Christmas Eve 1838 in Zurich. Johannes Baur, a young baker from Vorarlberg, Austria, opens the Hotel Baur on Paradeplatz, the first grand hotel in the Swiss capital. One hundred and eighty-five years, numerous famous guests (including literary legend Charles Dickens) and several changes of ownership later, the Zurich icon now shines in new splendor, following a comprehensive renovation as part of the luxurious Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. Just in time for the holidays, like it did so many years ago.

The lobby of the new Zurich hotel © Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group Limited

Homage to Zurich

Now called Mandarin Oriental Savoy, Zurich, the historic hotel has been completely redesigned by renowned Parisian interior designer Tristan Auer, inspired by the colors of the city and Zurich's art scene. Historic details blend seamlessly into the contemporary style of the group. He also optimized the exceptional view of Zurich's famous landmarks. Many of the 44 rooms and 36 suites come with spacious balconies or rooftop terraces. On the inside, they all feature the usual functional beauty the hotel group has become world-famous for.

One of the suites at the new Mandarin Oriental Savoy, Zurich © Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group Limited

Gastronomic excellence

With four restaurant and bar concepts under the direction of chef Benjamin Halat, the Mandarin Oriental Savoy, Zurich is ready to spoil guests with a wide variety of culinary delights. The glamorous Savoy Brasserie & Bar serves French-inspired delicacies, Swiss classics and signature cocktails all day long. Make sure to try the sole roll with brown butter, lemon, capers and mashed potatoes and the Beef Wellington with mushroom duxelles and Vichy carrots.

The Savoy Brasserie & Bar © Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group Limited

At ORSINI, an Italian fine dining restaurant designed by Antonio Guida, head chef of the two Michelin-starred restaurant Seta at the Mandarin Oriental in Milan, gourmets can look forward to timeless classics with a modern twist, such as spaghetti pomodoro with yellow tomatoes and sea urchins.

The Italian fine dining restaurant ORSINI © Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group Limited

At the Mandarin Lounge, you can relax after a day of shopping or sightseeing with refreshing drinks and light snacks such as caviar, beef tartar or "Lachs Brötli" salmon sandwiches. In spring, the 1838 Rooftop Bar is set to open with spectacular panoramic views of the city center and the Swiss Alps.

The view from Rooftop Bar 1838 © Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group Limited

Christmas highlight:

To mark the momentous opening date at Christmas time, the Mandarin Oriental Savoy, Zurich has teamed up with legendary luxury jeweler Harry Winston to create stunning Christmas trees. They shine in Harry Winston's signature blue and gold, adding festive flair to the glamorous hotel.

Mandarin Oriental Savoy, Zurich
Poststrasse 12, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland
Phone: +41 435 883 888
Web: mandarinoriental.com
Price: doubles from €848

Continue reading: Hotel Guide 2023 - The 5 Best Hotels in Zurich