The importance of grand hotels to developing tourism in tricky-to-travel-to places isn’t unique to Switzerland (Canada has its own network of palatial properties built to lure tourists onto its vast rail network). But, in Switzerland, they remain vital gathering spots, opulent landmarks that anchor communities big and small and draw travellers deep into the country’s natural beauty.
SENSE OF ARRIVAL
In Zurich, the Dolder Grand stands proudly on the edge of the Adlisberg forest high above the city, a late-1800s castle surrounded by a curvaceous 2008 addition by starchitect Norman Foster. Its forecourt welcomes guests with a 270-degree panorama of the city and moving through its ornate lobby to your room (either a charming snug in the original building or a contemporary pad in Foster’s wings) is its own expedition through an expansive collection of contemporary art.
Just when you think you’ve maxed out your sense of awe, a pair of glass elevator doors open onto its sprawling spa with a swimming pool that curves gently toward an instantly decompressing view of the wooded valley.
ROOMS WITH A VIEW
The Dolder Grand is a swish starting point for exploring Switzerland beyond Zurich but, before you go, there’s more style inspiration to be absorbed in town. On the shore of Lake Zurich sits Pavillon Le Corbusier, the final building designed by Switzerland’s most famous architect, Charles-Édouard Jeanneret, in the 1960s. Its humble proportions, mid-century-meets-Mondrian palette of colours and materials and sculptural geometry express Jeanneret’s decades-long examination of how an individual can feel most at home in a contemporary space.
A lunch stop at the Storchen hotel’s La Rôtisserie restaurant is equally inviting with its terrace overlooking the Limmat river and the Grossmünster cathedral.
TALK OF THE TOWN
Fürstenau’s Schloss Schauenstein appears to have a humbler scale than Switzerland’s other castle accommodations until you realize that the entire village operates as a centre for Michelin-starred dining rooted in the spoils of the Canton of Grisons. For an overnight stay, the destination offers nine suites spread out between two historic houses plus additional rooms in Casa Caminada. The big draw is star chef Andreas Caminada’s lineup of dining options including a main restaurant offering multi-course menus, Casa Caminada’s à la carte fare and a bakery where you can pick up everything from a loaf of bread to the locally-forged spoon you used at dinner.
BACK ON TRACK
“You should really take the train,” is something you’ll be told often in Switzerland and the rail options are expansive, from glass-topped cars that hug mountain cliffs to the 1930s Gourmino carriage, pictured here, which offers a menu of regional specialities. The latter’s wood-panelled dining room transports you back to a more refined era of train travel as it snakes along 62 kilometres of tracks between St. Moritz and Chur, crossing 144 bridges and passing through 42 tunnels.
In nearby Silvaplana-Surlej, Bellavista is a hotel and restaurant that lives up to its name. Grab a sunny table on the terrace with views toward snow-topped peaks and kiteboarders catching the wind and waves on the neighbouring lake.
FINAL DESTINATION
Pontresina is just 10 minutes down the road from jet-set St. Moritz, but there, the Grand Hotel Kronenhof takes a more quietly luxurious approach to luxuriating in the Alps. The Belle Époque landmark steps down toward the Flaz river, providing many of its rooms and suites with postcard views of the Engadin’s layered landscape. Hotels like the Kronenhof were originally built for extended stays and amenities such as its billiard room, a fumoir and a bowling alley can still keep guests occupied for weeks at a time. Its Grand Restaurant is a gilded ballroom where you can enjoy a luxe breakfast, while its riverfront pavilion offers al-fresco drinks and dining among summer wildflowers or layers of sheepskins in winter.
LONG VIEW
At the top of St. Moritz’s Signal gondola, you’re confronted with the wild beauty of this country. You can continue your journey up the mountain but this stop easily situates you in the middle of snow-capped slopes, windblown brush and the milky blue lakes below. In Switzerland, there’s always another view like this to chase and its grand hotels position you perfectly for that endless quest. The next unforgettable vista is always in reach, maybe just outside your window.
ON LOCATION
Zurich
Dolder Grand
For the most memorable stay, book one of this hotel’s unique suites. The Maestro is built into the timber structure of its original tower while the Suite 100 offers a mod mood in one of the newer wings. Stays from CHF740 through thedoldergrand.com.
La Rôtisserie
The tall, arched windows in this restaurant’s main dining room connect you to the hustle and bustle of the Zurich waterfront. storchen.ch.
Sweater, trousers, both price on request at prada (prada.com).
Photographed outside the Pavillon Le Corbusier in Zurich.
Pavillon Le Corbusier
This architectural landmark is open for the 2025 season from Apr. 25 to Nov. 23. pavillon-le-corbusier.ch.
Restaurant Adlisberg
Though it’s a short walk from the Dolder Grand, this restaurant makes you feel like you’re in the middle of Swiss farm country. adlisberg.ch.
Restaurant Degenried
A cozy cabin in the Adlisberg forest, Degenried offers a menu highlighting its local suppliers, from florists to wineries. degenried.ch.
Fürstenau
Schloss Schauenstein
Vegetarians will want to book into Andreas Caminada’s garden-to-table option, Oz. schauenstein.ch.
Jumpsuit, $32,200, trench coat, $7,750 at Hermès (hermes.com). camper boots, €300 through Camper.com.
Photographed at Boesch Motorboote in Zurich.
St. Moritz and Pontresina
Bellavista
Barley soup and dried venison are two of the Engadin Valley staples found on Bellavista’s menu. bellavista.ch.
Grand Hotel Kronenhof
The Kronenhof spa’s water circuit includes a 20-metre pool, a Finnish sauna, a steam bath and a saltwater grotto. Visitors to Pontresina who aren’t staying at the hotel can book day passes and spa services. Stays from CHF378 in the summer, CHF500 in the winter through kronenhof.com.
Gourmino Train
Aside from your smart surroundings, this dining car’s main draw is a menu of local food and wine savoured on trips between Chur and St. Moritz. rhb.ch.
Hanselmann
Pick up a signature box of chocolates shaped like a set of skis and other Swiss treats at this spot in the centre of St. Moritz. hanselmann.ch.
Maistra Concept Store
On Pontresina’s main street, this design boutique spotlights the work of local craftspeople and international makers. maistra160.ch.
Style Advisor travelled to Switzerland as a guest of Switzerland Tourism. The organization did not review or approve this article prior to publication. For more on travelling to Switzerland, visit myswitzerland.com. Additional info is available at zuerich.com, stmoritz.com and pontresina.ch.
Styling by Nadia Pizzimenti. Makeup and hair by Julie Cusson for Chanel Beauty using Chanel Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream in Shade 390 Soleil Tan Bronze; Chanel 31 Le Rouge lip colour in Shade 18 Rouge No. 5, Shade 13 Rouge Jersey and Shade 23 Rouge Accessoire; and Chanel Joues Contrase Intense in Shade Beige Éclatant (chanel.com). Photography assistant: Anaïs Nieto. Styling Assistant: Savannah Finch. Model: Cami You-Ten at Want Management.
