12 Best Hotels in Fribourg and Neuchâtel, Switzerland

Talk about having it all: this converted 19th-century winegrower's home has stylish rooms with marble bathrooms, a lakefront location, a to-die-for terrace and garden, and even an indoor pool. There's great food available in the bistro and restaurant Wednesday through Sunday, as well as a renowned wine cellar. Located in the Fribourg Vully wine region, the hotel is by the canal that connects the Murten and Neuchâtel lakes. Incidentally, ours means "bear" in French, which explains the teddy bear in each room. The hotel is 3½ km (2 miles) north of Murten.

Unique in Europe, this one-level hotel is partly built on piles on Lac de Neuchâtel, giving it unbeatable clear-day views that include the distant Alps. Located 3 km (1½ miles) from Neuchâtel's city center in outlying Monruz, this design-centric complex has 40 "pavillions," some on the shore and some over water. A wide array of room amenities even include a ladder from which occupants can descend into the lake for a swim. Many consider the hotel's restaurant, La Table de Palafitte, to be one of the best in the area. Terrace dining is spectacular here.

This thoroughly elegant, gracefully restored 19th-century hotel has a perfect perch on the lakeshore; on a clear day there's a splendid view of the Alps. The warmly lighted interior, with high ceilings and wild-cherry wood, exudes calm. Two-thirds of the spacious guest rooms have lake views, and the generous bathrooms are decked out in white marble. The sophisticated restaurant, O'terroirs, offers some of the best dining in town and a fine selection of wines, also on tap in the comfortingly low-key Véranda Bar. The B-Spa and gym complete the deluxe hotel experience.

In the pedestrian zone at the foot of the château, this delightful, entirely environmentally friendly hotel offers light, modern, spacious guest rooms with warm color schemes inspired by the spices for which they are named. Cheaper rooms are a bargain but share a bath (they have their own sinks in the room). The café and terrace offer inexpensive but good organic fare, much of which comes from their nearby farm in Montezillon.

This modest 19th-century hotel across from the train station overlooks tile rooftops, the sparkling lake, and white-capped Alps. The hotel's main building has preserved its original parquet floors and stone steps, while the annex boasts 16 new rooms that feature works by local artists. Along the pale yellow corridors, fresh flowers hide in niches in this sunny hotel. A lovely park surrounds the terrace.

Standing outside the gates of Gruyères, this family-friendly hotel shares the same views of the valley and castle as in-town lodgings, but without the noise. The decor in the guest rooms mixes regional antiques, handsome woodwork, and ceramic stoves with contrasting color schemes. Although the hotel doesn't have a restaurant, breakfast is served in the dining room. Additional meal plans are offered using the restaurant of the sister property Hostellerie St-Georges.

In a typical 17th-century sandstone house, this hotel is within walking distance of museums, churches, the cathedral, and Old Town. The hotel is friendly and familial; all the rooms have been renovated, but the old-world charm has not been lost. It's on Fribourg's main street, so ask for a back room if you are a light sleeper.

At this attractive seven-story hotel, guests are treated to modern, quiet, and spacious studiolike rooms at very good prices. The location is central, but if you want views, easy parking, or glitch-free Wi-Fi, spend a few more francs to stay elsewhere. It's blessed with an elevator—not always the case in Switzerland—so there's no need to worry about luggage transport.

This long-established family hotel is about a block from Estavayer's harbor. It makes up for the lack of a view with quiet guest rooms, all of which have been modernized (one has a whirlpool tub). There are lots of on-site activities, including a kids' play area in the garden. There's a restaurant and a café, with terrace and garden dining in season.

In the heart of Murten's Old Town, this cluster of patrician houses dating back to 1428 conjures images of centuries gone by. Yet step inside, and the modern sits well alongside the revered history of this establishment, thanks to the sensibilities of the Joachim family, which has been running the show since 1978. Rooms and suites are individually designed and vary greatly; try out the Royal Senior suite if 16th-century baroque drawing rooms are your thing. The tavern and veranda are pleasant venues for the generous morning spread, and a changing à la carte fine-dining menu keeps you sated in the restaurant.

With an ideal setting, the Schiff has a sheltered terrace overlooking a shady park and waterfront promenade. Inside, you'll find an eclectic collection of heavy wood furniture and antiques, sometimes overwhelmed by the floral wallpapers that can make some guest rooms feel cluttered. The gourmet restaurant, Lord Nelson, has lake views and wraps around the garden. Specialties include local fish and inventive combination dishes such as beef tournedos and giant shrimp. Bicycles are welcome, and the staff can help you rent one in town.

A cloister in the 17th century and an inn during the cattle-market days of the 18th and 19th centuries, this sophisticated auberge now has a striking blend of minimalist furnishings and medieval details. In the guest rooms, whitewashed stone walls hide TVs, and sleek bathrooms include elegant vanities. The cozy restaurant (closed Sunday evening, Monday, and Tuesday) serves gourmet seasonal cuisine under an original vaulted ceiling.