Zurich's Dolder Grand Hotel Celebrates its 5th Anniversary

Following four years of conversion and renovation work, the city of Zurich welcomed the return of one of its landmarks on April 3, 2008. Since then the legendary luxury city resort has written new chapters of history serving high-profile guests from Hillary Clinton to Leonardo DiCaprio, re-establishing its place in the international luxury hotel industry.

At the end of March 2008, a few days before the launch of the new Dolder Grand, approximately 12,000 people turned out to Adlisberg Mountain to tour the new city resort over a series of opening days. The newly renovated property designed by Foster and Partners not only attracted attention throughout the city, but across Switzerland and around the world, garnering international headlines. In Britain, Wallpaper named The Dolder Grand the "Best New or Renovated Hotel," while in the U.S., ForbesTraveler.com included the luxury address in its list of the "World's 50 Best New Hotels" and Condé Nast Traveler added it to the "Hot List 2009" of the world's best new hotels. And in Swiss hotel ratings? The Dolder Grand is #1 among the country's city hotels.

Remarkable achievements

What draws guests to The Dolder Grand? Whether arriving from Switzerland, Russia, the Middle East or the U.S., guests value the hotel's elevated location between the pulsating city and invigorating nature as well as magnificent views of Zurich, the lake and the Alps. Over the last few years, Heiko Nieder's surprising gourmet cuisine has created a real sensation, with The Restaurant awarded 18 GaultMillau points and 2 Michelin stars. The exclusive 43,000 square-foot Dolder Grand Spa has also received a number of awards.

Salvador Dalí, Henry Moore and Camille Pissarro and other major artists are now at home in The Dolder Grand. Since the reopening, more than 100 illustrious artworks from the private collection of majority shareholder Urs E. Schwarzenbach have graced rooms throughout the hotel. The most striking piece is arguably Andy Warhol's Big Retrospective Painting, spanning 36 feet and holding pride of place above reception.

Hillary Clinton, Leonardo DiCaprio and a Hollywood film
Since reopening, The Dolder Grand has re-established its role as a meeting place for personalities from politics, business, and culture. Business events and spectacular balls have helped re-invigorate the tradition-steeped establishment, with numerous VIPs signing their names in the guestbook over the past five years.

While treating such guests with discretion and restraint is always a top priority at The Dolder Grand, some personalities can be mentioned by name. With their visits undertaken as official missions, their comfort level enabled them to walk openly through the corridors.

Special security measures have been implemented for important political visits, such as when Hillary Clinton mediated between Turkey and Armenia. When the hosts of the Football World Cup were announced, both winners stayed at The Dolder Grand: the delegation accompanying the Emir of Qatar and the Russian delegation, which was joined briefly by President Putin for a media conference. In December 2010, several important personalities arrived, with Bill Clinton, Prince William and David Cameron all attending meetings at the hotel.

Leonardo DiCaprio strolled through the hotel, explored the lobby and enjoyed the spa The Dolder Grand was even used as a prominent setting for David Fincher's Hollywood film, "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo."

Celebrity is nothing new at The Dolder Grand, which has welcomed a steady stream of VIPs since 1899 including Henry Kissinger, Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela, Albert Einstein, Liz Taylor and Luciano Pavarotti.

Combination of the traditional and the modern

Renowned London architects Foster and Partners combined the historic Main Building of the Dolder Grand, some of which is listed with modern architectural accouterments. All annexes constructed after 1899 were demolished, and two modern wings - the Spa Wing and the Golf Wing - now enclose the Main Building. The Hotel makes use of geothermal energy for efficient energy consumption, with 70 probes having been sunk 150 meters into the ground. The cost of the conversion and renovation amounted to over $400 million dollars.

Come to Zurich and celebrate the 5th Anniversary of the renovation and reopening of The Dolder Grand with specials on accommodations, food, beverages and beauty. All packages valid April 1-30, 2013:

Anniversary Package:
- One night including Garden Breakfast
- One Dolder Grand anniversary gift
- Use of the Dolder Grand Spa
- From CHF 630 (approximately $670) for double occupancy

The Restaurant Anniversary Special:
- Signature Drink at the Bar
- 5-course gourmet dinner with Classic wine pairing at the 2 star Michelin restaurant
- CHF 555 (approximately $590) for two people

Sunday brunch in the Garden Restaurant:
- For parties of five guests or more, The Dolder Grand offers one guest brunch for free. In addition, a special birthday cake will be available at the buffet.

Bar:
- Anyone celebrating their birthday in the Bar in April will receive unlimited "De Sousa
Tradition Brut" house Champagne, wine, beer and soft drinks for CHF 55 (approximately $58) per person.

Spa Anniversary Beauty Special:
- Massage (60 min.)
- Facial (60 min.)
- One classic manicure and pedicure
- One glass of Champagne
- CHF 465 (approximately $490, regular price is CHF 520 or approximately $550)

The Dolder Grand, with its 173 luxurious rooms and suites, is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World, Swiss Deluxe Hotels and Design Hotels.

Rates at The Dolder Grand from CHF 590 ($623 USD). For more information or to make reservations for please visit www.thedoldergrand.com or email reservations@thedoldergrand.com.