"“I Visited The Dolder Grand, One Of The World’s Most Iconic Hotels, To See If It Lives Up To The Hype”

Dating back to 1899, The Dolder Grand is one of Switzerland’s, if not the world’s, most iconic hotels. A masterclass in architectural harmony, it marries fairytale-like turrets with bold, world-acclaimed contemporary design. Boasting a two-Michelin-starred restaurant, a breathtaking 4,000-square-meter spa, a museum-grade art collection that includes the likes of Warhol and Dalí, and second-to-none service, it is a property like no other. The Handbook’s Astrid Carter checked in for a packed, culture-infused 48 hours.

What sets it apart

Hotels don’t come much more iconic than The Dolder Grand, Zurich’s reigning Grand Dame. In fact, I’ve had it on my travel bucket list for years, and let’s just say it lived up to the hype and some. Suspended between the lush greenery of the protected Adlisberg Forest and the lakeside city below, its architecture sits somewhere between a 19th-century fairytale castle, a Bond villain’s mountaintop lair, and a sweeping mass of modern design – all somehow working in perfect unison.

Hotels don’t come much more iconic than The Dolder Grand, Zurich’s reigning Grand Dame. In fact, I’ve had it on my travel bucket list for years, and let’s just say it lived up to the hype and some.
Astrid, Contributing Fashion & Lifestyle Editor

A grand historic building with pointed towers and ornate balconies, resembling a fairytale hotel, is partially visible behind a blurred black railing. The clear sky and warm lighting suggest late afternoon in Zürich.

The original 1899 building is a striking silhouette of turrets, steep gables, and traditional Swiss timberwork – it’s like something straight out of a fairytale. Yet, while the bones of the property are decidedly old-world, its sensibilities are modern.

A masterful 2008 renovation and extension project by renowned British architect Lord Norman Foster introduced a second, sleek wing that catapulted this historic institution into the 21st century without sacrificing an ounce of its heritage.

Everything here comes with a side of drama. From the sweeping entrance as the car pulls in to the very efficient Swiss valet service, to the 100-strong museum-grade art collection featuring works by Dalí, Warhol, Murakami, and Magritte, to name just a few. The moment your feet touch the tarmac, you feel (and are treated) like a Hollywood movie star.

The location

Just 10 minutes from the centre of Zurich, the journey up to the hotel is part of the experience. You can wind through the exclusive neighbourhood via taxi, spotting some incredible Swiss real estate on the way, hop on the hotel’s hourly shuttle, or ride the charming Dolderbahn funicular railway, which whisks you up the hillside in just six minutes.

Aerial view of Zurich, Switzerland, with historic buildings, church towers, the Limmat River, and the iconic fairytale hotel Dolder Grand set against distant mountains under a partly cloudy sky at sunset. — Zurich

It is an incredibly smooth operation for anyone looking to soak in the city. As a first-time visitor, I quickly discovered that Zurich is criminally underrated; while it is often unfairly pigeonholed as just a banking capital, it is actually a city pulsing with life, culture, and creative energy. Yet, despite its proximity to the urban buzz, The Dolder Grand feels completely rural and hidden away, perched majestically atop a lush forest with dramatic panoramic vistas of Lake Zurich and the snow-tipped Alps beyond.

Aerial view of the fairytale hotel Dolder Grand, nestled among lush green trees in Zurich, with a cityscape, lake, and hills stretching beneath a clear sky.

It is this exact shape-shifting ability that makes the hotel so magnificent. It manages to be so many things at once, but also completely dodges any ‘master of none’ mentality because they execute every single element perfectly. Thanks to its unique location, it works for just about any itinerary: a decadent pitstop at the tail end of an Alpine ski trip, a restorative spa weekend, or a honeymoon that revolves entirely around moving from bedroom to Michelin-starred restaurant to chic cocktail bar to spa, and repeat.

The rooms

A person takes a mirror selfie at the Dolder Grand in Zurich, wearing a patchwork floral maxi dress, beige blazer, and metallic shoes. They hold a woven handbag; wavy hair frames their face against a white panelled door in this fairy-tale hotel setting.

A hand holds a round biscuit with a decorative red icing centre that reads THE DOLDER GRAND 1899. The biscuit, inspired by the fairytale hotel in Zurich, has a bite taken out of it.

There are two options of 175 rooms to choose from at Dolder: the classic fairytale castle original building, and the 2008-built modern wing. Both are incredibly luxe, and whilst there is a thrill to staying in the 1899 original, you actually have an incredible view of said building if you stay in the modern section.

I stayed in the former, and despite the opulent exterior, the rooms are very pared-back, chic and practical. They aren’t overly styled, just chic and cool. Think white walls, minimalist decor, ample storage space, and a very five-star minibar selection.

