Storied lakeside salon
Set in a private lakeside park, this 19th-century palace gathers local society beneath towering trees and historic salon ceilings.
“This esteemed, five-star hotel, set in its own park overlooking Lake Zurich and the Alps, has a remarkable history.”
Where it shines
Exceptional
Round-the-clock concierges, on-demand chauffeured limousines, and evening turndown delivering house-crafted Swiss chocolates.
Exceptional
Continuous family ownership since 1844, hosting generations of Zurich society for milestone occasions.
Remarkable
Seven generations of family stewardship since 1844, anchored by its own historic wine merchant business.
What they say
Three Michelin Keys
Michelin
Forbes Four-Star
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
UK Readers' Choice Awards – Rest of Europe
Condé Nast Traveler
2025
Also in AFAR and Tatler.
It’s kept itself in fine shape, and its antique-strewn opulence is a chastening reminder that today’s design hotels might not age quite so gracefully.
“In the heart of Zurich, nestled in its own private park with views over Lake Zurich and the Alps, lies the legendary Baur au Lac.”
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quietly positioned beside the Schanzengraben canal, the park grounds sit moments from luxury shopping on Bahnhofstrasse and bustling Paradeplatz.
The rooms
Individually styled rooms blend Art Deco and Regency furnishings with custom European fabrics, heated marble bathrooms, and quiet park views.
The rooftop gym
Treadmills and Technogym stations on the sixth floor face picture windows looking straight across Lake Zurich toward the Alps.
Dogs stay too.
Baur's Bar
Red leather stools pull up to a curved marble counter for classic aperitifs and craft cocktails under crystal chandeliers.
The luxury hotel is surrounded by the ever-busy city, but it sits within its own park and serves as an oasis of pastoral calm.
At the table
Marguita serves Mediterranean dishes beneath a light-filled rotunda and spills out onto a garden terrace shaded by yellow parasols.
How it began
Within the hotel's historic salons, Bertha von Suttner conceived the Nobel Peace Prize, while Richard Wagner performed his own compositions.
“Inside, rooms tastefully mix Art Deco, Louis XVI, and Regency styles, and are individually decorated in neutral tones…”
Good to know
Stay here
Baur au Lac
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.