FOR A world-class hotel the Baur au Lac’s forecourt is rather understated. However, the fleet of luxury cars belonging to its international guests lining its curbside give the game away.
Step inside the front entrance of the property and you will notice the imposing wood-paneled reception area, dotted with polished leather armchairs (the kind that squeaks when you move in them) and heavy tapestries in muted shades.
Marvel at the view of the hotel’s private park leading onto Lake Zurich, glistening in the summer sun while in winter, the sight of the surrounding mountains resembles a scene from a picture postcard.
Baur au Lac in Zurich
This legendary hotel has been in the same family’s ownership for six generations and is now run by the Baur-Kracht family. Originally founded in 1844 by Johannes Baur, it provided a home away from home to European royalty and nobility. In 1892 Alfred Nobel was convinced by Bertha Von Suttner, the first Austrian laureate that there was a need for a global peace award and the idea of the Nobel Peace Prize was borne.
Baur’s Brasserie at Baur au Lac. Photograph: James Macdonald
Marc Chagall stayed in 1970 after his commission to create the five stained glass windows inside Zurich’s Fraumunster Church. The Baur au Lac was also frequented by the glamorous movie crowd of the 1960s and ‘70s including Audrey Hepburn, Sophia Loren and Brigette Bardot and still remains the favoured place to stay for Zurich’s notable guests.
Baur au Lac Pavillion
The hotel’s 119 rooms and suites are decorated in a range of varying styles, including Art Deco, English Regency and French Louis XVI. I’m dazzled by the opulence of our jewel-coloured River Suite, with its expansive lounge and the custom-made super-king-sized bed. Double doors lead onto a wrought-iron balcony with views across Lake Zurich, the perfect spot to enjoy a drink from our complimentary minibar, while watching the boats sail by.
There are three restaurants on the property. Kickstart the night at Le Terrasse, open during the warmer months. This eatery, laced with a buzzy atmosphere, serves up delicious plates of Mediterranean food (book well in advance to ensure you nab a table with a lake view). Aside from the mixologist creating one of the best Bellini in town, it’s a great place to people-watch while enjoying a balmy night in the city.
Baur au Lac Terrace
The sophisticated amethyst-coloured Pavilion Restaurant with its two Michelin Stars, is where you will find Marc Almert, recipient of the ASI sommelier award 2020. Baur’s, the hotel’s brasserie, has a separate street entrance which draws the locals. Its French atmosphere is en-hanced by glass chandeliers and a marble bar, having been designed by Martin Brudnizki whose famed UK establishments include Annabel’s, Soho House and Sexy Fish.
Baur au Lac Park
And when it’s time to head home, I jump in the Baur au Lac’s Rolls Royce parked up in the forecourt. After a 30-minute scenic drive to Zurich Airport, my luggage is checked-in and I’m taken directly to the aircraft.
by Amanda Bernstein