The bathroom is a head-to-toe situation of marble, a huge tub and an excellent shower with no less than six heads offering a very restorative muscle massage – both ideal if you’re one of Dolder’s active types (there is so much outdoor activity to do here) or just want to while away an hour with a glass of champagne in the bath.

There’s also lounging space and working space for business types, and touches of zesty bright orange for a bit of personality,

You’d be hard pushed to find a better view of Zurich.

But it’s the view that is really the room’s USP. Most of them have sweeping panoramic views of a well-pruned golf course below and the expansive Lake Zurich. Whether it’s waking up to the birdsong of the forest, watching the greens and sunset hues turn into twinkling pink and lilac nights of the city below, or a chorus of church bells, you’d be hard-pushed to find a better view of Zurich.

A grand piano sits on a beige marble floor beneath a modern floating staircase with a mirrored balustrade in a spacious, light-filled room with wooden wall panelling and tall windows at Zurich’s fairytale hotel, the Dolder Grand.

A modern, elegant living room inspired by the Dolder Grand in Zurich, with two curved tan sofas, glass coffee tables adorned with flowers, large windows overlooking a scenic view, and abundant natural light highlighting wooden floors.

Elegant bedroom at this fairytale hotel in Zurich features a four-poster bed, floral wallpaper, peach accent wall, wooden floors, leather armchair, vintage desk, and large window with red curtains that let in natural light—true Dolder Grand charm.

Food & drink

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and if there were ever a hotel to subscribe to that mantra, it is The Dolder Grand. Upon arrival, over lunch with a member of the hotel team, I was proudly informed that the property had been voted the best breakfast in Switzerland. A nice accolade to add to the ream of the hotel’s success, but how great can how good can breakfast really get? How wrong I was.

Breakfast here operates on an entirely different echelon; it is nothing short of a biblical experience. First, the continental offerings: think miniature plates of cured salmon draped in beautifully piped, caper-loaded sauces, alongside bespoke specials like the Armer Ritter – a bouncy, buttery brioche crowned with eggs and truffled ham, presented with the precision of a fine-dining tasting menu.

An open sandwich topped with ham, grated cheese, and salad leaves sits on a white plate at an outdoor restaurant table at the fairytale hotel Dolder Grand in Zurich, with a water bottle, glass, and patio umbrellas in the background.

A breakfast setting at the Dolder Grand in Zurich, featuring a bowl of pomegranate seeds and blueberries, smoked salmon with garnishes, cutlery, and a menu labelled “Saltz” on a wooden table—a scene from a fairytale hotel. — Breakfast on the terrace at Saltz

There is a dedicated miso soup station, which thrilled me no end, with every imaginable accompaniment, alongside tiny, immaculate pastries (including a gooey raspberry croissant I’m still dreaming about). One morning even yielded a flawless tuna tartare served in a dinky glass bowl and topped with little flowers. Everything is on a small scale, which, contrary to what you might think, doesn’t mean you eat less but rather offers a cornucopia of tiny delights. If you are the type to skip breakfast, consider this your formal invitation to break the rules – it effortlessly lives up to the hype.

Modern, spacious lounge at the Dolder Grand in Zurich, featuring blue sofas, grey chairs, and wooden tables on a light wood floor. Red walls and ceiling have criss-crossing lines, whilst large windows fill this fairytale hotel space with natural light. — Saltz

An alpine-inspired dining room anchored by a punchy palette of pillarbox red & Yves Klein blue.

The culinary options extend far beyond 10.30 am, offering enough variety to satisfy anyone looking to hunker down inside the hotel for days. Saltz, the main restaurant where breakfast is served, transforms by night into a sexy, Alpine-inspired dining room anchored by a punchy palette of pillarbox red and Yves Klein blue. The menu seamlessly bridges modern takes on comforting classics – like a textbook schnitzel and a Swiss Beef Hacktätschli (an unctuous, slow-cooked wintry stew perfect after a day of hiking in the hills)- to more delicate, globally inspired flavours like brook char ceviche and hamachi sushi. A seasonal asparagus soup was a particular triumph: creamy, fresh, and deeply comforting all at once. Saltz is a masterclass in hotel dining, allowing you to opt for a light, casual bite or fully commit to an indulgent meal that demands loosening a belt loop or two. There is zero pomp or stuffiness here, yet it feels distinctively elevated and cool, with sharing enthusiastically encouraged so you can try as much as possible.

If you do, however, want to shift your culinary experience up a gear, Dolder has its very own Michelin-starred restaurant. Simply named, The Restaurant, it is a bastion of haute cuisine, headed up by Heiko Nieder, and holds not only 19 GaultMillau points, but two Michelin stars. The setting also plays host to an original Salvador Dalí painting – worth booking in for alone. While I didn’t manage to sample The Restaurant this time, it gives me good reason to return, no?

