More photosBaur au Lac is a true Swiss institution, founded in 1844 by Austrian pastry chef Johannes Baur. Remarkably, this grand hotel has remained in the same founding family for over 180 years, spanning six generations. Perched right on the shores of Lake Zurich, it was originally built to offer a serene sanctuary away from the city’s medieval core. It still retains its own picturesque private park, providing a rare green oasis in the heart of the bustling financial district.
The hotel is a masterclass in historical continuity. It has hosted an endless stream of icons, from Empress Elisabeth of Austria, who spent a whole summer there, to Alfred Nobel’s secretary, who famously conceived the idea for the Nobel Peace Prize within one of the hotel’s salons. It also holds the distinction of hosting the world premiere of Richard Wagner’s Die Walküre.
Inside, the décor is a sophisticated “joyful paradox.” You will find a mix of Art Deco, Louis XVI, and English Regency styles, all seamlessly blended with modern, bespoke touches. No two rooms are exactly the same, and the property continuously renovates to keep its 119 guest rooms feeling fresh while maintaining their classic heritage.
For explorers, the location is unbeatable. It sits just steps away from the world-famous Bahnhofstrasse shopping street and the historic Old Town. Landmarks like the twin-spired Grossmünster church and the Fraumünster—known for its stunning Marc Chagall windows—are only a short, pleasant walk away. Whether you are strolling the lakeside promenade or enjoying the hotel’s own private honey, it remains the definitive “living room of Zurich.”
Expert reviews
“Most of the rooms have been given contemporary twists – oversized photographs and original art works, swirly carpets and padded leather headboards for the beds – though there are still a few classic suites left, wonderfully chintzy and stripy, and largely unmodernised.”
“Kings and queens, empresses and dukes took turns visiting (and let’s not forget Arthur Rubinstein, Marc Chagall, Henry Moore, and Plácido Domingo), making this hotel a truly upper-crust establishment from the time it opened its doors in 1844.”
Featured as Fodor’s Choice in Zurich.
“The Baur au Lac is one of Switzerland’s grandest hotels. Set in private parkland on the shores of Lake Zurich, at the head of the fashionable Bahnhofstrasse, it has the perfect location for shopping and sightseeing.”
Featured as Frommer’s Exceptional Choice in Zurich.
“Located in the middle of Zurich, Baur au Lac first opened in 1844 and is still run by the same founding family. The luxury hotel is surrounded by the ever-busy city, but it sits within a garden and serves as an oasis of pastoral calm in Zurich’s center.”
“This legendary Zurich five-star in private lakeside parkland is genteel and stately, with old world luxury re-interpreted in Art Deco, Louis XVI and English Regency styles. Beds are excellent and there is a stunning two-Michelin-starred restaurant.”
What guests liked
- Top location
- Excellent service
- Comfortable beds
- Free Wifi
- Private parking
- Great breakfast
Location
Recent guest reviews
6 December 2024
The staff is the best in the world. They could not be nicer or more helpful.
Incredible hotel. One of the best in the world.
25 September 2024
Uniquely elegant, like no other hotel
This is my second time staying at this amazing hotel! I loved everything about the hotel, from room service, concierge, food (restaurants & in-room), facilities, and much more. I look forward to planning a summer trip to enjoy the outdoor terrace and garden as well as experience a unique excursion aboard Tugenia.
There isn’t anything that I didn’t like. One thing that would have I would have been great to have is a coffee machines in the rooms.
21 September 2024
Baur Au Lac remains a favourite…!
Excellent location… Beautiful property… a classic hotel with a very good renovation thats only enhanced an already great hotel.
21 September 2024
Memorable stay and wonderful location
Excellent staff, room, hospitality and food
3 September 2024
Look forward to the next stay!!!
The staff were exceptional and the hotel atmosphere was perfect.
Rooms were perfectly clean and maintained
8 August 2024
Chic and luxurious stay in the heart of Zurich.
Baur au Lac is an absolutely beautiful and luxurious hotel. It is very comfortable and incredibly located within a few minutes walking to multiple tram stations - very easy to get around the city. Our bags got lost by the airline and Baur au Lac helped with laundry service for our limited belongings. Snacks and waters in the refrigerator were included which was nice. The air conditioning worked well (it was pretty warm in Zurich while we were there). While we didn't get a chance to eat there, the restaurant out front looked wonderful. Our room was a far walk from the front desk but we were tucked down on the canal so we could watch the swans floating by which was so lovely. We informed them we were there for a celebration so they brought us cake and wine - so sweet!
Be sure to get a demo of how the keys work when unlocking the rooms - it was simple but it tricked us the first time we got back to the room, and we had to walk really far back to the front desk to get someone to come show us. The laundry service was convenient and helpful but we had to call multiple times to make sure the clothes were going to get returned by our checkout time. Overall an amazing experience and not much to complain about.
29 July 2024
High price but you get what you pay for.
It is difficult to critique near perfection. There was nothing not to like.
High price but you get what you pay for.
6 July 2024
A wonderful, classic and well located hotel
Classic European luxury hotel, both service and rooms.
