Baur au Lac

Audrey Hepburn. Elton John. Marc Chagall. Each a megawatt luminary..and each a former guest of Baur Au Lac. The hotel that wowed the boldfaced names of the past is more charming than ever, thanks to exemplary service (yes, that’s a Bentley Flying Spur waiting to zip you from the airport) and restaurants worth traveling for alone. Even single guest rooms have the most elegant interiors imaginable, with sumptuous tufted headboards, mirrored cabinetry and plush custom furniture; upgrade to a 538-square-foot Junior Suite for a separate living space and panorama over the Schanzengraben waterway, not to mention a curated minibar that’s not only free—it’s restocked daily. While you’re here, be sure to book a picnic on their vintage boat, which looks like a Ralph Lauren fever dream sprung to life.

A lush and leafy 119-room respite on the shores of Lake Zurich since 1844, with four jewelbox restaurants (one of them awarded two Michelin stars).

Equipped with a spa, but they pay such attention to the little things, you won’t miss it. Case in point: their 80,000 resident honey bees live in a teensy version of Baur Au Lac in the hotel’s manicured gardens.

You love a warm, familial welcome, and this place is still owned by the family that founded it—the sixth generation descendents of Johannes Baur.

Two Michelin stars don’t come easily. Restaurant Pavilion has garnered that and 18 GaultMillau points, so it’s safe to say you’re in good hands tonight. Curled up in a purple velvet banquette overlooking the Schanzengraben, you do as a Swiss local might and order the venison with forest trumpet mushrooms...each so divine, you think about calling Michelin and asking for a correction: they’ve earned three.

Pavillon - Contemporary fine dining,1 Michelin Star, 18 Gault Millau points Rive Gauche - Fine casual dining, restaurant and bar Le Hall - Hotel hall, snacks, coffee & drinks Rive Gauche Terrasse - Only in Summer, snacks, drinks, ice cream