Boutique & Design Hotel ImperialArt

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.

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
• Two-minute walk to Merano Arte or Castello Principesco
• Three-minute walk to Terme Merano or Theatre Puccini 
• Four-minute walk to Passer Promenade
• Five-minute walk to the Wandelhalle or St. Nicholas’ Church 
• 13-minute walk to Tappeiner Promenade
• Six-minute drive to Stazione di Merano-Maia Bassa
• Nine-minute drive to Trauttmansdorff Castle and Botanical Gardens
• 10-minute drive to Merano 2000 ski slopes
• 33-minute drive to Bolzano Airport
• 112-minute drive to Verona Airport
• 120-minute drive to Innsbruck Airport

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).

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.