Luxurious suites in the center of Merano
Who does not know them, the porticos of Merano in South Tyrol? Colorful arcades, historical flair, lively and popular as ever. The medieval Laubengasse is one of the oldest shopping streets in the world: for more than 800 years, goods have been sold in the arcades. Lavishly decorated facades, colorfully painted wooden shutters, archways and oriels from a wide variety of stylistic eras transform the 1,300-feet long shopping mile into a living open-air museum. In the historic center of Merano, directly in the “Lauben”, are the new Kuntino Suites with the in-house Kuntinos Café. And with the upcoming Merano Christmas Market there is one more reason to visit.
In 1956, the Kuntner family opened a shoe store here in the Lauben, which still exists today. In 2015, the family acquired the building at Lauben 309, right next to the shoe store, and had it extensively restored. Architects and designers have combined, with great sensitivity, the valuable remains of the past with modern comfort and high-quality interior. With the Kuntino Suites they created a special jewel box in the heart of Merano. At only 25 years of age, the daughter of the house, Aurelie Kuntner, took over the responsibility for the Kuntino Suites – typical South Tyrol, because here the melding of tradition and modernity is not a tactic, but rather a local attitude to life.
Photo: Patrick Schwienbacher
Nine individual and luxurious suites in the heart of the old town of Merano
In the nine suites, the history of the house is carefully preserved and at the same time offers an aesthetic contrast: vaulted ceilings, artistic tiled stoves and antiques merge with clear lines and modern comfort to create a literally stylish ambience. Tranquility spreads behind the historic walls, although the pulse of the spa town beats directly in front of the mighty entrance door on the first floor. Some of the suites have a small terrace or balcony facing the backyard, where only the chirping of birds can be heard.
All suites have a kitchen equipped with the most important utensils as well as a bathroom with shower or bathtub, WiFi, safe, bathrobes, bath sandals and comfort zone cosmetics.
Well served and “Hetz hobn”* – Food & Drink
The in-house Café Kuntinos is located directly below the suites. Through the glass facade in the stairwell, you can already see whether a seat is still available. Or, you can sit outside, under the porticos. Guests of the Kuntino Suites can enjoy healthy bowls, Bruschetta, Piadine (small sandwiches), freshly squeezed juices and delicious 100% Arabica coffee to start the day.
The hostess of the Kuntino Suites, Aurelie Kuntner, is standing behind the counter, together with Christian Comper, who has mixed cocktails and served delicious aperitifs in legendary bars like Icebergs in Sydney. For lunch and dinner, guests will find a wide range of options.
Aurelie Kuntner personally advises each guest and reserves a table in the desired location. The South Tyrolean cuisine is known for its Mediterranean influence. In Merano you will find Michelin-starred restaurants as well as down-to-earth inns with traditional cuisine. Fine wines from the local wineries are ideal companions for the dishes.
*having fun
In and around Merano, in the heart of South Tyrol – activities and destination
In Merano, Dolce Vita and Mediterranean effortlessness meet the customs and traditions of the Alps. Between palm trees and snow-capped mountain peaks, medieval arcades and magnificent buildings of the Belle Époque line up. Right from the city, you can take a chairlift which leads to Dorf Tirol, where the mountains are within reach. Even without the chairlift, it is easy to conquer the mountain world directly from the Kuntino Suites. The Tappeinerweg, one of the longest and most beautiful high-altitude promenades in Europe, begins just a few meters from the Lauben. Cypresses, pines and panoramic views of Merano characterize this path.
Merano 2000, the skiing and hiking area located above the city, offers vacationers a wide range of sporting opportunities – thanks to mountain bike routes, hiking trails, via ferratas and summit destinations. For those interested in culture, a piece of the city’s history already opens up in the arcades. The diverse cultural offerings range from the Merano Spring Festival to the Grape Festival, the Merano Music Weeks to the Merano Wine Festival. Vacationers can explore the multitude of castles, palaces, gardens and parks on guided tours or on their own.
Merano Christmas
Speaking of cultural offerings, the traditional Merano Christmas Market awaits you in the pre-Christmas season along the enchanting promenade. Around 80 wooden booths display a wide range of gift ideas between the 1st Advent and the beginning of January, creating a very special Christmas atmosphere.
The numerous booths in the old town and along the Kurpromenade offer some special drinks and food: you can enjoy a honey wine or try a “Feuerzangenbowle” and taste some grilled buckwheat dumplings. In addition, there are textiles, jewelry, ceramics and articles made of wood.
Special features are the digital Advent calendar, the parade of Krampus and St. Nicholas at the beginning of December, and the glow of lights in Merano. The little guests, on the other hand, have been thought of at the Merano Christmas with activities suitable for children which will light up their eyes.
The Merano region is particularly characterized by its mild climate. In this sunny area – 300 days of sunshine a year are not uncommon – spring arrives very early, winter very late. In addition, the air of the region is particularly fresh and healing. The Kuntino Suites are an ideal starting point to experience Merano and its surroundings. The Kuntino Suites in Merano are part of the Vinum Hotels South Tyrol.