasting the chocolate welcome amenities while taking in the view.
The breakfast buffet at Restaurant Saltz is sumptuous, with fresh squeezed juices, fresh berries, yogurts, homemade baked goods, an array of smoked fish, and even some sushi and hot dishes, although egg specialties, pancakes, waffles and porridge can be made to order.
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