Water surrounds Hotel Palafitte in Neuchâtel, Switzerland — Europe’s only hotel built on stilts. Constructed for the National Expo 2002, the property rises directly above Lac de Neuchâtel and offers a distinctly aquatic experience. The hotel comprises 24 separate pavilions, each containing a bedroom, workspace and a generous terrace with Alpine views. Private bathrooms include tubs and movable partitions so guests can tailor their sightlines toward the mountains.
Comfort and convenience are thoughtfully provided: Bvlgari Thé Vert toiletries, Nespresso coffee machines, complimentary WiFi, flat-screen televisions, beach towels and minibars are standard in each pavilion. Guests can access the lake from short ladders that descend from the private terraces. For those who prefer to stay on solid ground, shore-side pavilions are available. The hotel also offers several fine-dining options and polished conference and meeting facilities for business and special events.
If you prefer a high-altitude, rustic setting with spectacular panoramas, consider the Mountain Inn Aescher. Open seasonally from May through November, this iconic guesthouse sits at 4,770 feet near Lake Constance and delivers some of Switzerland’s most dramatic views, whether you’re waking up or falling asleep. Reached by an aerial cableway from Wasserauen to Ebenalp, the inn perches on a steep cliff face and blends traditional charm with an unforgettable natural backdrop. Guests should note they need to bring their own towels, a small trade-off for the remarkable scenery.
