Hotel Juliane

Not every 4 star hotel is the same. That is a good thing, or life would be quite boring. We must admit, our first impressions here were a bit apprehensive. We missed a turn on our GPS, and it sent us down eight or nine trails/alleyways, most barely wide enough for our car. We arrived the back way and were very tense. We were greeted cheerfully, and shown to our room on the first floor. The room was quite comfortable, especially after we opened a window and door and let some fresh air in. As we became accustomed to the hotel grounds, we saw that great care has been taken in the landscaping, in the level of cleanliness throughout. We didn't use the spa, pool, sauna, etc, but they all looked quite inviting. The hotel restaurant was a wonderful surprise. We have had three very fine dinners there, with some of the best meat (veal and lamb) in our 5 weeks on the road-which includes staying at several 5 star hotels and dining at several Michelin starred restaurants. The dining room is attractive and the wait staff is caring and competent. There is a nice selection of wines, fine pasta, desserts all at very fair prices. There is a good selection at their breakfast buffet; but I wish they would upgrade their orange juice to a less commercial version. It is a 10-15 minute walk in to the heart of the downtown area, but there is a bus stop some 100 feet from the hotel. The cab ride back, if you don't want to wait, is around 7 Euros. Winkelweg/Strasse is an attractive residential street, and the walk is quite easy with a gentle slope down, and not much difficulty coming back. I spent 7 years in Ithaca, NY, and this hill route is for beginners. It is much quieter out here than downtown, and we enjoyed the lovely views in all directions. Most important, is the caring attitude of the front desk staff. Enzo, and especially Sylvia always greeted us with a smile and a few words. Sylvia spent some time in successfully researching a fine hairdresser for my wife. That was a critical point for us-with a happy ending. We came to Merano on our first trip to Italy, many decades ago. It was good to return and find such a peaceful and high value hotel. we know that English speaking guests are in a minority. It would be helpful if there were a few English language news stations included in their Sky package, especially in these troubled times. All in all, we thought the hotel was a fine value. My family has had some experience in the hotel business. I can see the merit in a hotel run by a family and not a distant corporation. The rooms may be a bit dated, but they are well maintained. The "telephone booth" style shower was fine; excellent lighting in the bathroom. Bed comfortable, good storage areas and a nice mini-patio.

Loved the service, breakfast was excellent