THIS IS MY LIFE . IT TAKES A LOT OF DILIGENCE ; THERE ’ S NO RESTING . IT ’ S EVERY DAY . IT ’ S OUR BUSINESS AND WE LOVE IT .
– ANDREA KRACHT
There are only a handful of hotelier families who have managed to maintain their independence over multiple generations , concentrating primarily on one asset , continually reinvesting , and keeping the family values and relationships intact . One such family is the Krachts of Zurich , owner-operators of the Baur Au Lac , founded in 1844 by Johannes Baur and forever the host of the world ’ s elite who travel to the Swiss city for business , the arts and to enjoy the central location of the 119-room “ villa ” on Lake Zurich with view of the Alps .
Today , under the leadership of 65-year-old Andrea Kracht , who is now mentoring his 31-year-old daughter , Marguita , to become the seventh-generation leader , time marches on with little change to the familiar beat of the property its loyal guests prefer . The Baur Au Lac continues to thrive and profit as the service and style meet the expectations of discerning clientele . While some of the hardware and technology has been added to enhance the experience , much more so the hotel has stayed the same – just as Andrea Kracht likes it .
HOTELS 2022 Legend , Kracht is the custodian of the Baur Au Lac legacy , always looking ahead as opposed to reveling in its past achievements because he knows all too well that he must maintain the hotel ’ s edge . Yes , he is working with a great location , great structural bones and a well-prepared staff , but what he says truly matters is keeping the very best guests happy and returning because that is what makes the hotel ’ s story and reputation complete . Repeat guests , says Kracht , allow the Baur Au Lac to endure .
“ Yes , we have this heritage in the family , and we must make sure that we maintain it well and give it to the next generation in a good state ,” says Kracht , who until 2021 also served as chairman of The Leading Hotels of the World , a title he relished because of the luxury ownership company he and the Baur Au Lac maintained . “ Out of respect for my ancestors and what has been done inside these four walls for generations , I want to do the best . Now , with our daughter , it ’ s really a pleasure to see her grow because she comes in with the same type of attitude – that it ’ s ours and we must do the best to maintain the big tradition . But what is most important is that we never really look back – we always try to be on top of the business and look forward .”
With the perspective of a seasoned professional who has grown up in the business , Kracht recognizes every day is a big challenge . “ We are professionals , we have a great know-how , and we live for it ,” he says . “ It is real , and we are very quick to make decisions , which gives us a big advantage .”
ROAD BACK HOME Taking over the Baur Au Lac was not initially predetermined for Andrea Kracht and he didn ’ t spend his impressionable years working at the hotel and only occasionally coming to the property for special celebrations .
But soon after finishing prep school and having no specific plan in mind , Kracht ’ s father suggested the newly defined hospitality program at the school in Lausanne , where he sat on the board . The young Kracht agreed and was soon in the kitchen slicing vegetables and peeling potatoes . “ I thought to myself , ‘ I ’ m in the wrong movie . What am I doing here ,” Kracht recalls .
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