Art hotel ImperialArt – uniquely different in Meran

After the nocturnal flight over Merano, we want to immerse ourselves in the city life in the middle of Merano. An all-round feel-good package awaits us at the Kunsthotel ImperialArt. I’m looking forward to a pleasantly soft bed after the night in the tent.

The Kunsthotel ImperialArt is located in the Freiheitsstrasse opposite the Kurhaus and is so beautifully inconspicuously integrated into the streetscape that we almost walked past it. It is worth stopping briefly in front of the hotel, taking three steps backwards and then marvelling at the pretty building façade of the traditional Art Nouveau house. Attention to detail par excellence!

Inside, we are warmly welcomed and are allowed to choose our own room. The ImperialArt is not one of those 0815 hotels with 50 identical rooms. No, each of the 11 hotel rooms has been designed by an artist and is uniquely different. 11 individual oases of well-being have been created in which art, design and comfort harmonize.

The highlight is clearly the Paradise Loft with its own roof terrace including a whirlpool. Some guests have already gotten engaged here, we are told. The view into the rooms does not make the decision any easier. I vacillate between the very appealing “Aluminum” and the light-flooded “Alpine Crystal”. In the end, we opt for the Alpine Crystal. Here I can enjoy my own hot tub with a view of the mountains.

In this room, the artist Marcello Jori takes the guest into the alpine crystal world. Wood is ubiquitous, asymmetrical shapes add accents, and the crystal shape accompanies you all the way to the toothbrush holder in the bathroom. A room like nowhere else. Very nicely implemented, in my opinion.

I take a quick dip in the hot tub to relax and enjoy the luxury to the fullest.

It doesn’t take long for my stomach to growl. Just a few metres from the hotel is the Forsterbräu restaurant. The menu includes a fresh mix of South Tyrolean cuisine and Mediterranean dishes. Perfect for a midday snack. On the digestive walk we will then explore the pretty corners of Merano. Worth seeing is the Laubengasse, which is strongly reminiscent of Bern with its arcades. There are also countless shops here that lure you in with the sale signs in January (I confess, I bought shoes). After a short detour to the princely castle and the cathedral, we walk back to the hotel.

In the hotel room, we grab our bathrobes and make our way towards the Merano Thermal Baths. For guests of the Kunsthotel ImperialArt, VIP admission to the thermal baths designed by Matteo Thun is included. Here we want to really relax for the rest of the afternoon. For my taste, there is quite a lot going on in the spa. It doesn’t have any screaming children, but in order to get a seat on the bubble loungers, we have to “queue”. Nevertheless, it is worth visiting the thermal baths. It is clearly the heart of the spa town of Merano and offers a comprehensive range of well-being with over 10 pools and a sauna area.

Before dinner, we treat ourselves to a sinful piece of cake at CoffeeArt, right next to the entrance to ImperialArt. Afterwards we feast our way through the tasting menu of the Kallmünz restaurant. The restaurant is located in a part of the Kallmünz Castle and serves Italian creations with a Japanese touch. The four-course tasting menu costs 50 euros (update July 2017: unfortunately this is no longer available on the current menu). The portions are unexpectedly large and the dessert creations are a feast for the eyes. If you like to dine in a special ambience, this is the right place for you.

After a restful night, we start the new day with the locals of Merano. Breakfast is also served at CoffeeArt. In the morning at 9 o’clock there is already a lot going on here. It seems to be a popular coffee hangout. We are served freshly squeezed orange juice (fantastic!) and a latte macchiato. You can help yourself to a small buffet and order many additional delicacies – rolls, ice cream cakes, cakes – directly from the waitress. For me, it was also a unique and particularly great breakfast experience. Kind of refreshing.

Merano is a worthwhile destination for a long weekend. It’s one of those places where palm trees and snow meet. Architecture lovers, romantics, connoisseurs and all those who want to spend a unique weekend close to nature and culture are in the right place at the art hotel ImperialArt.

Info and tips:

• Room price per person and night from 99 Euro incl. breakfast (price variable according to season and room)
• Wifi and VIP admission to the Merano Thermal Baths are included in the accommodation rates
• Instead of taking the elevator, take the stairs – the staircase is a gem
• Plan an excursion to the Merano 2000 area (hiking, skiing, tobogganing)
• Bus line 1 goes to the Merano 2000 valley station (current timetable here) / A taxi ride there costs a fixed 15 euros

Note: My stay in Merano was supported by the art hotel ImperialArt – thank you very much for this. As always, my readers can be sure that I always represent my views and enthusiasm here.