3 - Dolder Grand Hotel, Zurich, Switzerland

London to Zurich: £56 return! Compare all offers

© Copyright

Emblematic of the history of the Swiss capital, the five star Dolder Grand Hotel or the 'Curhaus' (Health House) as it was known since it was built in 1899, today consists of two parts. The first is the original 1800s hotel building and the second is the 2008 extension designed by the Foster team. The contemporary curvaceous structure wraps itself around the central original structure of the hotel and retreats into the forest like two dove wings. The aim was to increase the number of rooms by modernising the hotel and reconnecting it to its natural surroundings. A Leading Hotel of the World and also under the label Swiss Deluxe Hotels, the luxury Spa hotel stands high up above Lake Zurich within a verdant forest. The futuristic design has brought the tired traditional hotel into the 21st century without a doubt. The landmark hotel is today renowned worldwide for its exceptionally high standards of services and exceptional spa (pool pictured). The conception of this design, like most of the team's designs, emphasises a play on reflections be it in glass, aluminium, steel or water. The interior of the hotel complex reflects the exterior. The old part of the building, the landmark hotel with its three turrets, has conserved a more traditional Bauhaus décor. Black and white chequered floors, marble walls and columns, large size chandeliers hang from the ceilings making the atmosphere slightly on the sinister side. The rooms, although very simple, are very cosy and neutral whilst in contrast, the rooms in the new wings have taken a retro turn. The walls of the rooms are curved - you will have a hard time finding a square, rectangular or even an L-shaped room. Gawp at views over the city from the terraces and don't miss a visit to the spa and restaurant (which has acquired a Michelin star) which are definitely worth trying out. It is worth emphasising the overwhelmingly sublime spa: architecturally, the design is a paradigm of innovation and the unique treatments and services are nothing short of the very best. Architecturally, the Dolder Grand Hotel is a prime example of how to bring contrasting designs together in harmony whilst bridging the gap with nature.

For bookings see the Dolder Grand Hotel website or call +41 44 456 60 00

Text: Rooksana Hossenally. Photo: Nigel Young for Foster+Partners