A grande dame in every respect, the Baur au Lac has been welcoming famous composers, artists, heads of state and royalty for over 170 years.
Set in its own park overlooking a beautiful lake, the Baur au Lac’s ceremonious entrance is also only a few minutes’ walk from Zurich’s main financial and shopping districts.
Having aged gracefully thanks to a $50m touch-up in 2009, the hotel is a pleasing mix of old and new – a grand entrance, imposing staircases and stained glass windows firmly retain the hotel’s heritage, while the 120 bedrooms (including 27 junior suites and 18 suites) have been updated to give a fresh, modern take on the traditional, elegant design.
Arriving late at night without time to enjoy dinner, the sight of a cake stand in my room with nine mini desserts was a delight, highlighting the hotel’s attention to detail and service levels.
Our junior suite was the perfect sized room – large, comfortable beds (fit for 3, as someone pointed out from my Instagram photo below!), a generous sitting area with room to entertain, a walk in wardrobe and luggage storage area that could be closed off and a spacious double bathroom.
I’m more inclined to have breakfast in the room, but breakfast is also served in the Michelin-starred Pavillon restaurant, beautifully designed in conservatory style by Pierre-Yves Rochon with calming views of the river that flows past.
We visited Baur au Lac on the way for a weekend of skiing, but visit in the summer to experience The Rive Gauche Terrasse, an exclusive alfresco restaurant and bar that makes full use of the beautiful grounds of the hotel.
The Baur au Lac feels grand and old-worldly without being stuffy or dated (apart form, perhaps Le Hall where afternoon tea is served, but this will soon receive a spruce-up as well).
In an industry often focused on the new and shiny, I love how the Baur au Lac remains a family-owned hotel after almost two centuries and it demonstrates that combining history and tradition with current, up to date design can be a big success.
Take advantage of Bon Vivant’s affiliation with SmartFlyer – a Virtuoso Member – to book your next trip to Zurich with access to preferred rates, complimentary upgrades, free breakfast, $100 hotel credit, VIP welcome amenity and early check in / late check-out, please contact our travel specialists.
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