As we all know, a road trip like this is all about the journey. But it’s just as much about the place where the day ends. For TheMattBook and the Bovensiepen Zagato, that was The Dolder Grand in Zurich during their drive through the Swiss Alps.
What would a road trip be without the right hotel? For Matthias, aka TheMattBook, after a long day on the road, one thing above all else provides the perfect balance: a quiet, comfortable room, excellent cuisine, and service that is attentive without being intrusive. These little things become real deciding factors after many hours behind the wheel and behind the camera. And at The Dolder Grand in Zurich, all of this comes together.
The castle-like building overlooking the city combines historic 19th-century architecture with a modern extension designed by star architect Norman Foster. Anyone seeking relaxation is certainly in the right place here: after all, The Dolder Grand began its history as a spa hotel. For Matthias, who has experienced the hotel both as a guest and as a photographer, it is precisely this combination that makes it so appealing. Viewed through the lens, the architecture, light and location offer ‘countless possibilities’, as he puts it. ‘The hotel offers many exciting perspectives. What’s also special is the blend of historic architecture and modern elements.’ But before he gets his camera out, there’s another ritual he follows: taking a few minutes to consciously explore the hotel. It’s often during this process that the most interesting photographic ideas come to him.
As a guest, however, he is impressed by something else: “Every time, it feels as though you’re coming home.” Added to this is a range of facilities that goes beyond a traditional hotel stay: a 4,000-square-metre spa, tennis courts and golf courses on the grounds, as well as several restaurants – ranging from the two-star cuisine at The Restaurant to the Japanese ‘omakase’ dining experience at MIKURIYA, right through to the seasonal outdoor dining experience at Blooms. His conclusion is correspondingly clear: “For me, one of the best hotels I’ve ever stayed in and definitely the best place to stay in Zurich.”
“It feels as though you’re coming home every single time.”
TheMattBook
So how does this hotel fit in with a car like the Bovensiepen Zagato?
The answer is actually quite obvious: both epitomise exclusivity, comfort and timeless design. Neither the car nor the hotel needs to push itself into the limelight – their quality speaks for itself. Which brings us back to Bovensiepen’s concept of ‘Fine Driving’ – precision, harmony and dedication are also evident in every detail at The Dolder Grand. It was precisely these small refinements, rather than grand gestures, that impressed TheMattBook most during his stay. “Whether it’s the architecture, the service or the overall atmosphere – everything feels well thought-out and of the highest quality, without being contrived,” he explains. “It is precisely this understated approach that defines true luxury.”
It’s hardly surprising that the Bovensiepen Zagato looked absolutely stunning against the backdrop of the hotel. “Many guests stopped to take photos or came over to us to find out more about the car,” reports Matthias. “Precisely because the Bovensiepen Zagato is still a very rare sight on the roads, there was a great deal of curiosity.”
Incidentally, from a logistical point of view, the choice was no coincidence either. From Zurich, some of Europe’s most beautiful Alpine roads are just a short drive away – including the Albis Pass with its view over Lake Zurich. And Zurich itself is, of course, always worth a visit.
You can find more impressions of the tour here:
→ the.mattbook
Text: Verena Stuhlinger
Photos: TheMattBook
rampstyle #38 Just for the Plot
In our culture, we glorify optimization. Everything is supposed to be plannable and as risk-free as possible. And yet, at the same time, there is a growing longing for the detour. For the unplanned. For the real. “Just for the plot” means: I know this may not be the most sensible thing to do. But it tells my story better than reason ever could. Because people remember summers. Journeys. Encounters. That one evening that changed everything. The plot is the story we tell later. Not the Excel spreadsheet we keep today. Find out more
