A Luxurious Escape for the Lionesses
Perched high on a hill overlooking Zurich, The Dolder Grand Hotel stands as a testament to Swiss elegance and grandeur. With its panoramic views of the city, sparkling lakes, and snow-dusted Alps, this iconic hotel is more than just a place to stay—it’s an experience. For those seeking the ultimate in luxury, the most lavish suite at The Dolder Grand offers a nightly rate of £13,500. This opulent space includes a private butler, a grand piano, a sauna, a steam shower, and breathtaking views of Switzerland’s largest city.
For those looking for a more active lifestyle during their stay, the hotel provides access to a Lacoste clay tennis court nestled within the surrounding forest. Guests are given a Lacoste bag containing rackets, balls, and towels, allowing them to step into the shoes of legends like Novak Djokovic.
When it comes to relaxation, the award-winning spa at The Dolder Grand is a must-visit. Whether it’s a body scrub or a session in the serene meditation room, guests can unwind in style. Dining options include four restaurants, with the two-Michelin-starred flagship offering a luxurious four-course lunch menu priced at £220.
The turreted fairytale castle has become a home away from home for the reigning queens of European football. While their dominance may have wavered at times, the challenges they face only serve to strengthen their reign. Throughout history, the hotel has welcomed notable figures such as Winston Churchill, Leonardo DiCaprio, Nelson Mandela, and even pop stars like Kylie Minogue and Justin Timberlake.
This level of luxury is a far cry from the modest accommodations the Lionesses have experienced in previous tournaments. In Australia, England’s basecamp was an hour-and-a-half away from Sydney, while in Switzerland, The Dolder Grand offers a tranquil escape just a seven-minute funicular ride from the heart of Zurich.
Players have embraced the upgrade, often spotted around the city enjoying moments of downtime with friends and family. At the hotel, there is a terrace with deckchairs and a small net for keepy-up challenges, all adorned with the Three Lions crest. Inside, a poster featuring childhood photos of the players in their grassroots kits adds a personal touch. Even Sarina Wiegman has joined in on the fun, participating in a darts competition.
Everything at The Dolder Grand has been meticulously tailored to the finest detail. The FA even brought in a feng shui expert to adjust chairs, lighting, and table arrangements to optimize the players’ behavioural patterns. The training ground is just a 15-minute drive away, where the squad benefits from a portable cryotherapy chamber to aid muscle recovery.
With facilities like these, it’s clear that the expectation isn’t just comfort—it’s silverware. The environment around the Lionesses is world-class, built for champions. Coach Sarina Wiegman has taken a more relaxed approach to squad bonding compared to previous years, allowing players to sit with whom they choose rather than following a strict seating plan.
‘When I was a schoolteacher I would do those things, but now it’s so intense,’ Wiegman explained. ‘The players travel so much, playing at the highest level, they need to find some space away from training sessions and meetings where they can just sit with who they want to sit with.’
This looser structure has actually drawn the squad closer together. Earlier in the week, captain Leah Williamson described how this year’s group has spent more time together than ever, starting with a team boat trip across Lake Zurich. Williamson even joked about living ‘a day in the life of Beth Mead,’ which meant being very sociable and sleeping well at the end of the day.
After a dramatic late victory over Sweden, the players wound down by watching an episode of Love Island, a favorite in the team camp. However, one familiar face was missing—Alessia Russo’s brother, Giorgio Russo, who had been a contestant this season but was dumped from the show earlier in the week.
The players have been focused on rest and recovery, with a weary-looking Esme Morgan admitting she’s still catching up on her sleep since the drama of the penalty shoot-out. ‘Everyone who played significant minutes had a recovery day to be able to just sort of reset, get moving again,’ she said. ‘The finishers went to train and had a really intense session. But yeah, it’s just a case of getting off feet, bringing yourself back down to earth, even mentally, just to have a chilled day to reset after all of the excitement of the night before.’
Despite the five-star comfort, this is no ordinary retreat—it’s a title hunt in luxury.
