It’s water, water everywhere at Hotel Palafitte in Neuchâtel, Switzerland. Europe’s only hotel built on stilts, the hotel was created specifically for National Expo 2002, rising above Lac de Neuchâtel. A total of 24 individual pavilions each feature a bedroom, office space and large terrace with views of the Alps. The private bathroom in each pavilion is equipped with a tub and movable partitions that allow guests to adjust their mountain views. Bvlgari Thé Vert toiletries, Nespresso coffee machines, complimentary WiFi, plasma screen televisions, beach towels and minibars round out the amenities. Lake access is via short ladders connecting the private terraces to the water. Shore-side pavilions are also available, along with multiple fine-dining options and elegant conference and meeting space. Prefer to go high-altitude rustic in exchange for a brilliant setting? Open from May to November, the Mountain Inn Aescher provides one of Switzerland’s most dramatic views — whether you’re just waking up or falling asleep. Accessed via an aerial cableway from Wasseraen to Ebenalp, this gorgeous guesthouse rests at 4,770 feet in the sky near Lake Constance. You have to arrive equipped with your own towels, but count that as a small inconvenience compared to the visual rewards.