Baur au Lac

"This esteemed, five-star hotel, set in its own park overlooking Lake Zurich and the Alps, has a remarkable history. Opened in 1844 by Johannes Baur, the property hosted the world premiere of Wagner’s Die Walküre (Wagner himself performed), and Alfred Nobel’s former secretary, Bertha von Suttner, came up with the ideafor the Nobel Peace Prize in one of the hotel’s salons. The 119 rooms are individually decorated with styles ranging from Art DecotoFrench Louis XVIand English regency, but all feature exclusive fabrics and furnishings from Europe,plus marble bathrooms with heated floors. The amenities are many, from valet parking and on-demand, chauffeured limousines to a round-the-clock concierge and even car-repair and flower-purchasing services. There are two renowned restaurants on-site, along with an inviting bar and an idyllic garden."