Baur Au Lac: Zurich's Most Exclusive Hotel

In a country with dozens of extraordinary places to stay, Baur au Lac is the accommodation of choice for heads of state and other dignitaries who come to Switzerland's largest city when on official business. For leisure visitors whose business is being immersed in luxurious surroundings while being attended to by staff who know their names before they even arrive, Baur au Lac makes an equally outstanding choice for accommodation. A member of Swiss Deluxe Hotels, the association of Switzerland's most exclusive five-star hotels, Baur au Lac is comparatively small property whose outsized reputation is well deserved and re-earned every single day.

(above: Baur au Lac's living room are is known as "Le Hall.")

Baur au Lac itself sits at the very end of Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich's famous shopping street where the world's most coveted luxury goods (especially watches) can be found along with the charming Schweizer Heimatwerk handicraft shop which showcases the best of Swiss souvenirs. Not that there is a need to leave the property to enjoy the best of Switzerland; this self-contained world of hotel excellence can itself provide a fulfilling experience. Occupying a most privileged position which gives the hotel its name, the large, private park on the lakefront of Lake Zurich already sets the hotel apart from others in the city.

(above: Serenity awaits: Baur au Lac's terrace and private park.) Needless to say, the rooms and suites at Baur au Lac are spacious, smartly appointed in a variety of styles to give returning guests a different experience each time they are back, though many often want the same room every time. (below: A beautiful room at Baur au Lac.)

The large lobby lounge at Baur au Lac is the hotel's living room, a relaxed place to enjoy the morning newspaper, a chat with friends, or a drink from the bar. Try a Swisstini, (below) a signature drink of Baur au Lac made to look like the Swiss flag.

Follow up this taste sensation with lunch or dinner at Pavillon, (below).

This is a Michelin-starred restaurant where exceptional meals are the norm. Save room for one of the exquisite desserts.

Concierge services are important at any five-star property, but at Baur au Lac, Head Concierge Jérémie Varry and his attentive team know no limit to ensuring guests' needs are met and exceeded. From private shopping experiences to special arrangements for marriage proposals, the word 'no' does not exist at Baur au Lac. Airport and railway transfers in high style can be arranged for guests who prefer the hotel's Rolls-Royce Phantom as their wheels of choice. Baur au Lac has an exclusive arrangement with Zurich Airport's VIP Services division (see my article here on the Goldrush site to check for more details on that!) to provide the most private and expedient arrivals and departures, which means passengers flying on SWISS' new Boeing 777 longhaul service can enjoy First Class treatment after the flight has landed or before it departs for the way home after a stay in one of Switzerland's most delightful hotels.

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