Following almost four years of refurbishment totalling $440 million, the Dolder Grand in Zurich, Switzerland celebrated its grand re-opening early this year. Originally a Curhaus (health spa) the hotel has been transformed into a luxury class city resort. General manager of the hotel Thomas Schmid spoke to TTN.
What is the appeal of The Grand Dolder to UAE travellers?
The Grand Dolder gives an old European feel to our guests. The main building was built in 1899. But as you move towards the other part of the hotel, you will also find the contemporary elements. The hotel re-opened in April 2008 with 173 luxurious rooms and suites, and a 4000 sq m spa area. London architects Foster and Partners have combined the historic main building with the contemporary modern architecture and we believe our product will now find a niche with the Arab travellers.
How do you plan to position yourself in the luxury market?
The hotel cannot be compared to the old Dolder as we have invested $440 million in restoration work. It was a complete renovation of the property. It is not just the interior design that we have changed, but the whole concept. We now have 11 suites, each over 100 sq m and 50 junior suites about 55 to 60 sq m in size, and four top suites that feature unique interiors. The rooms have been inspired by four guests who have stayed here, for example suite 100 has been inspired by the Rolling Stones and the Maestro suite has been inspired by the classical music conductor, Herbert von Karajan.
Double room rates start at $780 per night. The rates for top suites are from $5,200 to $14,000 per night.
Tell us about what facilities the property offers.
There is a 4,000 sq m spa complex comprising a large aqua zone, 21 treatment rooms, studios, medical wellness centre, swimming pool, women an men’s spa, and all treatments use cosmetic products by La Prairie, Kerstin Florian and Kenzoki.
As it was a health spa will you still cater to this market?
Yes we will continue to cater to the health and wellness tourism market, not only with the Dolder Grand, but also with other properties. The Dolder Grand offers a Medical Wellness programme. We have specialists from the aesthetic link medical network providing treatments like anti-ageing, cosmetic dermatology, laser treatments and cosmetic plastic surgery etc. The beauty product range used is Beauty by Clinica Ivo Pitanguy. We also have some unique wellness treatment programs on our menu.
What was the summer occupancy rate?
For the first month we had about 55 to 60 per cent occupancies. Arab guests formed about 10 per cent of that. And we hope to increase this to about 15 per cent by next summer.
We have had an increased interest from the Middle East and people are still getting to know us and because we have been closed for such a long time, we have to start afresh, and cannot build on the old customer database. Our product is completely new, so it will take more time.
Who are your biggest source markets? Are you looking to tap new markets?
Guests from Germany UK, US and Russia are currently our biggest markets. And now our focus is on the GCC countries.
What are your offerings for local tour operators?
We are constantly in touch with agents. We provide them with familiarisation trips, so that they are aware of the product we have to offer. The Swiss market is a huge market, especially in the summer months so we feel it is important that they know the product.