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Stay here: Hotel Palafitte Neuchatel

Built in 2001 as a part of the National Exhibition, Hotel Palafitte Neuchatel is unlike any other property in Switzerland. As the first and only overwater-Bungalow resort in all of Europe, there is a total of 40 pavilions, 24 of which are designed to hover over Lake Neuchatel on stilts and 16 of which sit on the water’s edge. The Lake Pavilions have direct access to the lake through a small ladder from their private terrace and the Lakeshore Pavilions are only a short path away. Each pavilion is tastefully decorated and carefully designed to architecturally enhance the view of the lake from any point in the room. For instance, it features removable bathroom walls to keep the entirety of the pavilion open, if so desired. 

Overall, Hotel Palafitte Neuchatel creates a relaxing and cocooning environment where one can wake up to the sight of the distant and majestic Appalachian Mountains and the sound of the waves splashing beneath the floorboards along with avant-garde technology features.

The hotel is located in the town of Neuchâtel-Monruz in the northwest corner of Switzerland, just outside of the Neuchatel. Bicycles are offered for guest use so one can take the short and beautiful ride into the town’s quaint centre, full of picturesque streetscapes, charming farmer’s markets and a plethora of shops and restaurants to saunter about. Also, the ride into the town is a treat within itself, for the quiet streets pass a number of beautiful collegial and historic buildings.

The breakfast buffet was held in the dining room, flooded with the bright and cheerful morning light, where we had an assortment of fresh and tasty items and a view out and over the lake where the mountains framed them on the other side.

La Table is the hotel’s main dining venue, located beside the lake and totally encased in large French windows which open to the breathtaking nature that surrounds the hotel, creating a dining experience for the guest like no other. Chef David Sauvignet favours the use of local market produce and the menu changes with the seasons. In addition to La Table Hotel Pallafitte Neuchatel is also home to Le Terrasse, where small snacks and drinks are served on the tranquil terrace, and La Bar, which is the perfect venue for a casual morning coffee or afternoon drink.

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