Dolder Grand Hotel: A most elegant Swiss redo

Zurich’s Dolder Grand Hotel, which has been closed for the last four years, reopened in April,  returning a towered and turreted landmark to the city overlooking the Swiss Alps. But with a new look.

The hotel was renovated for about $400 million by the acclaimed English architectural firm Foster + Partners. Stylish, contemporary interiors were created by United Designers of London.

Opened in 1899 amid a building spree that brought Europe such other fabled grand hotels as the Sacher in Vienna and the Grand Hotel Bucharest, the Dolder started life as a health spa, dispensing therapeutic thermal waters. In the renovation, engineers tapped the geothermal energy sources underneath the hotel which now provide heating and air-conditioning.

The Dolder’s new spa has an indoor infinity pool, and there’s a ballroom under the cupola. Top- of-the-line suites feature appointments inspired by famous guests such as sculptor Alberto Giacometti and the Rolling Stones.

All of which comes at a price: $814 for the least expensive double in August. Say what?

Yes, $814 for rock bottom at the Dolder. I’m going there for a drink; the $800 I’ll save might just cover airfare.

– Susan Spano, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

[Photos: The Dolder Grand Hotel]

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This entry was posted on Sunday, June 22, 2008 at 3:53 pm by Susan Spano and is filed under Europe, Italy. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a comment, or trackback from your own site.