The Dolder Grand: Zurich's Grand Hotel with a Hidden Secret

The bar located inside the Dolder Grand, many call reminiscent
of the Grand Dining Hall from Harry Potter

The Dolder Grand Hotel in Zurich, Switzerland boasts a breathtaking view of the surrounding city, Alps, and Lake Zurich below. Built in the 19th century, this castle-like resort originally functioned as a "Curhaus," or "health spa." The hotel is filled with over 100 original works of art including pieces by Salvador Dali and Andy Warhol. With the most exclusive bars and restaurants headed by chefs with two michelin stars, The Dolder Grand is much to be desired.However, this hotel houses a dark secret that breaks the facade of this fairytale inspired resort.

"Sex Drive-Thru"

Zurich, located in the northern part of Switzerland, is known for its rapidly growing Red Light District. Buildings with prostitutes broadly on display in colorfully-lit windows, clubs geared towards finding guests "dates," and even the newly introduced "Sex Drive-Thru" all make Switzerland a highly sought after destination for those looking to engage in legal (although arguably immoral) activities abroad.

Women fill the colorfully lit windows of Zurich's Red Light District

Switzerland is one of the (surprisingly) many countries in Europe in which prostitution is legal. However, the Swiss government does more than most countries to protects its citizens engaging and working in the sex trade. Sex clubs tend to be popular as the hosts and workers act to set their customers up with dates for the evening. However, in 2013, Zurich issued new regulations for these clubs indicating that attendees who did not follow the strict rules in relation to health, social security, violence prevention, and tax regulations would not be allowed to participate. Attendees who attempt to put pressure on the sex workers are also asked to leave and denied participation. The Swiss government is very active in enforces these rules and regulations and inspects these sex clubs at least once per year to ensure they are adhering to these standards. Sex clubs in Zurich have been described as being "quite a safe environment for both prostitutes and customers" by InYourPocket.com in an article about the "Do's and Dont's" for travelers looking to engage in sex and prostitution in Zurich.

In 2014, a wealthy, Swiss investment banker by the name of Robert S. (Switzerland has very strict privacy laws and did not release the full name of the man) was arrested after Swiss police discovered the body of a woman in his Zurich home. The body was discovered in a wine cellar and was found to be the body of a 25-year-old Polish prostitutes named only as J.P. The man, Robert S., admitted to the murder once in police custody.

The sex worker known only as J.P. was due to visit family back in Poland the following week.When she failed to arrive, family members became concerned and was reported missing to the Polish authorities. J.P. was allegedly strangled by Robert S. in his suite at the Dolder Grand Hotel before being taken back to his apartment in Kuesnacht where he then proceeded to keep her body in a "wine fridge." About a week after the murder occurred, investigators were able to track down the suspect where they then found the victim's body.

Robert S. (pictured above) admitted to strangling a Polish prostitute
at the Dolder Grand Hotel in 2013

While Robert S. initially admitted to the murder, it took the Swiss police over two years to officially close the investigation. The sex worker that fell victim to this crime often worked with clients who requested strangulation, making it difficult for investigators to conclude the exact events that took place during the murder. They concluded their investigation in November 2016, alleging that Robert S. had in fact committed the crime. He still remains in police custody.

Despite it's checkered past, the Dolder Grand Hotel remains one of the most luxurious destinations in Zurich. Whether it's for a one-week stay or just evening at the bar enjoying the view of the Alps, the Dolder Grand Hotel is definitely worth a visit.