UEFA Women’s EURO: England’s Lionesses Find ‘Home Away From Home’ at Zurich’s Fairy-Tale ‘Castle’
Published Jul. 6, 2025, 6:31 p.m 77jl ph. ET
England’s accommodation for the Women’s European Championship is described as a “home away from home,” albeit a notch above the players’ usual lodgings. Perched in the woods atop a hill that overlooks Zurich, the iconic Dolder Grand resembles a castle pulled straight from a tale. With its impressive spires and cupolas, the hotel offers a blend of historical charm and contemporary luxury, along with breathtaking views of Lake Zurich and the Alps.
“During my first 24 hours here, I kept going, ‘Whoa, whoa!’” shared England defender Esme Morgan, who plays for the Washington Spirit in the United States. “We feel very fortunate with how well we’ve been treated, and it truly serves as the ideal base for us throughout the tournament. It’s a place where everyone can unwind and gather to watch the other matches.”
Players can unwind by exploring the Dolder Grand’s extensive art collection, which features over 100 works by artists like Salvador Dalí and actor Sylvester Stallone. The hotel boasts a lavish 4,000-square-meter spa that includes an infinity hot tub offering stunning views — the perfect spot for the Lionesses to recover after their matches. England kicked off its title defense with a 2-1 loss to France on Saturday and will face the Netherlands next on Wednesday in Group D.
‘We Feel Super Welcome’
Room rates at the Dolder Grand start at around $930 per night for a double, reaching up to approximately $18,300 for the two-floor Presidential Suite, which includes butler service in some of its suites.
The Dolder Grand, which appeared in the film “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” was selected after a year-long search by the English Football Association. Staff members undertook the enviable task of visiting 23 different facilities to find the team’s perfect lodging.
“About a year ago, I first walked through the doors of the Dolder, and we could immediately feel the excitement from the hotel staff,” said the team’s general manager, Anja van Ginhoven 20jili casino login. “One of the first things they told us — much like The Lensbury where the Lionesses stayed in 2022 — was, ‘We want to be part of this.’ We feel extremely welcome and very supported bmy online casino. Their primary goal is to provide us with a fantastic home away from home.”
The Lionesses arrived via team bus shortly after their flight into Zurich, welcomed warmly by cheerful hotel staff. Normally, guests arrive by car — often in luxurious vehicles — or take a short ride on the cable railway that has its terminus right next to the hotel. The Dolder Grand dates back to 1899, with significant renovations carried out at the start of the century, overseen by renowned architect Norman Foster.
Dignitaries and Film Stars
Aside from the current European champions, the Dolder Grand has hosted numerous celebrities, including Hollywood icons like Elizabeth Taylor and Leonardo DiCaprio, the Rolling Stones, as well as various royals and dignitaries like Winston Churchill, the Shah of Persia, and King Charles when he was still a bachelor prince pldt casino online login. The Dolder Grand also made a brief appearance during FIFA’s business and soccer conferences under the presidency of Sepp Blatter, which ended in 2015. In 1996, it was the location where FIFA — with Blatter as secretary general — officially made diplomatic arrangements to co-host the World Cup for the first time, granting the 2002 edition to Japan and South Korea.
How long England will be able to enjoy the majesty of this grand hotel in Zurich is yet to be determined. Sarina Wiegman’s team is set to take on the Netherlands and Wales in Group D 5jl ph login. While football may or may not be “coming home” as per England’s team anthem, the Lionesses are certainly relishing their stay.
What are your thoughts on the Lionesses’ experience at the Dolder Grand?