Travel Spotlight

Neuchâtel's Modern Oasis

For those who have taken a day trip from Lausanne to Neuchâtel and would like to spend the night in the region, the modern Hotel Palafitte is located just east of downtown. Enjoy dinner on the deck overlooking Lake Neuchâtel before settling into one of the glowing cabins that hover over the lake.

Hôtel Palafitte

Route des Gouttes-d'Or 2 41-32-723-02-02 www.palafitte.ch/en/home.html

Vibe

Funky, modern, rustic

At a Glance

Hotel Palafitte, a sister property to the Beau-Rivage Palace, is the only five-star hotel in Europe built directly over the water. Originally constructed in 2003 for the Swiss National Exposition, it was meant to come down within a year. The innovative property however gained such popularity that it has remained open for over ten years and is now undergoing regulatory changes to allow the hotel to be kept permanently.

All 40 rooms have the same layout and 24 are located over the waters of Lake Neuchâtel. (The others are set further back on its shores). Each has a modern aesthetic and touch screen panels control lighting as well as a drop down mosquito screen—a welcome relief as the area can be quite buggy. A large Jacuzzi sits directly behind the bed and access to the lake is via a ladder extending from each room’s individual deck.

Le Colvert is the gourmet restaurant on site and offers seating on the outdoor terrace overlooking the lake from May through September. For the more intrepid traveler, this destination is an appealing change from a typical hotel.

Who Should Stay

This unique destination is ideal for an overnight stay after exploring the town and vineyards of Neuchâtel during the summer months. While this is not a hotel for everyone, it is certainly the best property in the region, and you cannot beat the stunning sunset views over the lake.

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