Ansitz Plantitscherhof

At once idyllic, charming, and luxurious, Ansitz Plantitscherhof sits in a white stucco, terra-cotta-roofed building accented with climbing ivy and set peacefully among the property's elegantly manicured lawns and gardens. Winding pathways are dotted with flowers while palm trees provide shade for lounge nooks where guests read, sunbathe, or take in the stunning mountain views. Occasionally, common spaces feel ho-hum, with stucco walls and white-tiled floors, but on the whole the property is chic. Leather upholstery in creams and browns, hardwood floors, and button-tufted chesterfields are all part of the package. But it's the service and amenities that are the real boon here—extensive spa facilities, daily wellness activities, multiple pools, and an on-site wine cellar. The property attracts well-heeled travelers from around the world, from couples on romantic getaways to vacationing families. 

Ansitz Plantitscherhof is located on a quiet road in a residential area, overlooking a beautiful garden and featuring idyllic mountain views. While it's a bit of a hike from the heart of Merano—about a 20-minute walk to shops and restaurants—most guests are happy to trade proximity to town for the peaceful location. The hotel is about a 12-minute walk from the Trauttmansdorff Castle Gardens and a 10-minute drive from the Merano 2000 ski slopes. Innsbruck Airport is about a two-hour drive. Guests should note that while the hotel is situated in Italy, about half the residents here speak German. 

Guest rooms here are individually decorated, spacious, and modern, with a simple palette of beige, white, and brown. In many suites, acacia wood floors meet white walls, while floor-to-ceiling windows—which lead to balconies—let in lots of natural light. Wallpapered accent walls, live plants, hardwood furniture, leather upholstery, and stuffed-animal ducks that await on the beds lend an upscale yet homey feel. Balconies may feature seating areas and lounge chairs.

Guests should note that while almost all rooms are spacious, entry-level rooms tend to be less stylish, with wall-to-wall carpeting or tiled floors. A few are situated in an older building, and these feature more rustic decor, like pine or cherry furnishings and ceilings, shower stalls in bathrooms, and no air-conditioning. All units have flat-screen TVs with more than 100 channels, safes, and minibars, along with bathrobes (kids' sizes are available, too), flip-flops, and free individual toiletries. Bathrooms tend to be roomy, and come with bidets, heated towel racks, and walk-in showers. Some have separate tubs, situated bathrooms or freestanding in rooms. English-speaking guests should note that most of the literature in guest rooms is German, with some in Italian. 

One of many highlight features at Ansitz Plantitscherhof is its huge range of wellness amenities. The hotel has several pools, including a pristine outdoor saltwater pool surrounded by a grassy lawn with lounge chairs and beautiful mountain views. There's also an indoor swimming pool, with huge windows that overlook the garden and two-person wicker lounge beds off to the side. In addition to a small indoor hot tub, there's also one on the rooftop terrace, surrounded by a sundeck with lounge chairs for taking in rays or enjoying the view. 

The spa has a Finnish sauna, steam bath, infrared cabin, plunge pool, and Family sauna, as well as private saunas rentable by the hour, and seven private treatment rooms. Other wellness treats include a "Body & Mind" program which offers a daily schedule of free classes like meditation, yoga, and aqua fitness. A full menu of spa and beauty treatments are available for extras fees, including massages, couples treatments, manicures and pedicures, and Ayurvedic treatments. There's also a small on-site gym, but compared to the other generous spa facilities, this feels like an afterthought, with just a handful of cardio and weightlifting machines, free weights, and yoga mats.

For dining, the hotel also serves up gourmet cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and guests rave about the food. The buffet breakfast is included in the room rate and features fresh juices, organic eggs, sausages, and cheeses. In the afternoon, the hotel has a homemade cake buffet. A Champagne breakfast is offered on Sundays for an extra fee. Dinners are five- to seven-course extravaganzas, half-board options are available, and special diets can usually be accommodated. Guests have the opportunity to dine indoors, outdoors, or even in the wine cellar. Ansitz Plantitscherhof prides itself on its extensive wine list, with a cellar containing thousands of bottles. Whiskey, rum, and gin tasting packages are also featured at the small but chic and impressively stocked bar, and there's also a separate cigar lounge. 

The hotel offers free bike rentals (city bikes, mountain bikes, and helmets are all free, and e-bikes are also available for an extra fee) and free rental of hiking supplies like backpacks and walking sticks. Guests can also arrange hiking, cycling, and walking tours through the hotel, some free of charge. Other excursions, like personal wine and sightseeing tours, are available for extra fees. 

On-site parking is free and the hotel offers free on-site Tesla and electric-car charging stations. The hotel also rents out its own vintage cars for an extra fee. For guests traveling with children, there is a nice kids' play area outside with a sandbox, ping-pong table, slide, and other equipment. High chairs and baby carriages are available to rent, and the hotel allows pets in some rooms.  The service is excellent, with staff that's extremely attentive. Some staff members do speak English.