Baur au Lac
3rd place: In the heart of Zurich, nestled in a private park of around 1,400 m² on the shores of Lake Zurich, stands the Hotel Baur au Lac - a hotel that has exuded not only hospitality but also history since it was founded in 1844.
As soon as you arrive, this traditional establishment conveys an aura of style and consistency. It was founded in 1844 by Johannes Baur, a native of Vorarlberg, who came to Zurich as a young confectioner and soon set up his own small café. He was quick to recognize the emerging spirit of the times: the desire to travel among affluent society. After the success of his first hotel on Paradeplatz, he took the next step - the Baur au Lac, located directly on Lake Zurich and surrounded by an elegant park.
Even in its early years, the hotel attracted European aristocracy and prominent travelers - from Empress Elisabeth of Austria to the German Emperor and the Russian Tsarina. Over the decades, the property was extended to 17,000 m² and has since united the city, lake and mountains to create one of the most successful combinations in Zurich. The family-run structure of the hotel to this day lends it continuity and an atmosphere of commitment, discretion and cordiality. Remarkable: the Baur au Lac is now in the hands of the seventh generation of the Kracht family.
"Experience has shown us that continuous development is essential for the future success of the entire hotel. This has been an essential part of our philosophy for generations and therefore affects all areas of the hotel, including our restaurants," says Christian von Rechenberg, General Manager of the Baur au Lac. This refers in particular to the new Marguita restaurant. Instead of formal gourmet cuisine, the focus here is on light, Mediterranean dishes - relaxed but precise. Head chef Maximilian Müller inspires with cuisine that brings sun, sea and joie de vivre to the plate: fine fish, fresh seafood, grilled meat, homemade pasta and creamy risotto. The interior picks up on this Mediterranean spirit: warm yellow and orange tones combined with the lush green of the hotel park, hand-painted plant motifs - olive branches and flower ornaments - as well as an artistic mosaic floor reminiscent of southern gardens.
Baur's Brasserie & Bar also celebrates classics of European cuisine and surprises with vegetarian and vegan creations on a colorful menu. Even historic guests such as Alfred Nobel and Bertha von Suttner appreciated the elegant lobby "Le Hall" - the hotel's stylish living room - and enjoyed their afternoon tea there.
With 119 rooms, including 27 junior suites and 18 suites, the Baur au Lac offers space for the highest demands. The furnishings combine stylistic periods such as Art Deco, Louis XVI and English Regency with contemporary elegance - fine fabrics, fine materials, lovingly arranged details. The views are particularly impressive: many rooms open out onto the park, Lake Zurich or even the Alps - a panoramic backdrop that enchants even at breakfast. The hotel's own Fitness & Well-Being area invites you to work out with a view of the lake - exercise at its best.
A defining aspect of the hotel is its close connection to art. Every year, the hotel's own park hosts the "Art in the Park" exhibition - an open-air gallery with works by international artists. The park itself is both a retreat and a stage, a place of peace and inspiration. The Baur au Lac impressively demonstrates how tradition and modernity can merge into a harmonious whole. The furnishings are luxurious without being obtrusive.
For guests, this means that they are welcomed into an environment that appeals to both the eyes and the senses - and can rest assured that everything in the background is perfectly orchestrated - from the concierge service to the hotel's own floristry and the carefully tended park.
Photos: Baur au Lac
Successfully pampered
Even in its early years, the hotel attracted European aristocracy and prominent travelers - from Empress Elisabeth of Austria to the German Emperor and the Russian Tsarina. Over the decades, the property was extended to 17,000 m² and has since united the city, lake and mountains to create one of the most successful combinations in Zurich. The family-run structure of the hotel to this day lends it continuity and an atmosphere of commitment, discretion and cordiality. Remarkable: the Baur au Lac is now in the hands of the seventh generation of the Kracht family.
A breath of fresh air in the gourmet offer
"Experience has shown us that continuous development is essential for the future success of the entire hotel. This has been an essential part of our philosophy for generations and therefore affects all areas of the hotel, including our restaurants," says Christian von Rechenberg, General Manager of the Baur au Lac. This refers in particular to the new Marguita restaurant. Instead of formal gourmet cuisine, the focus here is on light, Mediterranean dishes - relaxed but precise. Head chef Maximilian Müller inspires with cuisine that brings sun, sea and joie de vivre to the plate: fine fish, fresh seafood, grilled meat, homemade pasta and creamy risotto. The interior picks up on this Mediterranean spirit: warm yellow and orange tones combined with the lush green of the hotel park, hand-painted plant motifs - olive branches and flower ornaments - as well as an artistic mosaic floor reminiscent of southern gardens.
Baur's Brasserie & Bar also celebrates classics of European cuisine and surprises with vegetarian and vegan creations on a colorful menu. Even historic guests such as Alfred Nobel and Bertha von Suttner appreciated the elegant lobby "Le Hall" - the hotel's stylish living room - and enjoyed their afternoon tea there.
Stylish rooms with a view
With 119 rooms, including 27 junior suites and 18 suites, the Baur au Lac offers space for the highest demands. The furnishings combine stylistic periods such as Art Deco, Louis XVI and English Regency with contemporary elegance - fine fabrics, fine materials, lovingly arranged details. The views are particularly impressive: many rooms open out onto the park, Lake Zurich or even the Alps - a panoramic backdrop that enchants even at breakfast. The hotel's own Fitness & Well-Being area invites you to work out with a view of the lake - exercise at its best.
Culture, art and park
A defining aspect of the hotel is its close connection to art. Every year, the hotel's own park hosts the "Art in the Park" exhibition - an open-air gallery with works by international artists. The park itself is both a retreat and a stage, a place of peace and inspiration. The Baur au Lac impressively demonstrates how tradition and modernity can merge into a harmonious whole. The furnishings are luxurious without being obtrusive.
For guests, this means that they are welcomed into an environment that appeals to both the eyes and the senses - and can rest assured that everything in the background is perfectly orchestrated - from the concierge service to the hotel's own floristry and the carefully tended park.
Photos: Baur au Lac
