24 Hours at the ImperialArt Merano
Being part at Merano Wine Festival as a press member is one pleasure, staying at the ImperialArt during Merano Wine Festival is even more enchanting. For all who didn't know - the ImperialArt is the most central luxury hotel in Merano and due to the fact that I had bad experiences with Hotel Therme Merano, my top number one place to stay in the centre of Meran. Well there is also the famous and dazzling Palace Merano - where you can unfortunately only stay when you're in for a one or two week detox therapy (be prepared to run into Jennifer Lopez or other celebrities). However when you prefer not to do a special diet and instead treat yourself with the best of Italian Wines and Food at Merano Wine Festival than stay nowhere else but at the ImperialArt.
Having expected to find a solid four star property, I was so surprised that Concierge Barbara ran outside the hotel to pick me up at Theaterplatz, help me with the luggage and afterwards park the car in the nearby garage. Still impressed by this service, I was welcomed by front desk lady Samantha who showed me to the room and explained everything. This welcome processes reminded me of a five-star deluxe hotel (nobody helped me with the luggage and showed me to the room at Renaissance Zurich) and there was nothing to add - except a welcome drink perhabs :).
Room 32 - Alpine Lifestyle was the place to spend the night. Looking very spacious and with an open-layout this room had everything an international luxury hotel should have: Nespresso coffee machine, Bose Docking Station, plenty of pillows, Etro toiletries, seperated shower and tub, Samsung SuitePad, and lots more. The absolute highlight of my room was the outdoor jacuzzi overlooking the amazing landscapes of South Tyrol, the Kurhaus and the pedestrian area. Another highlight was the very deep and spacious bath tub next to the bed - what a delight! A window in the bathroom was a lovely touch, like the blinds - which created complete dark all night. Although there was a party going on in front of the Hotel (hey it was Merano Wine Festival going on, so who cares), we did not hear anything when the windows were closed.
Breakfast is served in a seperated area of the café and consists of 50 per cent buffet and 50 per cent a la carte menu. I ordered scambled eggs, capuccino, toas with ham and cheese as wel as a croissant with crema. All other items were placed on the buffet and tasted quite good.
Above all there was the perfect guest care of both Samantha and Barbara who are outstanding and the soul of this hotel. They can organize everything for you and I would definitely go the step further and say that they are way better than any concierge at Four Seasons or Kempinski.
We were generously invited by the ImperialArt Hotel. All above written express my personal opinion, anyhow this place remains a top-notch luxury hotel.
