Corso della Liberta' 110, Merano, Italy | (251) 219-4428
In a quiet, pedestrian-zone setting still central to top attractions
Individual artist-designed guest rooms, many with balconies
AC, flat-screen TVs, and internet-connected tablets come standard
All rooms have minibars stocked with Pur Südtirol products
Stylish bathrooms with Etro toiletries
Suites include a private terrace with whirlpool
Popular ground-floor cafe
Free entry to Terme Merano and Merano Arte
Free hotel-operated discount card
Free spa bags, loaner bikes and Wi-Fi
Disappointing reception area
No business center or fitness room
Breakfast isn’t included in all rates
Parking costs extra and is located off-site
Artsy decor won’t suit all tastes
The ImperialArt is a family-owned boutique property in the heart of Merano with a unique design-centric philosophy. Sharing a building with the CoffeeArt Cafe (a local institution), it doesn’t make a dazzling first impression; in fact, the reception area looks more like a high-end hostel rather than an upper-middle-range hotel. Happily, the floors above have a dozen rooms -- each individually decorated by renowned local artists -- that live up to its status. All are visually distinctive and well-equipped (air-conditioning, minibars, flat-screen TVs, and internet-connected tablets, for example, are standard). The rate includes lots of bonuses, too: free daily admission to the nearby spa complex, discount cards, loaner bikes, and hotel-wide Wi-Fi among them. But if on-site facilities matter more, consider Hotel Terme Merano instead. It includes an in-house restaurant, event spaces, plus a wellness center with pool and fitness areas.
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Scene
A one-of-a-kind hotel with an artsy concept and convenient location
This hotel shares a stunning Art Nouveau building with the CoffeeArt Cafe, a local favorite. But, apart from its "fin-de-siècle" facade, there’s no whiff of the 19th century here. Thanks to its ultra-artsy concept, the ImperialArt understandably created a stir when it debuted in 2010; and the rooms -- each designed by one of three local artists -- live up to the hype. The downside is that the only real common area does not. The atmospheric lobby usually expected in boutique venues is replaced by a narrow corridor leading to a teeny, neon-lit reception desk that is underwhelming at best. Aesthetics aside, the layout leaves guests without a natural gathering place, though the travelers who tend to book here seldom seem to mind.
Location
A heart-of-town hotel in walking distance to top attractions
Strategically situated in the center of town, this hotel offers easy access not only to the contemporary 25-pool Terme Merano complex but also to a host of historic local landmarks -- including the Kurhaus (an Art Nouveau event space that sits directly opposite), Castello Principesco, Theatre Puccini, the Wandelhalle, and the gorgeous Gothic Church of St. Nicholas, all of which can be reached on foot in five minutes or less. Restaurants, cafes and shopping arcades are also within a quick walk, as are Meran’s popular promenades. For guests traveling by rail, Stazione di Merano-Maia Bassa is a six-minute drive from the hotel. The closest regional airport is in Bolzano, 33 minutes south, while the closest international options are Innsbruck Airport (in Austria) and Verona Airport (in Italy), both about two hours away by car. Private airport or train station transfers can be arranged on-site. If you have your own vehicle, it’s worth noting that the hotel is in a pedestrian zone; however, secure paid parking is available nearby. - One-minute walk to the Kurhaus
Rooms
Unique, design-oriented rooms with loads of amenities
Ranging in size from 258 to 538 square feet, the guest rooms are meant to impress -- and they succeed. A big part of the reason is that they’re so well equipped. For example, minibars are stocked with regional specialties, tea/coffeemakers come with quality products from brands like Viropa, and treat trays contain artisanal goodies from Pur Südtirol. Individually controlled air-conditioning, laptop safes, flat-screen satellite TVs, free-Wi-Fi, and internet-enabled Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 devices are also offered across all categories. Many rooms add balconies, too, while two fourth-floor penthouses add Nespresso machines, Bose Mini Bluetooth speakers and terraces hot tubs; the one-bedroom “Lifestyle Apartment” even has a piano and a practical kitchenette. The cool contemporary bathrooms here are equally well-outfitted, with all boasting bidets and walk-in showers (some have deep soaker tubs, too) plus magnifying mirrors, hairdryers, and Etro toiletries. Despite such amenities, however, it’s the decor that sets these rooms apart. Designed by artists, some take their cue from their namesake materials (the Iron and Aluminium Rooms among them). Others are inspired by a moment in time (most notably, The Imperial Room -- a 70s flashback complete with tulip chairs and psychedelic colors), and others still riff off the setting (like the snowy-white Alpine Crystal Room, which has walls adorned with funky geometric forms hinting at snowflake formations).
Features
Little in the way of facilities but plenty of attractive freebies
Those expecting the facilities you'd usually spot in an upper-middle-range chain hotel will be disappointed. The ImperialArt has no business or fitness center, nor even a proper lobby. It doesn’t have a restaurant per se either -- although the hotel does share its premises with the CoffeeArt Cafe: a funky ground-floor eatery that’s popular with visitors and locals alike. (A breakfast buffet laid out there each morning is included in some rates, and all-day room service is available). Assorted freebies also help compensate for the dearth of on-site features. In addition to hotel-wide Wi-Fi, for instance, guests receive daily VIP admission to Terme Merano (plus spa bags to use there), passes to the Merano Arte gallery, seasonal loaner bikes, and the hotel’s own Premium Card, which provides discounts and added-value offers at area businesses. Pay-for-use perks include comprehensive concierge, personal shopper, and dry-cleaning/laundry services.
