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For over 175 years, the Hotel Baur au Lac in Zurich, Switzerland, has been one of the most iconic luxury hotels in the world. This auspicious recognition is credited to its superb service, the luxury and good taste of its facilities as well as the beautiful views of Lake Zurich and the Alps. The hotel boasts an excellent location, within walking distance of the financial district Paradeplatz and the famous Bahnhofstrasse, where you’ll find stylish attractions, boutiques, and exclusive shops. Review our selection of luxurious hotels and unique destinations.
Hotel Baur au Lac in Zurich, Switzerland
Since it opened its doors in 1844, the Baur au Lac became a favorite of royalty and European aristocracy, counting among its illustrious guests the Austrian Empress Elizabeth “Sisi”, the Tsarina Alexandra Feodorovna of Russia and the Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany. It also attracted personalities and celebrities of all ages, from Arthur Rubinstein, Zubin Mehta, Plácido Domingo and Sir Elton John to Joan Miró, Henry Moore, and Fernando Botero.
The Baur au Lac was the place where Richard Wagner premiered the first act of his opera Die Walküre (The Valkyrie), accompanied at the piano by the great Franz Liszt. It is also where Baroness Bertha von Suttner suggested to Alfred Nobel the idea of the Peace Prize. Baur au Lac served as a refuge for the renowned artist Marc Chagall, who would spend long periods there and left drawings and sketches— unique artworks bearing his signature— in the hotel´s guestbook. In one of the hotel’s suites, he found the inspiration to create some of his most recognized works, such as the stained glass windows for the chapel of the Fraumünster Abbey in Zurich.
Marc & Vava Chagall at the Baur au Lac Hotel. September, 1974. / Photo: Angela Rosengart, Lucerne
During the month of June 2015–and in memory of the French artist of Russian origin–the Baur au Lac has organized a special package called On the Footsteps of Marc Chagall. It includes—among other activities—a dinner at the hotel´s award-winning restaurant Pavillon and tickets for the concert in honor of the great artist at the Fraumünster concert hall.
Recognized as the Grand Dame of Zurich, the Baur au Lac Hotel has been recently renovated. At a cost of several million dollars, the spacious lobby lounge regained its impressive splendor, the Pavillon restaurant was revamped, as well as many of the rooms and suites that have awarded the hotel its stateliness. Its 75 rooms and 45 suites, distinguished by their grandeur, good taste and refinement, are individually decorated in different styles -Art Deco, Louis XVI and English Regency – in combination with contemporary elements and the finest French, Italian and English fabrics and finishes.
Baur au Lac Hotel
Baur au Lac Hotel
The furniture and ornaments, including all the lighting elements, were tailor-made in France, Belgium, England and Germany. With large marble bathrooms and equipped with the most modern technologies, the rooms, and suites at the Baur au Lac offer the highest level of comfort, luxury, and privacy.
The hotel’s restoration also honors the reputation of its Pavillon restaurant, which is among the most famous restaurants in Zurich with one Michelin star. In this unusually beautiful space, the executive chef Laurent Eperon delights guests with modern interpretations of classic haute cuisine. For its part, the Rive Gauche restaurant, famous for its elegant decor and the excellent work of chef Olivier Rais serves dishes with healthy Mediterranean inspiration kissed by hints of nouvelle cuisine. ■