A clear rectangular plate with assorted sushi pieces, including nigiri topped with fish, prawns, and vegetables, garnished with ginger, sits on a wooden table at the Dolder Grand in Zurich—a fairytale hotel—with a red placemat and part of a wine glass visible.

A crystal glass filled with a layered pudding topped with edible flowers and herbs sits on a red placemat at the Fairytale Hotel Dolder Grand. A wine glass and a pink flower in a vase are in the background on a wooden table in Zurich.

Thin slices of raw white fish arranged on a black plate, garnished with red chilli slices, edible flowers, herbs, and light sauce—an elegant dish reminiscent of fine dining at Zurich’s iconic Dolder Grand fairytale hotel. — MIYU pop-up

I did, however, secure a table at the hotel’s spectacular summer pop-up, MIYU, a Japanese concept temporarily housed in the hotel’s permanent Mikuriya restaurant space. The name translates to beauty (MI) and gentleness (YU), reflecting the precise, elegant craftsmanship of Sushi Master Atsushi Hiraoka.

The five-course tasting menu comes in at 160 CHF (roughly £150 – remarkably reasonable given Chef Hiraoka’s credentials, the five-star setting, and Zurich’s notoriously expensive reputation). It proved to be a beautifully orchestrated journey through Tokyo and beyond. Highlights ranged from hamachi sashimi and silky tofu in a deep, savoury dashi broth to king crab topped with popping trout roe and an unexpected, delightful cameo of camembert – a fun nod to the Alpine setting. The savoury dishes concluded with a buttery black cod enriched with sea urchin and miso, followed by the stunning MIYU parfait: a playful, trifle-adjacent take on a panna cotta laced with cherries, sponge, and delicate edible flowers.

The space itself is dark, moody, and cinematic, all dark woods and low-lit lanterns – think Bond-movie chic – where guests can sit at the counter to watch the master at work. We opted for the outdoor terrace to make the most of Zurich’s long summer nights. Were it not for the dramatic mountain and lake vistas, you could easily believe you were in the heart of Tokyo.

A sleek restaurant table set with wine glasses, plates, and wooden chopsticks on place mats, with red chairs and illuminated Japanese kanji characters on a black wall—evoking the refined ambience found at Zurich's Dolder Grand fairytale hotel.

The culinary offerings at the Dolder Grand seem gloriously endless, which is partly why guests never want to leave the hotel. On our final evening, we had a reservation at Blooms, an outdoor restaurant nestled on the edge of the forest and built directly into the hotel’s kitchen garden. Here, wooden tables are surrounded by vegetable and herb beds, with an impressive open kitchen where everything is cooked over live fire under the watchful eye of Chef Heiko Nieder. The concept is entirely vegan, organic, and local, and at the al fresco restaurant’s centre stands a commanding Keith Haring sculpture that reinforces The Dolder’s commitment to world-class art everywhere you look.

Sadly, Blooms is strictly weather-dependent, and our reservation collided with the only few hours of rain during the trip. We did, however, have time to explore the space and taste herbs straight from the soil. The team even invited me to plant my own rosemary bush before the heavens opened, knowing it would be used for dishes to come – a nice, thoughtful touch.

A large, abstract red sculpture stands in a landscaped courtyard at the Dolder Grand, a fairytale hotel in Zurich, surrounded by modern and historic buildings with towers and spires, under a clear sky. — Blooms

A woman with long hair wearing a white shirt and dark apron tends to herbs in a garden at the Dolder Grand in Zurich, surrounded by green plants and fresh soil—a scene straight from a Fairytale Hotel.

To round off an evening of eating, there is the Canvas Bar & Lounge. One of the chicest, sexiest hotel bars I’ve come across, it was made for heady nightcaps. I ordered one of their signature sips, the Willow Tit, partly for the cheeky name, partly because I’m a sucker for anything laced with elderflower and lychee liqueur. It did not disappoint. In the day, adjacent to the cosy bar, is the Canvas Lounge, where you can order pretty pastries, cake and macarons, or warm bowls of soup, light salads, and a famous Swiss hot chocolate.

Things to do

A modern outdoor swimming pool area with loungers and white parasols, set beside a building with large glass windows, overlooks the Dolder Grand—a fairytale hotel in Zurich—framed by lush green trees and a historic castle-like structure in the background.

