The Place
At the heart of the Swiss watch-making region, Neuchâtel is an attractive city on the shore of Switzerland’s largest lake. Home to language schools and education- al institutions, the area is known for the clarity of its spoken French. For 150 years, however, the region was part of Prussia, which explains the name of the hotel, which readers have pressed us to include.
Only a five-minute drive from the rail- way station at Neuchâtel, this tastefully converted former brewery is surrounded by large trees and the ruins of three 16th- 19thC mills. The plain stone walls and exposed beams throughout retain the atmosphere of the 18thC building, while bedrooms are named for former owners, such as Suzanne Merveilleux and the brewer, Brasseur Andres. One of the most romantic is the Jean Chambrier room under the eaves, with its vast wooden ceiling, grand beams and working log fireplace. All the bathrooms are modern and luxurious; six have double bathtubs.
The conference rooms are used every week for workshops and private functions. The gourmet restaurant, in an adjoining modern conservatory, has an excellent public reputation thanks to the cooking of French chef and manager Jean-Yves Drevet.