Baur au Lac is a luxury hotel at Talstrasse 1 in Zürich, Switzerland, set beside the Schanzengraben canal where the city centre meets Lake Zürich. The address sits at the lake end of Bahnhofstrasse, the city's main shopping boulevard, so the boutiques, banks and the Bürkliplatz lake pier are all within a few minutes on foot. Zürich Hauptbahnhof is roughly a ten-minute walk away, and tram lines on Bahnhofstrasse and at Paradeplatz connect the area to the rest of the city. The hotel dates from the 19th century and is a long-established family-run house, with a neoclassical facade facing a private park-style garden that leads towards the lake. The atmosphere is formal, discreet and traditional, with classic European interiors rather than a contemporary design concept. Accommodation is organised into Deluxe Rooms, Junior Suites and Suites, with nightly rates typically in the range of CHF 750 to 1,800 depending on season and category. Higher categories offer lake or garden outlooks. Listed amenities include wifi, a concierge desk, room service, a fitness centre and a spa, along with the landscaped gardens that set the property apart from other central hotels. Dining is a central part of the stay: the hotel has several restaurants and bars, including a fine-dining restaurant and a hotel bar, and breakfast is served in the house rather than being an afterthought. Afternoon tea and drinks in the garden setting are also a feature in warmer months. The service style is that of a classic grand hotel, with a visible concierge team, business-travel support and a clientele that mixes leisure guests with corporate and private-banking visitors. Families are accepted, though the tone is more formal than child-oriented. For visitors who want a central Zürich base with a quiet, garden-side position, Baur au Lac is one of the city's most established high-end addresses.
| Price | $$$$ |
|---|---|
| Address | Talstrasse 1, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland |
Room types
- Deluxe Room
- Junior Suite
- Suite
Amenities
- wifi
- restaurant
- bar
- concierge
- fitness center
- room service
- spa
- gardens
Location
Talstrasse 1, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
47.3671, 8.5393 View on map
Highlights
- Lakeside position at the end of Bahnhofstrasse
- Private gardens beside the Schanzengraben canal
- Classic grand-hotel service with a full concierge team
- Fine-dining restaurant and traditional hotel bar
- Spa and fitness facilities in a central location
Tips for visiting
- Rates of CHF 750-1,800 per night vary strongly by season and room category; book early for trade-fair and summer dates.
- Request a garden- or lake-facing room when reserving, as views differ widely by category.
- Smart-casual or formal dress is the norm in the restaurants and bar.
- The Bürkliplatz tram stop and lake boats are a short walk away for easy sightseeing.
- Zürich Hauptbahnhof is about ten minutes on foot, so heavy luggage can be handled by taxi or porter.
When to visit
Late spring to early autumn is best for the garden and lakeside walks; the Christmas season brings festive lighting along Bahnhofstrasse.
Accessibility
As a large historic hotel, Baur au Lac is generally reported to have lifts serving guest floors; guests needing a step-free room should confirm availability directly with the hotel before booking.
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Frequently asked questions
Where is Baur au Lac located?
The hotel is at Talstrasse 1, 8001 Zürich, at the lake end of Bahnhofstrasse beside the Schanzengraben canal.
How much does a night at Baur au Lac cost?
Typical rates run from about CHF 750 to 1,800 per night, depending on room type and season.
How far is Baur au Lac from the main railway station?
Zürich Hauptbahnhof is roughly a ten-minute walk along Bahnhofstrasse, or a short tram or taxi ride.
Does Baur au Lac have a spa and gardens?
Yes. The property lists a spa and fitness centre and is known for its landscaped gardens by the canal and lake.