Norman Foster's intervention at the Dolder Grand is one of the more intellectually honest acts of architectural preservation in recent European hotel history: rather than disguising a contemporary addition behind historicist pastiche, he placed a pair of curved glass-and-steel wings alongside the original 1899 turretted building by Jacques Gros, letting the century of difference between them remain entirely visible. The CHF 440 million renovation, completed in 2008, brought the total to 173 rooms and suites spread across the fairy-tale Historicist original and the new arc-shaped structures that sweep around it on the Adlisberg hill above Zurich, their floor-to-ceiling glazing oriented to pull in panoramic views across the city and Lake Zurich beyond. The interiors, led by Foster + Partners, carry the same discipline into the guest rooms — dark-stained oak floors, ivory leather curved sofas anchored on circular aubergine rugs with wave-relief patterning, upholstered headboards set against full-height timber wall panels. The curved geometry of the new wings dictates room plans, with wraparound glazing giving suites the atmosphere of an observation deck suspended above the treeline. In the spa, a rough-cut Jura limestone wall stands beside a dark slate pool deck and floor-to-ceiling glass — raw geological material held in deliberate tension with the precision of the new build. The terrace dining, flanked by a long reflecting pool with candles at dusk, draws the curvilinear pavilion into conversation with the floodlit Victorian towers behind, the two buildings finally at ease with their unlikely partnership.

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Get the celebrity treatment with world-class service at The Dolder Grand Enjoying a privileged location in natural surroundings above Zurich, next to the cog railway station, The Dolder Grand offers a 4,000 m² spa, 2 award-winning restaurants, and free Wi-Fi access. All rooms have a flat-screen satellite TV and are equipped with bathrobes and slippers. They offer views over Zurich, Lake Zurich, the Alps, or the nearby forest. The exclusive Dolder Grand Spa (4,000 square metres) includes a large pool with panoramic views, a ladies’ and gentlemen’s spa, fitness facilities, 18 treatment rooms and 2 Spa Suites. It offers a wide selection of facials, massages and body rituals. In the 15 Gault Millau points awarded Saltz Restaurant and in The Bar, guests can enjoy modern international cuisine and a wide selection of fine wines and drinks. Innovative gourmet dishes are served in The Restaurant, which has been awarded 19 Gault Millau points and 2 Michelin stars. The Japanese restaurant Mikuriya with 16 Gault Millau points creats an experience for all the senses. For vegan and vegitarian dishes, the garden restaurant blooms serves up a relaxing outdoor dining experience to savour and has been awarded with 14 Gault Millau points. The Dolder Hotel AG is Silver Certified by EarthCheck.