Getting pamered in Switzerland

By Jacqui
Special to PRIME

Editor's Note: PRIME's relationship columnist, Jacqui Brandwynne, was so taken by her experiences in Switzerland, she penned a travelogue for this month. I hope you enjoy this vicarious vacation with her!

The Baur au Lac in Zurich is one of the most luxurious hotels in the world. This palace of top-notch service, elegance and luxury has truly preserved the art of treating its guests royally. Founded in 1844, it has been in the hands of the same family for generations. It survived two world wars when finding food or other vital supplies made it almost impossible to keep the hotel going. In fact, each of the guestrooms had to be cut into two rooms, so people could afford to stay at the hotel. Yet several "facelifts" later, the Baur au Lac survives gloriously.
"Its original credo has never changed", said Andrea Kracht, a descendant of the founding family and current Chairman and CEO of the hotel. "To offer our guests exquisite comfort and a highly personal atmosphere in which self-assured staff provide courteous, professional service of the highest possible standard."

Elegance personified

Located on the shore of radiantly blue Lake Zurich, at the far end of one of Europe's most famous shopping streets the Bahnhofstrasse the hotel guest book reads like a compendium of the worlds most famous who's who. Kings and generals have rubbed shoulders with great composers, artist and movie stars here. General Ulysses Grant was a guest , as was Israel's Premier David Ben-Gurion, King Edward VIII, Indira Gandhi, Margaret Thatcher and former President George H. Bush. Richard Wagner gave the world premiere of the first act of his opera, "Die Walkuere," at the hotel, singing himself and being accompanied on the piano by his famous father-in-law, Franz Liszt. Thomas Mann and his wife came to the hotel on their honeymoon. The grand musicians Arthur Rubinstein, Yehudi Menuhin, Zubin Mehta, Placido Domingo and Elton John have resided within its walls. Marc Chagall stayed there, and his famous stained windows can be seen at the nearby Fraumuenster Church. Movie stars galore from Audrey Hepburn to Richard Gere are frequent guests. The world's greatest dancers, Dame Margot Foneyn and Rudolf Nureyev also stayed here. Walt Disney was so taken by the hotel, he created an original cartoon with Donald Duck having lunch at the Baur au Lac.
Having tea in the glamorous lobby while people watching is a favorite pastime and an affordable pleasure for anyone. Little known is the fact that during World War II the Baur au Lac was a secret meeting place where the heads of NATO and the Nazi Regime repeatedly held negotiations.
If Zurich is on your vacation plan, a visit to the Baur au Lac is a must, even if your budget does not include staying there. Just to wander through the famed halls, admiring the most gorgeous fresh flower arrangements everywhere is a treat. High tea in the beautiful garden restaurant with views on the lake and the Alps in the distance is a special and affordable experience. The Sunday brunch buffet is sumptuous and well known make reservations early! For a taste of royal treatment, dining at the Restaurant Fran ais is an elegant event. Should you choose to stay, enjoy the beautifully decorated rooms and baths. The word 'pampered' takes on a new meaning. A long list of facilities and people are at your beck and call, from the rooftop fitness to complimentary access to the internet. If you want to dance the night away, there's a super cool night club. Before turning in, leave your shoes in front of your door. You find them freshly polished in the morning. The hotel operator, concierge or reception manager will address you by your name.

Zurich for every traveler

Zurich has many choices to accommodate your budget and plenty of attractions to make your visit fun, interesting and memorable, from sailing or touring around the lake on a steamer to taking in the idyllic views of lake and the famous Swiss Alps with stops at historic villages. Hiking is a Swiss passion, and you'll find plenty of trails, from hour-long walks to serious day hikes. If you have a youngster with you Zuerich Zoo is one of Europe's most famous. For art and culture lovers, enjoy world class museums and many excellent galleries. I've enjoyed great performances at the Opera house as well as the symphony. Swiss people like going out, many clubs have dancing and/or great music. Chamber music, dance from ballet to modern are abundant. There is an immense choice of good restaurants offering famous Swiss specialties like "Fondue" or "Raclette, (molten mountain cheese over baby potatoes) and great cooking from every corner of the world at all price levels. 'Bratwurst' from the grill is the Swiss national sausage made of veal and spices. Delish!!! Another specialty is "Roeschti", a crispy-crunchy pancake with a soft, buttery inside. Zurich boasts its own famous chocolate factory you may visit and the finest pastry shops creating mouth watering chocolate concoctions and outrageous pastries daily.
For antique hunters, the medieval city dating back to the 13th century is strewn with treasures and little eateries. Open air coffee houses are everywhere.
Day tours from Zurich are plentiful. Visits to the Alps offer unforgettable views and storybook landscapes. Buses stop along the way to the glaciers in charming little villages, centuries old, for a glimpse of Swiss country life.
From the famous Baur au Lac to the most simple restaurant or shop, most Swiss speak some English to make visitors welcome. If you want to say hi, say "Gruezi"!
E-mail Jacqui your question: contact.veryprivate@gmail.com Visit: www.veryprivate.com. We never reveal or give out names or addresses. 2007 Brandwynne Corp. All rights reserved.