Hotel Gardenresidence Zea Curtis

Merano is known for its vegetation-rich valleys and mountain views, and spa hotels fill this picturesque riverside town. The Gartenresidence Zea Curtis' not-quite-downtown location benefits from expansive gardens -- loungers, parasols, sofas, and hammocks dot pretty lawns amid exotic flowers, and mountain backdrops are beautiful. Nature aspects continue in the conservatory-style breakfast room, while wood paneling in the lobby and bar have alpine-lodge themes. Contemporary furnishings and eye-catching art feel smart, but patterned carpets in hallways are dated, as are some rooms. The lack of an on-site restaurant is a drawback, although guests receive discounts to over a dozen downtown eateries. Guests also receive small discounts to 25 pools at the nearby Terme Merano, although most use facilities on-site (of which some are seasonal). Guests are an even mix of families and couples on vacation.

The hotel isn't central to Merano, but the town is an 18-minute walk (seven-minute drive), plus nearby busses running to it are free with summer Merano Cards -- these include free public transport throughout Merano and free museum entry. Surrounded by green valleys and mountains, the town is beautiful, as well as historic, containing 52 castles. Orchards lining the River Passer's banks make for scenic routes into town, and the Terme Merano's 25 pools are on the way at a 16-minute walk. Shops, restaurants, and cafes fill the center's streets, and busses running to the Tappeiner Promenade offer great panoramas. Merano-Maia Bassa Railway Station is a 20-minute walk, or shorter drive. The nearest Bolzano Airport is 25 minutes by car, but it's a two-hour drive from the nearest international airport, Innsbruck.

All with furnished balconies overlooking greenery or the pool, rooms range from 215-square-foot (20-square-meter) Standards, to larger Suites, plus One- to Four-Bedroom Apartments reaching 667 square feet (62 square meters). Lower-category rooms have dated decor consisting of wall-to-wall carpeting in oranges, lackluster woods, and frosted-glass doors. The 2017-renovated ones, meanwhile, are far more stylish: their muted palettes sport brushed hardwood floors, futuristic couches and recliner chairs in scarlets or pistachios, and slick backlighting. Phones, satellite flat-screen TVs, desks, fridges, seating areas, and safes come standard, but only Apartments have in-room kettles. Apartments have living and dining areas, plus full kitchens with ovens, hobs, microwaves, and cookware. Note, these incur a cleaning fee after check-out. Baby-changing mats, safety mattresses, high chairs, and crib fittings are free. All modern and up-to-date, tiled bathrooms have walk-in showers (some with rainfall showerheads), swish bowl sinks, toiletries, hairdryers, slippers, and robes. On the downside, rooms are not air-conditioned.

One notable con is that there's no full restaurant here, however, free buffet breakfasts offer a rich spread. Boiled or deviled eggs accompany healthy grain breads and granolas, fresh-baked cakes and pastries alongside homemade jams, quality cold meat and cheese platters, yogurts, fruits, and vegetables. Tea, coffee, and juice come standard. Note, breakfast is at a fee for apartment bookings. Floral motifs are pretty in the glass-wrapped breakfast room, which overlooks the garden. Chalkboards display the bar's coffee, soft drink, and alcoholic beverages, and sit-up stools here are traditional. Amid leafy trees and open April through October, the outdoor pool is decked with loungers and red umbrellas. An outdoor hot tub under natural canopies accompanies it. The spa is small, but pleasant, with curved loungers in relaxation areas, draped beds, a whirlpool, steam room ,and sauna. Note, the sauna is only open in afternoons, and kids under 16 are not permitted in the spa. The tiny gym lacks free weights, but its handful of cardio and resistance machines are modern. Lush gardens are peaceful, and a playground is well-placed here. On-site parking and Wi-Fi throughout are free.