First of all, the spa. So epic is The Dolder’s Spa, I managed to fit in three visits in just 48 hours. This impressive 4,000-square-metre oasis of wellness and relaxation. is beautifully designed to say the least, with a sprawling indoor 25-metre, curved pool that almost looks squid ink black. Outside, there’s a sun terrace and open-air whirlpool with endless views of the snow-capped Alps – a blissful experience, even in the rain. Hidden lounging areas are carved into different tiers of the surrounding forest, offering pockets of complete solace where you can read a book or order a glass of champagne to the sound of nothing but birdsong.

A modern indoor swimming pool at the Dolder Grand, Zurich’s fairytale hotel, features stone walls, a high ceiling, and recessed lighting. White loungers line one side as the shimmering water reflects the elegant surroundings.

So epic is The Dolder’s Spa, I managed to fit in three visits in just 48 hours.

Inside, the amenities feel endless: think traditional Japanese bathtubs filled with heated stones to sink weary muscles into, a crisp snow room for the brave, and a meditation room lined with a glittering mirror mosaic that you have to enter through a seemingly endless winding corridor. Dedicated ladies’- and gentlemen-only spa zones are each equipped with their own saunas, steam rooms, foot pools, and cold plunge pools – I lost count of how many times I rotated between them all. I don’t think I have ever emerged from a hotel spa feeling quite so restored – and that was without even booking one of their world-class treatments.

A clay tennis court in Zurich, surrounded by trees and green Lacoste-branded awnings, sits calmly beneath the gaze of the Dolder Grand fairytale hotel—its peaceful scene undisturbed, awaiting its next match.

For active types, there is plenty on-site to keep you moving. Alongside a state-of-the-art gym and nearby forest trails, the tennis courts have partnered with iconic brand Lacoste this summer, making your sets highly Instagrammable. Golfers can utilise the nine-hole course directly next door (while not owned by the hotel, the concierge can secure tee times, provided you hold an official handicap of 30 or better).

If you can bear to prise yourself away from the hotel, a trip into the city of Zurich is a must. During the summer, women can spend the day at Frauenbad Stadthausquai, a women-only bathing pool right in the heart of the city. Alternatively, take to the water with a boat trip across the vast expanse of Lake Zurich. We did this and passed everything from the Lindt headquarters to Tina Turner’s once-home, and saw some serious jaw-dropping real estate, before alighting at The Dolder’s sister hotel, Hotel Sonne Küsnacht. Dating back to 1641, it has an entirely different vibe and spirit; it’s just 40 rooms in a higgledy-piggledy castle-esque property, but just as charming as its big sister. We stopped for lunch in their lakeside garden restaurant and tucked into casual plates of pizza, veal schnitzel, salads, and crisp Swiss wine, right on the water’s edge.

Back at the hotel, an entire morning can easily be dedicated to the hotel’s art collection. The sheer calibre of the pieces on display is astounding, featuring original works by Keith Haring, Salvador Dalí, Takashi Murakami, and Joan Miró. Guests can use a digital guide to scan QR codes next to each piece of the 100-plus collection for a self-guided gallery tour. The most striking – and delightfully divisive – piece is undoubtedly The Traveller by American hyperrealist artist Duane Hanson. Located in the lobby, the life-size sculpture of a dishevelled, exhausted-looking man asleep among his luggage is so uncannily realistic that I did a double-take upon check-in, fully believing he was real. Rumour has it that the hotel receives plenty of complaints from guests lacking a sense of humour, but the fact that he maintains his permanent residency there is brilliant, perfectly cementing The Dolder’s bold commitment to world-class art.

A bright room at the fairytale hotel Dolder Grand in Zurich features stained glass windows with the words Soul, Love, and Fun. Four abstract human sculptures sit at a curved bar, whilst a staircase with an ornate railing appears in the background.

A person with curly hair, wearing a light shirt, shorts, and white trainers, sits on the floor inside a building near wooden doors at the Dolder Grand in Zurich, with bags and belongings placed around them, evoking a scene from a fairy-tale hotel.

The verdict

The beauty of The Dolder Grand lies in its contradictions. It’s both old-worldly and progressively modern. It’s a city stop that also feels right in the heart of the Swiss countryside. And its culinary offerings and service are second to none. The Dolder’s location also makes it a different hotel entirely depending on the time of year you visit. While I was fortunate enough to experience it in its lush, sun-drenched summer glory, it is easy to see how magical it would be in the winter – snow-topped, glittering, and cosy. Consider that my excuse for a return visit.

Getting there & booking

There are daily flights to Zurich from London Heathrow, London City, London Gatwick, London Stansted, London Luton, and other major UK airports. From Zurich Airport, The Dolder Grand is less than half an hour’s drive. Rates start from CHF 750 per night in a Double Room Deluxe.

For more information or to book, visit www.thedoldergrand.com

Europe, Hot Hotels, Hotel Reviews, Travel