Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
mer. Swim through the sluice and be met by a vision of palm-studded gardens and snow-
topped mountains beyond. The front desk can give first-timers a rundown on the poten-
tially baffling change-room routine. See the website for details of the excellent wellness
centre.
Sleeping
Youth Hostel Merano
( 0473 20 14 75; meran.jugendherberge.it; Via Carducci 77; dm/s €22/24.50; )
A five-
minute stroll from both the train station and the riverside promenade, this hostel is bright
and modern, with a sunny terrace and other down-time extras. It has 59 beds, either
singles or en suite dorms.
HOSTEL
€
Miramonti
( 0473 27 93 35;
www.hotel-miramonti.com
;
Via Santa Caterina 14, Avelengo; d €170; )
This extraordinary small hotel, fifteen minutes drive from town, nestles on the side of
a mountain at 1,230m. Rooms are vast, cosy and have awe-inspiring views - such a potent
mix, it's hard not to retreat entirely. But you'll be coaxed downstairs by the spa facilities,
a sun terrace with lambskins and blankets, or a spot of 'forest therapy' in the nearby
woods. The glass-walled
Panorama
restaurant welcomes non-guests, and serves adventur-
ous, beautifully presented dishes using local produce. The entire young team exemplify
Südtirolean hospitality, relaxed but attentive to every detail.
BOUTIQUE HOTEL
€€
Hotel Aurora
( 0473 21 18 00;
www.hotelaurora.bz
;
Passeggiata lungo Passirio 38; s/d €120/180; )
A tra-
ditional family hotel, just across the river from the Terme, is working some fresh ideas.
'New' rooms are Italian designed, bright and slick, but the parquetry-floored '60s origin-
als do have their own charm (and river-facing balconies). The corridors are littered with
mid-century pieces that would do a Williamsburg loft proud.
HOTEL
€€
Ottmanngut
( 0473 44 96 56;
www.ottmanngut.it
;
Via Verdi 18; s/d €115/230; )
This boutique hotel
encapsulates Merano's beguiling mix of stately sophistication, natural beauty and gently
bohemian back story. The remodelled townhouse has nine rooms scattered over three
floors, and is set among terraced vineyards a scant five-minute walk from the centre. The
BOUTIQUE HOTEL
€€€
