Beau-Rivage Hotel

The luxurious Beau-Rivage Hotel has commanded gorgeous views of the Neuchatel Lake and the Bernese Alps since it was built on the shore in 1862. Light wood wall paneling in the lobby creates a luxurious ambience, with colorful lounge furniture and mirrored walls. Designer watches from Cartier, Mont Blanc, and Ulysse Nardin, among other brands, are encased in glass by the wooden front desk that’s presided over by a huge clock hanging on a crimson wall. The hotel's restaurant, as well as its bar and lounge, all feature elegant decor that plays backdrop to the gorgeous lake views. The light and airy dining room is clad in white with crimson accents and walls of windows that overlook the water and fill the space with natural light.

With its location beside Lake Neuchatel on the Esplanade du Mont-Blanc promenade, the hotel is in the heart of Neuchatel. Historical sites, museums, shops, restaurants, and pubs are all reachable on foot. Outside of the hotel are tree-lined pathways that lead along the lake, as well as a lovely esplanade and a tram station. There are several historical landmarks within walking distance, including the Collegiale Church, Chateau de Neuchatel, Musee d'art et d'histoire, and Tour des Prison. The Latenium Museum is 20 minutes by bus. The International Museum of Watchmaking takes an hour by bus or 25 minutes by car. The Creux du Van, with scenic views, is a 32-minute drive. Geneva International Airport takes an hour by car. 

Room decor is classic if a bit staid, with gray cornices, wood details, traditional furniture, neutral hues, and striped accent pillows; elements like wall-to-wall carpeting and stained bathroom tiles could use a refresh, and some guests complain that mattresses are overly firm. Nevertheless, rooms are spacious and most have lovely views of the lake, while some overlook the street. There are several types of rooms available including Standard, Premium, and Deluxe Rooms, as well as several suites, which offer more space, sitting areas, and fun touches like binoculars, telescopes, and scooters. Some suites also have extras like private terraces with lake views and living/dining rooms. All rooms have minibars, flat-screen TVs, safes, tea/coffee facilities, and writing desks, plus fresh fruit and free bottled water. (Deluxe Rooms and suites also have Nespresso coffeemakers.) White marble bathrooms have luxurious touches like designer toiletries, fluffy bathrobes and slippers, as well as both walk-in showers and tubs.  

The Restaurant O’terroirs serves Swiss cuisine in a stylish dining room and conservatory area that overlooks the lake (though it is pricey). Outdoor lakeside dining is also available. The Veranda-Bar, with stunning lake views from large bay windows, provides light meals in the morning and cocktails at night when it is transformed into a piano bar. The Lakeside Lounge, seating up to 60 people, is a stylishly decorated terrace that overlooks the lake. There are six elegant meeting rooms on-site that can accommodate up to 220 people, including a romantic wine cellar. The hotel also has a spa, which is stylishly decorated in blue tiles, offering two treatment rooms, a lounge area, and a steam room. Use of the steam room is included in rates for Deluxe Rooms and all suites. The modern fitness center features a circular design and offers Nautilus equipment, two small flat-screen TVs, bottled water, and towels. In the lobby, a colorful lounge area is equipped with a computer and a printer. Paid parking is also available in an underground garage that has direct elevator access.