Zurich’s venerable hotel, Baur au Lac, boasts a history as breathtaking as its Alp and lakeside setting. Opened in 1844 by Johannes Baur, the property hosted the world-premiere of Wagner’s Die Walküre, with Richard himself performing, and Alfred Nobel’s former secretary, Bertha von Suttner, conceived of the Nobel Peace Prize in one of the hotel’s salons.
Today, a cast of royals, actors and musicians are drawn to the grande-dame hotel for its stunning views, private park on the lakeshore and location to Zurich’s historic sites and the Bahnhofstrasse, a fabulous shopping street. Of the four dining rooms, the al fresco Terrasse restaurant is the city’s summer hot spot, where locals and guests flock to mingle over light meals, cocktails, and spectacular views from canopy-covered tables.
Situated in its own private park, a stone’s throw from the famous Bahnhofstrasse – home to business, banking, and shopping – the Baur au Lac has been hosting elite travelers since 1844. With three spectacular restaurants, ranging from French haute cuisine to light outdoor meals and cocktails, and boasting a Michelin Star, the diversity of culinary choices is outstanding.
In 2009, the hotel completed a $50 million renovation, which increased the number and luxury of its suites and is sure to help keep the Baur au Lac a preferred destination for generations to come.
Baur au Lac is Zurich’s prestigious landmark of unequalled hospitality, elegance, and impeccable service. The hotel has been owned by the same family for over 160 years. Only recently, every room was thoroughly renovated, each one lovingly and uniquely crafted to combine superlative creature comforts with classical elegance and every conceivable technical convenience. The unusually large and light bathrooms, an attractive blend of marble and mirrors, combine practicality with sheer luxury.
Guest Rooms
The hotel offers 120 rooms ranging from 25 sqm to 100 sqm and including 27 junior suites and 18 suites. Great emphasis was laid on spaciousness, top-quality materials and superior craftsman-ship. The rooms are individually decorated in different styles such as Art Deco, French Louis XVI, and English Regency, combined with contemporary features and the most exclusive French, Italian and English fabrics. All furniture and lighting features are custom-made in France, Belgium, England and Germany.
Each item was hand-selected with an unfailing sense of style. While offering the ultimate in comfort, luxury and privacy, the rooms and suites have been equipped with every, yet hardly noticeable technical refinement. The large, luxuriously appointed marble bathrooms with separate shower and toilet, heated floor and daylight match up to the highest demands of comfort, design and equipment.
Dining
The enchanting atmosphere of the elegant winter restaurant Francais awaits the connoisseur with a superb selection of haute cuisine whose themes vary through the year. The delightful summer restaurant Le Pavillon is one of the most popular places in town with a unique atmosphere and a menu that enhances the Mediterranean ambiance. From the terrace and the adjoining park there is an enchanting view of Lake Zurich and the Alps.
The Rive Gauche, a sparkling blend of chic restaurant and bar, offers Mediterranean grill room specialities for “fine casual dining.” The Baur au Lac features an exclusive fitness centre on the top of the hotel with magnificent views over Lake Zurich and the Alps. A personal trainer or physiotherapy may be arranged. The beauty salon and hair-dresser Vanity offers a wide range of luxury cosmetic treatments.
Fitness Center
A splendid view across Lake Zurich rewards anyone who visits the new Baur au Lac fitness club and gets in shape for the next day’s meeting or simply lives according to the motto “fit for fun.” Personal Training is the latest service offered at the Baur au Lac. The cooperation between Exklusiv Training and the Baur au Lac only started recently but already become a success.
Besides indoor training at the Fitness Club on the roof of the hotel, the staff of Exklusiv Training promotes outdoor training such as jogging through the old town of Zurich, biking on the hills, inline-skating, skiing or powerwalking at the lakeside.
The Baur au Lac is located on the shore of Lake Zurich, in its own private park at the beginning of the Bahnhofstrasse. A short walk takes you to Paradeplatz, Zurich’s financial district, while a five-minute cab ride will have you at the Central Railway Station. The International Airport Zurich-Kloten is a convenient 20 minutes away by car.
Baur au Lac Hotel
1 Talstrasse
Zürich, 8001, Switzerland
TEL: (800) 223-6800
TEL: 41-44-220-5020
EMAIL: [email protected]
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