Baur au Lac
Zurich, Switzerland
Vibe
A storied lakeside palace set in private parkland, where Zurich society gathers beneath manicured trees and salon chandeliers.
“Storied lakeside salon”
Round-the-clock concierge service, chauffeured house transfers, and evening turndown with proprietary Swiss chocolates in generous lake-view suites.
Owned and operated by the same family since 1844, anchoring Zurich social life across seven unbroken generations.
Historic 1844 lakeside landmark where Richard Wagner performed and the Nobel Peace Prize was originally conceived.
By Lake Zurich and the Schanzengraben canal, a short walk from Paradeplatz and Bahnhofstrasse.
“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.”
Rooms
Individually styled interiors blend Art Deco and Regency antiques with custom fabrics, marble bathrooms, and heated floors.
“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…”
Wellness
The top-floor fitness center frames sweeping views of Lake Zurich and the snow-capped Alps through broad panoramic windows.
“Inside, rooms tastefully mix Art Deco, Louis XVI, and Regency styles, and are individually decorated in neutral tones…”
Backstory
Johannes Baur opened the hotel in 1844, and seven generations of the founding family have preserved its historic lakeside salons.
“This esteemed, five-star hotel, set in its own park overlooking Lake Zurich and the Alps, has a remarkable history.”
Eat & drink
Sip cocktails at Baur's Bar, take British afternoon tea in Le Hall, or share Mediterranean dishes on Marguita's lakefront terrace.
The neighborhood
The hotel borders the peaceful Schanzengraben canal, placing the luxury boutiques of Bahnhofstrasse and Paradeplatz within a short stroll.
The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.