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4.5
#1 of 12 hotels in Neuchâtel
Location
Rooms
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
The only hotel in Europe built on stilts, the Palafitte enjoys an exceptional setting. Each one of its 40 rooms is a spacious individual bungalow. The exclusive architecture gives the guest a feeling of escape, inside and out. Besides the individual bungalows, the hotel comprises of a large lobby, which has been newly renovated in harmony with the architectural style of the location, a reception, bar, smoking room and a restaurant with a large terrace. The restaurant has been recently renovated and renamed "La Table de Palafitte". The new décor accentuates the main assets: the view over the lake and the Alps. The cuisine favours local market produce. Besides the classic dishes that are available throughout the year, the menu is tailored to the seasons.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is officially classified according to Hotelstars Union standards.
HOTEL STYLE
Modern
Trendy
Languages Spoken
English, French, German
Location
Route des Gouttes-d'Or 2, Neuchâtel 2000 Switzerland
Name/address in local language
Hotel Palafitte
1,190 reviews
Getting there
Car recommended
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
We went to Palafitte in 2019 to celebrates my husbands birthday, we went with our Son and the hotel offered me a “room” with an extra single bed. (With a little extra cost but worth it) From outside the structure you can not imagine that you will find such a beautiful and novel design inside, waking up at the lake it’s just beautiful and the restaurant it’s great, great food. Friendly staff just a lovely place to relax.
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Date of stay: May 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sandoz Foundation Hotels, Autre at Hotel Palafitte
Responded 03 Jun 2021
Dear Victoria, Thank you for taking the time to leave such a glowing review about your experience at the Palafitte Hotel. We look forward to welcoming you back to the shores of Lake Neuchâtel. Best wishes and a happy start to the summer of 2021. Pauline Laurent Deputy Director
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We had some lovely days at this hotel. The view from the sea pavilion is just amazing and from the balcony we could go directly into the water for a swim. Be aware of that the ladder is very slippery when one is climbing up. Unfortunately there is no other proper swimming area at the hotel. The room was clean, modern and quite large. We had our breakfasts at the balcony- just lovely! Dogs are allowed but cost 30 CHF per night and dog. The staff is very friendly and helpful.
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Date of stay: May 2020
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Room Tip:Sea pavilion is the best choice.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sandoz Foundation Hotels, Other at Hotel Palafitte
Responded 19 Jul 2020
Dear N732XGannak, Thank you very much for your rate and comment! We are looking forward to welcoming you again soon! Enjoy your summer in Zürich. Pauline Laurent Deputy manager
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I‘ve been to numerous 5* hotels, but Hotel Palafitte is by far one of my favorites. Their lake pavilion has such a functional as well as stylish architecture and interior. It’s like balm for design-loving souls. You have everything you could wish for: jacuzzi bathtub, automatic mosquito net and blinds, direct access to the lake from your balcony and an extra bed. Even in winter months the whole pavilion is flooded with light. Breakfast and service were splendid. Just had the most relaxing time. Will for sure book again in the near future. Highly recommend!
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sandoz-Hotels, Manager at Hotel Palafitte
Responded 23 Jan 2020
Dear belisama_e, Thank you very much for your kind and detailed comment and your very nice review of your stay with us. We are very happy that you enjoyed our hotel, your Pavilion as well as the surroundings so much. I have gladly passed your compliments on to my team. We look forward to welcoming you soon again back at Hotel Palafitte and remain at your full disposal for organising your next stay with us. Best regards from the shore of Lake Neuchâtel Adrien de Haller Deputy Manager
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Don't be fooled by the nondescript exterior when approaching from the road. It looks like a council swimming baths but once through the doors you are in a chic country club style restaurant. The dark clubhouse interior and fixtures give way to spacious dining area which has no obstructions and the reward is a spectacular view of the lake and mountains in the distance. When I visited the weather was a little overcast but the marine environment was bustling. The meal was a delightful mix of French cuisine and German precision (52 minute lunch menu??!) with local wines which complemented each course. The service was superb - efficient without being officious and servers were very knowledgeable on the ingredients and accompanying wines. (They were also very elegantly dressed and poised.) The food itself did not let down the general ambience of the restaurant. It was really tasty. A mix of French meat dishes and an Italian dessert with local Swiss wine choices.
