Built for the National Expo in 2002, the Hotel Palafitte sits above Lake Neuchatel, and is the only property in Europe constructed on stilts, or palafitte. This ancient architectural style has a long history in the Alps, where archaeologists have unearthed palafitte settlements that date back to 4,400 BC. The luxury hotel’s innovative architectural design provides a romantic setting and serene views of the Alps that’s geared towards couples, but the lake setting also offers activities that attract travelers with children. The hotel’s entrance features porthole windows, a wooden ramp, and a patio surrounded by plants. A Marilyn Monroe painting hangs above a stylish lounge area in the lobby filled with natural light thanks to a large skylight. Wood-planked walkways lead along the river, where there are rustic benches, tables, and chairs on the shore. Green, long lamps stick out of the lake water like glowing reeds. A wooden terrace sits above the hotel’s private jetty.

Sitting on Lake Neuchatel, the hotel offers a secluded vacation that's a bit removed from the Old Town and its sights, though accessible via a 10-minute cab ride. The hotel is beside parks and is within walking distance of a few restaurants, markets, shops, and the Latenium museum, as well as being situated off of the main road into town. The hotel's sister properties in Lausanne, the Beau-Rivage Palace and Angleterre & Residence, are an hour and 30 minutes by public transportation. Chateau de Gruyeres is a one-hour drive. Geneva Airport is an hour and 15 minutes by car. Driving to the Bern Airport takes an hour. 

Stylish pavilions feature open layouts and sleek, modern decor that includes red-hued textiles, wooden floors, glass encased artifacts, classic sitting areas, and movable partitions by beds that separate bathrooms. Coffee table lanterns with sand and pebbles are a nice beachy touch. There are two types of rooms available: Lake Pavilions, which are above the water, offering lounge chairs on terraces with ladders that drop into the lake, and Shore Pavilions that are on the edge of the lake beside a footpath that can get noisy. Both are 732 square feet, not including the terraces. All rooms have writing desks, flat-screen TVs, safes, Nespresso coffeemakers, minibars, and free Wi-Fi (though it can be slow in some rooms), plus thoughtful touches like fluffy bathrobes and slippers, umbrellas, and beach towels. Semi-open bathrooms have wood-planked floors, high-end toiletries, and both whirlpool tubs and walk-in showers with colorful LED showerheads. Cribs or an extra bed can be provided upon request.

This hotel’s lakeside setting provides picturesque views from nearly every part of the property, including La Table de Palafitte, a chic restaurant that features tall ceilings, French windows, and a terrace overlooking the lake (but is pricey). Kid-friendly menus are offered. Le Bar provides coffee, afternoon tea, and cocktails in a stylish setting with a fireplace. A wine refrigerator and cigar humidor are by the bar. A modernly decorated smoking room, available for gatherings of up to 10 people, has a flat-screen TV and lake views. Two modern conference rooms -- the Island, with a projector and a screen, and the Chaumont -- can respectively fit up to 15 and 50 people. A Lakeshore pavilion can also be used for small gatherings. The hotel also offers ample lake activities, especially in the warmer months. Kayaks, paddle boards, and bicycles are offered free through the hotel, which has a private jetty.