A hotel in the northern Italian spa town of Merano in the Italian Dolomite mountains

Hotel Aster, Merano

This pleasant three-star hotel lies just outside Bolzano (Bozen). The building was thoroughly renovated and refurbished in 2003 and now offers excellent standards of three-star accommodation in a pretty Alpine setting. The Hotel Aster is located in a peaceful residential area of Merano, just a mile (1.5 kilometres) from the centre of this attractive mountain spa town. There is plenty of parking available and the hotel is easily reachable by road; alternatively there is good public transport and the hotel provides a transfer service either from Merano, Bolzano or the airport if requested.

Merano (German 'Meran') is a gem of a town with a stunning location in the Dolomites. It is surrounded by some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in Europe and blessed with a mild Mediterranean climate. For many years the town has been well-known as a spa resort and in bygone years members of the European aristocracy flocked here to relax and rejuvenate. Nowadays, the city has plenty to offer the visitor, with its elegant shops, historic architecture and fresh mountain air.

There are just 12 simply furnished, comfortable rooms, all with excellent en-suite bathroom facilities (including a range of complimentary toiletries, a hairdryer and shower). Bedrooms are equipped with direct-dial telephone, internet connection facility, a useful desk and lamp and cable/satellite television. Breakfast is served until late in the morning and this is included in the price of your stay here.

The hotel has an excellent restaurant serving a tempting selection of traditional Tyrolean specialities and Italian cooking; there is also a welcoming lounge/bar with an informal, relaxed atmosphere. There is a children's play area in the attractive hotel gardens and plenty of parking for cars and motorbikes. The hotel also has an inviting swimming pool.

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Double room from €63