Dolder Grand Zurich
Set in a stately building dating from 1899, this outstanding hotel offers views of the Alps and Lake Zurich.
The Dolder originally opened in 1899 as a retreat from the city, but went on to attract illustrious guests including Winston Churchill, Roger Moore and Sophia Loren. Nowadays, its reputation as one of Switzerland's best hotels continues, in part thanks to two Norman Foster-designed wings of steel, stone and tinted glass that sweep, wave-like, around the shuttered cream-and-merlot Belle Époque building in a glossy interplay of old and new.
Inside, Swarovski crystal chandeliers, high ceilings and oversized flowers radiate luxury style, but more striking is the sense of entering a gallery. Melded with 19th-century features such as ornate ceilings, is an outstanding private collection of works by artists including Salvador Dali and Henry Moore. The 11-metre Andy Warhol piece spanning the reception desk is particularly impressive. It's enchanting to wander the grounds and admire the sculptures or to hunker down between the fireplace and antiques in the library.
