Zurich, Switzerland
In the centre of Zurich, on the lakeside and close to the main shopping district around Bahnhofstrasse, the Baur au Lac hotel offers luxury rooms, Michelin star dining, and a rooftop fitness centre
Our review
This elegant family owned hotel is discreetly situated in its own grounds near the lake at Zurich.
The main salon has a striking renovated glass cupola roof, distinctive chandelier and priceless Ming vases, together with other valuable antiques. Guests sit among these and four oversized pots with trees, a fireplace with living flames glowing quietly amidst the chatter.
Off the reception area is a useful wooden kiosk selling newspapers and cigarettes.
Three quarters of all resident guests have stayed before, a very high figure. The quality of the rooms that are regularly refurbished, as well as the high levels of service could be a clue to this statistic. All the accommodation is immaculate and a team of carpenters, electricians and painters and decorators is on hand immediately to deal with anything that is below par .
Our room was lovely. We had a junior suite – No 242. We had a soft grey carpet inset in the wooden floor and a marble fireplace. The contents of the mini bar were complimentary – beer and soft drinks. The bathroom was well equipped with a good shower, quick fill bath and two sinks. There was a makeup area with table, a towelling seat and hairdryer. Unfortunately, the hairdryer was too heavy and operated by thumb push instead of a switch. The hotel has their own toiletries with shampoo and conditioner combined. I don’t find these products work and prefer them to be separate. But I did like the floral water and body lotion as well as shower wash.
Other rooms have either nods to China or are more modern. We saw soothing colours of greens with soft pastels and pale pink bathrooms.
We liked the look of the casual restaurant Rive Gauche, with its own door to the street but had breakfast in their traditional gourmet restaurant. By night its Pavillon – 1 Michelin star and 17 on the GM scale. This is a very pretty place decorated in soft lilac and pale green. I don’t really like food warmers so was pleased to see all hot food is cooked to order, even your toast. We had excellent tea and coffee with unlimited refills. My egg Florentine was superb.
The hotel has no spa or pool but does have a good gym with views over the city.
This highly regarded historic hotel is in a good spot near the lake. We thoroughly recommend it.
Rooms
Baur au Lac offers approximately 120 rooms and suites, ranging from elegant guest rooms to spacious junior suites and suites. Interiors combine classic European style with contemporary comfort, featuring marble bathrooms, high‑quality furnishings and modern in‑room technology. Many rooms and suites offer views of Lake Zurich, the surrounding park or the Alps.
Food and Drink
Dining at Baur au Lac centres on Restaurant Pavillon, a fine‑dining destination with Michelin recognition, offering refined seasonal cuisine. Baur’s Brasserie & Bar presents classic international dishes in an elegant brasserie setting, while Le Hall serves coffee, light meals, pastries and afternoon refreshments in a relaxed atmosphere.
The hotel also features an extensive wine programme curated by an experienced sommelier team, alongside a bar offering cocktails and premium spirits. Seasonal outdoor dining is available on the garden terrace.
Wellness
Wellness facilities include a modern fitness centre located on the upper floors with views across Lake Zurich and the Alps. Guests can also arrange massage and physiotherapy treatments on request, alongside hair and beauty services available within the hotel.
Facilities
- Private lakeside park and garden
- Restaurant Pavillon fine dining
- Baur’s Brasserie & Bar
- Le Hall café and lounge
- Fitness centre
- Massage and physiotherapy services
- Concierge service
- Valet parking and limousine service
- Wine boutique
- Meeting and event spaces
- Free Wi‑Fi
Location
Baur au Lac is located in the heart of Zurich, set within its own private park beside Lake Zurich. The hotel is a short walk from Bahnhofstrasse shopping, Paradeplatz and Zurich’s Old Town, with easy access to cultural landmarks, museums and lake cruises.
Getting there
Address: Talstrasse 1, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
Arriving by air: Zurich Airport – 8 miles (12km) – 20 minutes by car
More information
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* Note: The hotel review was last updated in early 2026. Please let us know if you spot any factual errors.