The Dolder Grand: A Fairytale Hotel Fit for Champions
When you picture an athlete's basecamp during a major tournament, you probably think of sturdy bunk beds and basic gyms—not infinity hot tubs and five-star cuisine. But the England Lionesses aren’t roughing it for the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025. Instead, they’re calling Zurich’s Dolder Grand Hotel home, a place that looks more like the set of a modern fairy tale than a sports camp.
Perched high above Lake Zurich, the Dolder Grand gives the squad sweeping views of the water and the Alps every morning. The hotel’s 4,000-square-meter spa has become the squad’s favorite spot to recover from tough training sessions. Players dip into the infinity-edge hot tub or float in the indoor pool for some much-needed downtime. For those craving little luxuries, there’s Michelin-star dining downstairs and an art gallery with everything from a Salvador Dalí sculpture to a piece by, yes, Sylvester Stallone. This is not your standard athlete’s retreat; it’s the kind of place where seeing a Hollywood celebrity in the lobby seems expected. Past visitors include Winston Churchill and Leonardo DiCaprio.
- Infinity spa overlooking the Alps
- Michelin-starred dishes on demand
- Artworks scattered across the halls
- Indoor pool for recovery sessions
And if the Lionesses feel like escaping their luxury bubble, the hotel’s private funicular—the Dolderbahn—zips them straight to downtown Zurich. Recent afternoons have been spent at the FIFA Museum, grabbing pastries at quaint cafes, or simply exploring the city sights together. The sense of team bonding is real and intentional. Staff at the Dolder Grand work around the clock to ensure the team feels right at home despite the pressure of the competition.
Balancing Relaxation and Serious Game Prep
But the question in Zurich is unavoidable: does all this comfort help the players stay sharp, or does it risk making them a bit too relaxed? It’s a tough balance. On one hand, recovery and mental well-being are crucial. The Lionesses, after all, have dealt with significant squad shake-ups—losing stars like Mary Earps and Millie Bright not long before the tournament began. The Dolder Grand’s ‘home away from home’ vibe is meant to keep spirits high, with staff going above and beyond at each turn, making sure everyone’s needs are taken care of.
At the same time, the team isn’t just kicking back. Their rigorous training sessions unfold at Sportanlage Au in nearby Opfikon, close enough that travel never cuts into precious practice time. Much of their schedule is set around group matches, including showdowns against the formidable French and Dutch squads. In between the footwork drills and tactical meetings, a bit of darts, spikeball, and laughs in the game lounge help break up any tournament nerves.
It turns out, this blend of England Lionesses luxury and laser-focused routines seems to be working—at least so far. Defender Esme Morgan spoke out about the setup, calling it not just ‘comfortable’ but a real boost to morale. And as the matches begin, it’s clear this isn’t just a holiday: the plush environment is there to help the squad bring home the trophy, not just chill in style.