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Date of stay: April 2023Trip type: Travelled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sandoz Foundation Hotels, Autre at Hotel Palafitte
Responded 18 Jul 2023
Dear CazzaHayes, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience at La Table de Palafitte. We are delighted to read that you appreciated the unique location of our restaurant, its peaceful atmosphere and the service provided by our teams. We look forward to welcoming you soon to the shores of Lake Neuchâtel. Best regards. Pia Fortunato, Front Office Manager
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The high price is justified only by the relaxing and inspiring view from the lake pavilion and direct access to the lake. There are many small things that do not justify the 5 stars such as worn out mattress and pillows. Also the walls could do with a bit of refreshment. There is a lot of wood used inside which is great, however that requires more maintenance which seems to be a bit forgotten. Again, direct lake access is a huge plus.
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Date of stay: August 2020Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sandoz Foundation Hotels, Autre at Hotel Palafitte
Responded 15 Aug 2020
Dear RokLj, Thank you for your constructive comments, which we will take into consideration. The maintenance of the site is very important to us and with the success of this summer we had very little opportunity to do a proper follow-up. We look forward to welcoming you again to prove our continuous improvement. Great to read, you enjoy your trip in Neuchâtel and your Palafitte experience with the view ! We are looking forward to welcoming you again soon! Pauline Laurent Deputy manager
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This is a fantastic place for relaxation in an unbeatable setting. Plus there are so many things to do and see in the vicinity. The rooms are VERY spacious and comfortable, we always sleep like logs, the sounds of the lake are like a lullaby.
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Date of stay: July 2021
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sandoz Foundation Hotels, Autre at Hotel Palafitte
Responded 04 Sept 2021
Dear Schnusizh, Thank you very much for your rate and comment! We are looking forward to welcoming you again soon! Pauline Laurent Deputy Director
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First of all let's get this straight it's an excellent hotel ! On arrival there is a large area of land left to natural evolvement. Good idea but there was an invasion of wasps and the following morning my war was covered in flying ants ! Due to the covid regulations we had to wait for the room so went for a drink at the excellent lakeside bar. In 5 minutes my son was stung by a wasp. The rooms look a bit like portacabins from the outside but the inside is spacious and luxurious and will satisfy even the most exigent guests. Staff are caring and polite. For no reason of the hotel there is bacteria in the Lake so one has to be careful when swimming but facilites are good and the view excellent from all rooms. We went to diner early for an aperitif but were already bothered by wasps, this continues during the meal despite the kindness of the staff and the helpful attitude of everyone. Food was good, as was the wine but spoilt by the insect presence. Excellent breakfast included in the price which we took inside. As much as I am in favour of nature during the summer months maybe the land in from of the hotel should be put down to lawns and flowers, we'll be back but out of season !
