The luxurious Baur au Lac dates back to 1844 when it was opened by Johannes Baur. Since then, six generations of the same family have owned and run this landmark Zurich hotel. The atmosphere here is one of imposing elegance and exclusivity, which might also feel a bit stuffy. The reception area is decorated in a traditional style with wood paneled walls hung with rich tapestries, marble floors, and red-leather armchairs. An ornate staircase is covered with richly-patterned carpets and bordered by green wrought-iron banisters, while stained glass windows add a regal touch. The hotel’s luxury atmosphere and vast gardens on the edge of Zurich Lake make this a popular venue for weddings and various events. Baur au Lac attracts a well-heeled clientele of vacationing couples and business travelers seeking a luxurious experience.

The Baur au Lac occupies a prime location in central Zurich at the beginning of Bahnhofstrasse, one of the most expensive shopping streets in the world. The hotel is set in large and scenic landscaped gardens on the edge of Lake Zurich, and it's within walking distance of the business district and many tourist sights. The city’s financial district at Paradeplatz is a four-minute walk from here. Fraumunster church is a 11-minute walk, and Kunsthaus museum is 15 minutes away on foot. It’s a six-minute drive to the train station, and Zurich Airport is a 30-minute drive away.

The guest rooms and suites at Baur au Lac are large, especially for European standards, from the smallest Single Rooms which are 270 square feet, to the largest Deluxe River Suite, covering an area of 1184 square feet. The Junior Suite and Deluxe Junior Suite have an open-floor plan with a large sitting area and a separate working area, while the Deluxe River Suite includes a kitchenette and Nespresso coffeemaker. Each category of guest room is decorated in a different color scheme and one of three design styles: either the classical and ornate Empire style, the elegant and rather lavish Regency, or the streamlined Art Deco style. The elegant floor lamps, objets d’art, and artwork on the walls give the impression of a swanky home. Richly patterned carpets and curtains as well as ornate furniture may not appeal to all tastes, however. All rooms offer small indulgences like a pillow menu, a CD and DVD player, a free minibar, the hotel’s own brand of bathroom toiletries, and fresh flower arrangements. Deluxe Suites have additional luxuries like marble bathrooms, a Bose sound system and iPod docking station, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and scenic views of the lake or mountains.

The Baur au Lac has most of the usual amenities you'd expect from a luxury hotel, like a 24-hour concierge, 24-hour room service, business center, and valet parking, but a few features are glaringly absent or not up to par: There's no swimming pool or spa and the fitness center is small, but it does occupy an impressive location on the top floor with mountain and lake views from floor-to-ceiling windows. Pavillon, one of the hotel’s three restaurants, is a Zurich fine-dining destination in itself, having been awarded a Michelin star, and offers alfresco dining in the summer on the pleasant garden terrace. Le Hall is another all-day fine-dining restaurant with a more casual setting, while the Rive Gauche restaurant and bar has a more contemporary and trendy atmosphere. Breakfast is not included in the room rate, but it's available at an extravagant price.