TALSTRASSE 1 | 8001 ZURICH | SWITZERLAND
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Tradition, quality, soaring mountains, magnificent lakes and elegant architecture define the character of this small country at the heart of Europe. Switzerland is a jewel box in miniature.
Zurich, the nation’s largest city, captivates with its centuries-old history and privileged setting on the shores of Lake Zurich. The grand architecture of its historic centre, the leisurely rhythm of its promenades and the effortless interplay between heritage and modernity draw millions of visitors each year.
Nowhere is Switzerland’s commitment to quality more evident than in its distinguished hospitality scene. Swiss hotels have long been regarded as a benchmark for gracious, precise and deeply personal service. Few addresses embody this tradition more beautifully than the legendary Baur au Lac, one of the most celebrated hotels of our time.
Here, impeccable taste, flawless service and exceptional cuisine come together in perfect harmony. Yet it is the warmth, passion and genuine dedication of the hotel’s team that give the experience its true distinction, creating for every guest a rare sense of home while far away.

Join us on a journey to Zurich and discover the timeless allure of the Baur au Lac. We hope our impressions inspire your own stay at this remarkable grand hotel.

Warm regards,

Martin V. Sampedrano Gonzalez
Editor

The Baur au Lac is one of those rare establishments for which the word hotel seems almost superfluous. Its name alone is recognised across the world. Those who stay here do not merely check in—they take up residence.
Discerning travellers from every corner of the globe share its elegant surroundings with members of royal families, celebrated figures from the worlds of art, business and politics. Then, as now, they are drawn to this distinguished retreat on the shores of Lake Zurich by its unwavering commitment to perfection, absolute discretion and an intuitively attentive level of service that anticipates every need. It is precisely these qualities, complemented by the highest standards of privacy and security, that continue to make the Baur au Lac one of the world's preferred addresses for high-profile guests.

For more than 170 years, and now under the stewardship of the sixth generation of the Kracht family, the Baur au Lac has remained privately owned—an extraordinary achievement in contemporary luxury hospitality. A harmonious blend of long-serving team members, talented young professionals and continuous investment in design, craftsmanship and technology ensures that the hotel remains both timeless and forward-looking.
At the heart of the property lies the historic «Le Hall», the hotel's magnificent lobby and social centre. In autumn 2014, the owning family embarked upon an ambitious restoration and redesign, entrusted to renowned architects and master craftsmen. The result is a sophisticated gathering place that celebrates conversation, tranquillity and refined living, respectfully preserving the spirit of the original space while reinterpreting it with contemporary elegance.

The same philosophy has recently shaped the transformation of the reception area, where exceptional craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail are immediately evident. From the moment guests arrive, they are enveloped by an atmosphere that is almost enchanting. The remarkable standard of interior design sets the tone for everything that follows—a compelling introduction to the timeless elegance and uncompromising excellence that define the Baur au Lac.

Rooms & Suites

Within its collection of 120 elegantly appointed guestrooms and suites, the Baur au Lac offers an atmosphere of understated luxury and timeless refinement. Ranging from intimate guestrooms of approximately 25 square metres to the magnificent Deluxe River Suite, which spans almost four times that size and features a private balcony, every accommodation bears the unmistakable signature of the internationally acclaimed interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon. Renowned for shaping some of the world's most prestigious grand hotels—including the Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris, The Peninsula Shanghai and Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo—Rochon has created interiors that epitomise elegance, comfort and enduring sophistication.

Much of the bespoke furniture has been handcrafted exclusively for the Baur au Lac, reflecting an extraordinary level of craftsmanship and attention to detail. Generous mirrored surfaces enhance the sense of space throughout the guestrooms, while a carefully balanced palette of colours, textures and lighting creates an atmosphere of effortless harmony. Influences from Art Deco, Louis XVI and the British Empire are gracefully interwoven with contemporary design, sumptuous fabrics and state-of-the-art technology, resulting in interiors that are both timeless and distinctly modern.
Many of the hotel's most prestigious rooms and suites enjoy breathtaking views across Lake Zurich, providing an ever-changing panorama that enhances the sense of tranquillity. The elegantly appointed bathrooms, many clad in exquisite marble, feature an exclusive collection of bespoke amenities created especially for the hotel and presented in beautifully designed bottles.

It is this thoughtful approach to design—one that celebrates individuality, character and residential comfort—that sets the Baur au Lac apart. Rather than feeling like a hotel, guests are enveloped by the atmosphere of an impeccably appointed private residence, where every detail has been conceived with warmth, elegance and genuine hospitality. The result is a stay that feels deeply personal and effortlessly luxurious—a true home away from home.

Gourmet Cuisine

While the newly renovated «Marguita» invites guests on a fresh fine-dining journey, «Baur’s Brasserie» welcomes both hotel residents and Zurich locals for equally memorable culinary experiences.
Baur’s is a sophisticated reinterpretation of the classic European brasserie, bringing together contemporary style, an international clientele and an atmosphere that feels both elegant and wonderfully relaxed. The restaurant celebrates the enduring favourites of European cuisine while offering a varied menu that also appeals to those with a preference for vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Only the freshest seasonal ingredients of the highest quality are used. Particular attention should be paid to the wine list, expertly curated by Head Sommelier Marc Almert. Wine enthusiasts will find an impressive selection available by the glass, while a visit to the neighbouring Baur au Lac Vins is equally worthwhile. 
For more than 170 years, the company has stood for exceptional wine experiences of the highest calibre.

As soon as the sun warms the shores of Lake Zurich and the temperatures begin to rise, the hotel’s inviting terrace comes to life. Positioned directly in front of the main entrance and facing the lake, it offers an idyllic setting with uninterrupted views across the private park, Lake Zurich beyond and the distant silhouette of the Alps.
During the summer months, the terrace becomes one of the principal meeting places of Zurich society. Each year, in the lead-up to the internationally renowned Art Basel, the hotel park hosts its own exclusive exhibition under the title «Art in the Park». Monumental works by celebrated artists such as Louise Bourgeois, Fernando Botero, Robert Indiana and George Condo are presented against the elegant backdrop of the Baur au Lac, creating a striking dialogue between contemporary art, nature and grand-hotel tradition.

A Lasting Impression

For me, the Baur au Lac is quite simply one of the finest hotels in the world. It is a bold statement, certainly—but one the hotel fulfils with remarkable confidence, delivering excellence in every detail.
Its interiors blend classical elegance with state-of-the-art technology, while a team of consummate professionals creates an atmosphere defined by ease, discretion and genuine contentment. Every element feels considered, polished and effortlessly refined.
Baur’s is a particularly memorable destination for gourmands and wine lovers, combining accomplished cuisine, striking design and impeccable service in equal measure.
Above all, a stay at the Baur au Lac is a true luxury dream—one that leaves a lasting impression and invites an inevitable return.

Photography: Baur au Lac