Nothing
4 July 2024
A very comfortable boutique hotel in the heart of Zürich
The hotel is centrally located, well maintained, and professionally administered. I should add that that the concierge staff were extraordinarily helpful packing and shipping to my home in the US clothes and a backpack that came in handy while I hiked in the mountains but would have been burdensome during the remainder of my trip.
I think that breakfast was rather expensive and somewhat meager, at least by comparison to what other hotels in Switzerland had to offer. I must add that on the first morning that I went to the dining area where breakfast was being served I was made to wait to be seated even though many tables were unoccupied and remained so until closing time.
15 June 2024
Luxurious stay at the heart of Zurich
Location and service
Nothing
4 June 2024
One of the Best hotel where I ever stayed
Everything ! Beautiful, Stylish, Elegant. The interiors are memorable and well-planned, extremely welcoming and helpful Stuff.
This hotel Feels like home but Better . Room are spacious and big as apartment has separated entrance to the bathroom and wardrobe room which makes stay absolutely luxurious and relaxing
3 June 2024
Great hotel in the perfect location for everything
They did not have a special herbel tea my son wanted but offered to make sure they had it the next time we came to stay. That was so nice.
There is construction going on around the hotel
8 May 2024
Perfect, as expected.
Elegant and best hotel in Zurich!
Perfect breakfast!
20 February 2024
This hotel is one of the best hotels in the world I had ever been to.
The hotel is really perfect in terms of service, staff and location.
Everything was really excellent.
3 December 2023
Would only come back to the garden but not as a guest..
Location and the food in the restaurant were nice and the bar is good quality. The breakfast room is classy
.
The hotel is nice but rooms getting very very old...The phones , the awful carpets, the tired furniture ...the linens are not soft...
4 November 2023
Great relax for vacation
Cozy
Property is good
Just outside renovation had been in progress
22 October 2023
Escapada a Zuerich
Location, buffet espectacular
Nada
19 October 2023
Better than the four seasons!
I love EVERYTHING about this hotel! The food was good (though we didn’t try all the restaurants). The location was great! The staff were friendly. The rooms were AMAZING.
The hotel is classically elegant, the rooms have actually keys (not key cards). We loved it!
There is nothing bad I have to say about this hotel
23 September 2023
Excellent property- traditional Awiss quality- high price
Excellent location
Pricey !
9 September 2023
beautiful hotel, wonderful service
beautiful location, lovely property and wonderful rooms
3 September 2023
Beautiful old style luxury hotel in the best location in Zurich with all the modern touches you need.
Perfect location!
Our room had no view but we did book a late booking special so that was expected. Super comfortable.
26 July 2023
Fantastic stay highly recommend
Comfort staff and decor
The gate to the lake was always locked :(
21 July 2023
Best Location in Zurich. Comfort. Elegance. Very Kind Staff.
Best Location in Zurich. In front of a Beautiful Park and the Lake. Comfort Elegance and Style in the Middle of Town.
There was no Coffee Machine in my Room.
Hotel facilities
Food & Drink
- - Restaurant
- - Bar
- - Breakfast in the room
- - Special diet menus (on request)
- - Kids' meals (additional charge)
- - Wine/champagne (additional charge)
- - Fruits
General
- - Room service
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Barber/beauty shop
- - Family rooms
- - Lift
- - Safety deposit box
- - Soundproof rooms
- - Car hire
- - Heating
- - Allergy-free room
- - Air conditioning
- - Designated smoking area
- - Shuttle service (additional charge)
- - Pet basket
- - Pet bowls
Business facilities
- - Meeting/banquet facilities (additional charge)
- - Business centre
- - Fax/photocopying (additional charge)
Reception services
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Express check-in/check-out
- - Currency exchange
- - Tour desk
- - Luggage storage
- - Concierge service
- - Private check-in/check-out
- - Lockers
Activities
- - Fitness centre
- - Massage (additional charge)
- - Cycling
- - Beauty services
- - Facial treatments
- - Waxing services
- - Make-up services
- - Hair treatments
- - Manicure
- - Pedicure
- - Haircut
- - Hair colouring
- - Hair styling
- - Body treatments
- - Body scrub
- - Body wrap
- - Back massage
- - Neck massage
- - Hand massage
- - Full body massage
- - Fitness
- - Fitness classes
- - Personal trainer
- - Fitness/spa locker rooms
- - Walking tours (additional charge)
- - Bike tours (additional charge)
- - Tour or class about local culture (additional charge)
- - Bicycle rental
Outdoors
- - Garden
- - Terrace
- - Sun terrace
- - Outdoor furniture
Entertainment & family services
- - Babysitting/child services (additional charge)
Cleaning services
- - Laundry (additional charge)
- - Dry cleaning (additional charge)
- - Ironing service (additional charge)
- - Daily housekeeping
Parking
- - Parking garage
- - Electric vehicle charging station
- - Accessible parking
Transport
- - Public transport tickets (additional charge)
Miscellaneous
- - 24-hour security
- - Key access
- - Security alarm
- - Smoke alarms
- - CCTV outside property
- - Fire extinguishers
- - Delivered food is securely covered
- - Access to health care professionals
- - Face masks for guests available
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19 December 2024
Magic and ideally placed.