Mandarin Oriental Savoy, Zurich: An Exploration of Its Rebirth and Legacy

The renovation of the Mandarin Oriental Savoy Zurich highlights its 19th-century origins and recent architectural updates designed to preserve Zurich’s oldest grand hotel

Mandarin Oriental Savoy, Zurich: Crafting a New Legacy

The Mandarin Oriental Savoy, Zurich, features a unique element shared across Mandarin Oriental properties worldwide—a handmade fan crafted to reflect the local culture and environment. The fan design for the Savoy integrates the deep blues of Lake Zurich, echoing the city’s iconic waters, the snowy whites of the nearby Alps, and the lush greens of Zurich’s surrounding forests and parks. This emblem represents Zurich’s natural landscape and pays homage to the tradition of precision and detail that defines both Zurich and the Mandarin Oriental brand.

A Grand History in the Heart of Zurich – The Origins of Grand Hospitality

Originally opened as Hotel Baur on Christmas Eve in 1838 by Austrian entrepreneur Johannes Baur, this property was the first of its kind in Zurich and marked the beginning of grand hospitality in the city. Baur, an Austrian-born businessman, was known for pioneering tourism in Zurich. He initially opened Baur en Ville, Zurich’s first hotel, and later established Baur au Lac in 1844. Born in Götzis, Vorarlberg, Baur began as a journeyman baker before emigrating to Zurich in the mid-1820s, where he operated the Zum Kirschbaum and eventually opened Café Baur. He transformed it into a hotel with 140 beds and stables for horses, offering unmatched accommodations for travelers.

After Baur’s passing, the hotel changed hands several times, yet its location on Paradeplatz kept it central as Zurich evolved into a hub for trade and tourism. Its prime position near Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich’s luxury shopping street, and proximity to the historic Münsterhof square attracted aristocrats and cultural figures, including composer Richard Wagner and author Charles Dickens. Throughout its history, the hotel has been more than a luxury destination; it has hosted pivotal events, such as the 1859 Peace of Zurich, which marked the end of the Second Italian War of Independence. By the early 20th century, the hotel was renamed the Savoy Baur en Ville, becoming a symbol of sophistication with a blend of Swiss precision and international flair.

The Extensive Renovation: A Modern Vision Rooted in Historic Charm

The recent transformation of the Mandarin Oriental Savoy, Zurich, began in 2022, led by the architectural firm Monoplan AG and interior designer Tristan Auer. This extensive renovation was designed to blend the building’s historic character with modern luxury, meeting today’s five-star standards. Monoplan handled the structural adjustments and a complete overhaul of the layout, while Auer focused on reimagining the interiors with a contemporary style that respects the hotel’s heritage.

Paris-based designer Tristan Auer, known for his work with design houses such as Christian Liaigre and Cartier, combined French elegance with local cultural nuances. For the Mandarin Oriental Savoy, Zurich, he curated bespoke furnishings, custom hand-painted silk wallpapers, and a palette inspired by Zurich’s natural landscapes and art scene. The result is a sophisticated blend of nostalgic charm and contemporary luxury, with materials like walnut wood, brass, and enameled lava stone adding warmth to the interiors. Approximately 90% of the design elements and furniture were crafted in Switzerland, underscoring the hotel’s connection to local craftsmanship.

Architectural Features: Honoring Tradition Through Design

Key architectural elements from the original hotel have been meticulously preserved and restored. The grand ballroom, now revitalized with its original stucco work and high ceilings, recalls the building’s grandeur. The monumental staircase, a centerpiece from the early 20th-century, remains intact, evoking a sense of elegance from a bygone era. Additionally, a protected historic Guildhall still hosts Zurich’s Guild of Tanners and Shoemakers, a tradition dating back to 1920 that highlights the hotel’s deep-rooted connection to Zurich’s local history.

The Mandarin Oriental Savoy, Zurich – Culinary Offerings

The Mandarin Oriental Savoy, Zurich, invites guests to embark on a culinary journey across its diverse venues. The signature restaurant, Orsini, traces its roots back to the mid-19th century, paying homage to its namesake, Count Felice Orsini, an Italian revolutionary. Helmed by Consultant Chef Antonio Guida, who also oversees the two-Michelin-starred Seta in Milan, Orsini showcases refined Italian cuisine, blending traditional recipes with modern twists crafted from a carefully selected mix of local and imported ingredients.

For a taste of French and Swiss culinary traditions, the Savoy Brasserie & Bar offers all-day dining in an Art Deco-inspired setting that captures the glamour of the 1920s. This venue, with its terrace for al fresco dining, presents a refined yet accessible menu, bringing together flavors that are both classic and creative. Meanwhile, the Mandarin Lounge serves as an intimate setting for afternoon tea and cocktails, mirroring the hotel’s sophisticated ambiance.

The 1838 Rooftop Bar, named in honor of the hotel’s founding year, provides a more modern atmosphere where guests can enjoy Asian-inspired dishes and cocktails while taking in panoramic views of Zurich. This venue offers a striking contrast to the more traditional dining settings, showcasing the hotel’s commitment to culinary innovation.

A Strategic Location in Zurich’s Luxury District: Bahnhofstrasse

The Mandarin Oriental Savoy’s address at Paradeplatz situates it in the heart of Zurich’s luxury district, where historic charm meets modern affluence. Just steps away lies Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world’s most exclusive shopping streets. Recognized in a 2011 study as Europe’s most expensive retail street and the third globally, Bahnhofstrasse starts at Bahnhofplatz by Zürich Hauptbahnhof and extends 1.4 kilometers to Bürkliplatz on Lake Zurich. It connects key areas like Rennweg and Paradeplatz, creating a pedestrian-friendly environment lined with luxury boutiques and flagship stores.

Bahnhofstrasse’s history adds to its appeal. It emerged in 1864, transforming the former Fröschengraben (Ditch of the Frogs) into a vibrant thoroughfare, symbolizing Zurich’s growth as a center of commerce and culture.

Nearby Landmarks: St. Peter’s and Fraumünster Churches

Adding to the cultural richness, Fraumünster Church is nearby, renowned for its clock face and stunning stained-glass windows by Marc Chagall. From the hotel’s rooftop, guests can also view St. Peter’s Church (Peterskirche), Zurich’s oldest medieval parish, boasting the largest clock face in Europe. Its origins likely date back to Roman times, adding another layer of historical depth to the area.

Matteo Mammoli