
The uniqueness of Baur au Lac lies in the patina. The Swiss institution is as Swiss as can be…everything lies in the details, and minutely so: arrivals are prompt and timed to the second; greetings warm and smart; and the vibe so glossed it almost seems perpetually time warped. Precision is key at The Baur Au Lac, around the clock and from the moment you step into its swish, polished marble floors. The Zurich palace is cloaked in a veil of discretion, overlooking the splendid expanse of the lake (Swiss Alps included) and a leafy private parkland set on the fringe of the city’s busy Financial District.
BOOK WITH US FOR PERKS
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Daily Buffet breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant
- $100 USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
- Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
A bastion of the Zurich hotel scene, the place first opened its doors in 1844 and has remained in the hands of the same family ever since. The design is a bit of a joyful paradox. Listed and arranged in a figure of eight, its Grand Hotel-esque maze of corridors blends old world charms with modern bespoke flamboyance in mind bogglingly contradictions that surprisingly work. Oversized porcelain vases and crystal chandeliers sparkle in the shadow of the polished to perfection swirling grand staircase while modern paintings and grooved and swanky modcon loungers give an irresistible sense of the now. It shouldn’t work so well, but it does.
While bordering on the clinical form of what’s dubbed as “modern Swiss elegance”, the rooms deliver a fine dose of demi European palatial pizzazz. Suites are large and stately and still retain a handsome layering of Art Deco, Louis XVI and English Regency styles (just gawp at all the borders and fixtures and you’ll get my drift). Slick velvet armchairs, claw foot tubs and ample luxe-mirrored wardrobe space are a few highlights, alongside lake and mountain facing balconies courtesy of the junior corner suites. Decor? A medley of red, purple, baby blue and teal accents. For now, at least. The leading mantra of the hotel has always been “the circle of renovation,” a hallmark that co-owner Marguita Kracht says “won’t ever change.”
Elsewhere, the blingathon continues in Baur’s, the Martin Brudnizki designed brasserie where guests and locals feast on contemporary fare and Swiss classics. As is anything and everything conjured up by the in-demand Swede, it’s all a dandified maximalist vision of amethyst pink, pastel green and OTT Murano chandeliers. Seasonality runs the roost, so the menus obviously change to the trends of the day. Expect hearty veal numbers and truffle pastas, permanent fixtures all year round. Breezy fash crowd alfresco lunches are best shovelled down at Marguita. Mediterranean-inspired dishes to share (the rich ravioli is a must) will keep the bellys satisfied and bulging , in time for a speedy PT lead session at the Baur Au Lac gym come the late afternoon.
As for experiences, you pay for access here. Being the Baur au Lac the perks are endless from chauffeurs that meet you at the luggage carousel at Zurich airport (the city’s only hotel with permission to do so) to virtually a key to the town’s top sights. A private tour of the Marina Abramovic exhibition at the Kunsthaus was arranged for me during my stay with the show’s curator, Mirjam Varadinis. Think up-close-and personal and at times, deeply unnerving encounters with some of the best- known sculptures and installations from the Abramovic portfolio.
Summed up, the Baur is genteel and stately, old-world luxury beautifully reimagined. It’s a modern European fairytale, bespoke, familial and charming. All that’s needed is a prince and princess…and many of those have stayed over the years.
Top Takeaways
Location: Zurich, Switzerland
Rating: Five-star
The vibe: Period glam meets modern glam. The old world meets the new world via a grand schooling in personal touches from the family firm. Its custom made to the max, and we love it.
Amenities: restaurants, bar, gym, boutique
Our favourite thing about the hotel: The location. It’s hard to beat, as is the stellar view of Lake Zurich and the Swiss Alps.
What’s nearby? The entire city. There is a cute market on neighbouring Bürkliplatz, and old town sights, including the twin-spired Grossmünster, are also within 10 minutes’ walk of the hotel.
Any personal neighbourhood reccs? The private park. It is virtually on your doorstep, and when its quiet at first light, a swell place to just walk in and gaze at the lake.
Rooms: 119
Pricing: From about 1056 USD per night.
Closest international airport: Zurich
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