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Date of stay: August 2020
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:All rooms are quiet .if you want complete discretion take a lake room and eat in your room
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sandoz Foundation Hotels, Autre at Hotel Palafitte
Responded 15 Aug 2020
Dear Roger W, Thank you for your constructive comments and we are happy to understand that you enjoyed your stay. Indeed, this season is complicated with a wasp invasion. We made arrangements with a specialized company to understand that there were no wasps nets on the hotel site but that it was due to the mild winter 2020. We understand this misadventure and are sorry once again. We look forward to welcoming you again without wasps. Regards from Neuchâtel. Pauline Laurent Deputy Manager
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Very nice option for a special one or two night getaway. Clean and well designed, however the terraces could be maintained better (spiderwebs etc.). The restaurant was good for dinner and breakfast. The staff was discreet and friendly , however the reception was rather average with nothing 'extra' being offered, which you would expect at these prices. Overall very good, but with these prices we would have expected a bit more
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Date of stay: April 2021
Value
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Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sandoz Foundation Hotels, Autre at Hotel Palafitte
Responded 03 Jun 2021
Dear Linda, Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment about your experience at the Palafitte Hotel. We take into account your constructive feedback in order to continuously improve. We look forward to welcoming you back to the shores of Lake Neuchâtel. Best wishes and a happy start to the summer of 2021. Pauline Laurent Deputy Director
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In a hotel where the average age is 40-50 years old, having rooms without the ability to play music is really lamentable, connecting to a TV where the connections don't work to listen to music it really sucks. A Bose is inexpensive and the sound is very good. In all the hotels in Europe there is something to play music, especially when you want to be a 4 star hotel. We have now come to your place 4 times and to my great misfortune I would not come back again despite the idyllic place. the service no longer has anything to do with it, the dinner is slow for 3 courses, no music in the rooms, no maid between the afternoon and dinner (Ah if at 6 p.m. when we are in the bath, she close the door and leave and we haven't seen them again) and as for breakfast at the time which could be done in the room with incredible service, now you have to order via a tablet with a QR code which does not didn't work either and where we have to choose things that we know doesn't happen given that on our penultimate visit the breakfast in the lake room was just pitiful, bad and ugly. The same goes for the smoking room, a TV that plays sound even though there are speakers, you might wonder if it works... no candles in the rooms when you take a bath, which in my opinion is the minimum when you take a bath in a 4 star! In short, it's a shame but we won't see me again in my favorite hotel in Switzerland! Yours, Valentine von der Weid
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Date of stay: March 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I‘m shocked by some of the negative reviews here: check my travel history: I know a nice hotel when I see one. Well this is not just nice; this is WOW!! From professional reservation till friendly checkout it left nothing to be desired. We had two connected units (2nd lakefront layer) and the arrival experience is already very pretty. A unique architectural property for the individuals among us. The reception area is stylish, the bar/lounge area beautiful. When we went to our units, we loved their interior, the beautiful terraces with an astonishing view and total privacy, the superb beds and pillows. It was a bit too warm in the room airco wise, but nothing an open window won‘t fix. The bathroom was fantastic as well. Some of the comments on wear and tear: well, it‘s 20 years it‘s here and there some evidence of that, but what we saw remained astonishingly pretty and it was nowhere rundown. It just shows it‘s not built in 2021. You have the feeling you‘re on your own boat on the ocean somewhere: such total privacy, such a private domain: what an oasis of tranquility. Breakfast was fantastic, varied, fresh and with the same astonishing view as everywhere on this property (no pricetag on a sunrise on Lac Neuchatel). I know not one single hotel in Switzerland that compares with this: an absolutely unique property in a positive sense. Can‘t wait to be back in summer!!
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Date of stay: February 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sandoz Foundation Hotels, Autre at Hotel Palafitte
Responded 19 Feb 2022
Dear SwizerlandRoisinDubh, Thank you very much for your wonderful text and comment about the Hotel Palafitte. We will be honoured to welcome you again on the shores of Lake Neuchâtel this summer! The whole team joins me in wishing you a beautiful spring and see you soon. Pauline Laurent Deputy Manager
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Hi. I don't recall any gym at the Hotel. And the only gyms nearby are about 2km away (and I'm afraid they don't offer day-pass). So I'm afraid weight workouts are not possible. Yet cardio activities such as jogging, bicycle (offered by the hotel) and swimming in the lake are very convenient due the hotel localisation.
There are more places to choose from in the Neuchâtel area.
PRICE RANGE
R 6,498 - R 7,169 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
palafitte hotel neuchâtel
LOCATION
SwitzerlandCanton of NeuchatelNeuchâtel
NUMBER OF ROOMS
38
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details.
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