From Spa Days to Mountain Views: The Dolder Grand Hotel Zurich Review
“Can’t come to the phone right now, I’m too busy relaxing.”
Ever wondered what it’s like to check into a hotel that feels more like a fairytale castle—with a world-class spa and a priceless art collection casually sprinkled throughout the hallways? That’s The Dolder Grand. Perched on a hill above Zurich, with sweeping views of the city, lake, and Alps, this place doesn’t just whisper luxury, it sings it from the mountaintops (probably in multiple languages).
Originally opened in 1899 as a "Curhaus" (a fancy word for a health spa retreat back in the day), The Dolder Grand has hosted everyone from Winston Churchill to the Rolling Stones. These days, it's less a medicinal bathhouse, more a modern palace with floor-to-ceiling windows, Michelin-starred dining, and a spa so serene you forget what stress even felt like.
But for all its grandeur, does it still feel welcoming? Is the hype justified? And is the spa actually as good as everyone says? I stayed, I spa-ed, I sipped champagne — and I’ve got some thoughts.
Here we go! Let’s determine if staying here is worth it while we cover all aspects of the hotel, from the rooms to the location.
The Location
Let’s talk location. The Dolder Grand isn’t in the middle of Zurich’s bustling city center — and honestly, that’s part of the charm. Tucked up in the hills above the city, it’s about a 20-minute drive from Zurich Airport, depending on traffic. Getting into the city is easy, too: the charming little Dolderbahn cogwheel train stops just down the hill and whisks you straight into the center in around 10 minutes.
But the real treat? The views. Think sweeping panoramas over Lake Zurich, the city rooftops, and, on a clear day, the snow-dusted Swiss Alps in the distance. It’s the kind of setting that makes you feel like you’ve escaped without actually being far from anything.
Looking for something even more remote for your Swiss escape? You might want to check out The Cambrian in Adelboden or Hotel Villa Honegg - both offer stunning poolside views that are so relaxing you’ll find it hard to leave.
The Rooms
The rooms at The Dolder Grand? Let’s just say they’re everything you’d expect from a five-star property.. Spacious, airy, and full of light, they offer a modern take on classic elegance. The main event? The balcony, of course, whether you're enjoying morning coffee with a view of the lake or winding down with an evening glass of wine, it's the perfect spot to take in the scenery.
Inside, you’ll find a sleek, contemporary design balanced with a cozy, welcoming vibe. And, for a little extra luxury, there’s a TV cleverly embedded in the bathroom mirror, so you can catch up on your favorite shows or listen to music while getting ready or brushing your teeth.
The Restaurant
The restaurant at The Dolder Grand, The Restaurant, is as fancy as it sounds. Set in an elegant, contemporary space with views to match, it’s the perfect spot for a special occasion - and yes, it’s got the Swiss luxury price tag to go with it. I was there during Valentine’s Day weekend, and let’s just say we were definitely among the youngest diners, with the crowd leaning more on the senior side. But honestly, the age difference never took away from the atmosphere - it only added to the refined, tranquil vibe. The food? Lovely. The kind of elevated Swiss cuisine that makes you feel like you’re savoring a piece of art. But let’s be real: I’m still dreaming about the Swiss chocolate they served after the meal with coffee. If you’re looking to indulge and make a special evening even more memorable, definitely consider this place. It’s an experience you won’t forget.
And if you’re looking for a spot to unwind after dinner, they’ve got a fantastic bar with both indoor and outdoor seating. Whether you’re in the mood for a crafted cocktail or even a cigar, it’s a great place to relax and take in the atmosphere. It’s the perfect way to wind down after a delicious meal or a day spent exploring Zurich.
The Amenities
Now for the main event: the spa. If you’re looking for ultimate relaxation, The Dolder Grand’s spa is where your stress becomes non-existent. It’s large, with an expansive indoor pool that feels like it goes on forever and an outdoor jacuzzi with views that’ll make you want to never leave. You won’t get bored here whether you’re swimming, soaking, or enjoying one of the many saunas, there’s always something to keep you immersed in luxury. The treatment menu is top-notch, too, offering everything from massages to skincare rituals that’ll leave you glowing. It’s the kind of place where you lose track of time - in the best possible way.
The Verdict
Long story short: I absolutely recommend staying at The Dolder Grand. It’s a wonderful hotel that strikes the perfect balance between a classic, fairytale-like atmosphere and modern-day luxuries. The staff is very friendly and attentive, always going the extra mile to make you feel at home.
Whether you’re here for a romantic getaway, a spa retreat, or just a break from the day-to-day, it’s got everything you need to make your stay unforgettable. I’ll definitely be staying here again on my next trip to Zurich — it’s one of those places that makes you want to come back, no matter the occasion.
I hope this was helpful. If you have any more questions, you can always reach out here or on Instagram, and I’m more than happy to answer any of your questions. Happy Travels!
More Spa & Wellness
It’s completely normal to feel nervous before your first spa visit, especially when you’re paying good money to relax and aren’t sure how it all works. Whether you’re headed to a fancy resort, a local day spa, or even a clothing-free wellness spa, here’s what to expect, what to bring, and the etiquette rules nobody tells you.