Steinach Townhouse Merano

Giulia de Andreis and Roger Botti not only both have beautiful sounding names, but also share a passion for interior design and art—the two are designers by profession and love the beautiful things in life. They live in Milan, but their hearts are set on South Tyrol, where they’ve had a second home for several years. They’re particularly fond of Merano, with its extraordinary blend of Alpine and Mediterranean flair. In May 2021, they opened a townhouse with eight spacious suites in the historic Steinach district. The building had been empty for some time when Giulia and Roger discovered it and fell under its spell—the ambience and play of light in the rooms and the beautiful views from the windows. Many of the historic details, such as the old windows, the wide wooden floorboards and the gothic doors, now shine again in their former glory after two years of renovation. They go perfectly with the original South Tyrolean furniture, which the owner couple hand-picked and curated, but harmonize just as well with the modern elements that give the whole ensemble an elevated level of sophistication: Unplastered walls, contemporary artworks by local artists and unusual accessories all have their place here. The hosts love objects and spaces that tell stories. Each suite is different, but all reflect in one way or another the multi-layered soul of Merano: Urban yet rural, historic yet modern, it’s charming in its imperfections with a penchant for luxury. Those who share a passion for all of these things and can’t help but fall in love at the sight of the beautiful house settings and old town alleys all around them will soon fall for the Steinach Suites, too.

WHAT WE LIKE MOST:

• The beautiful historic 19th-century townhouse with its green shutters, idyllically set in the oldest part of Merano — the Steinach quarter.
• The suites are a mix of cool and cozy: Urban style with unplastered walls and plenty of patina meets traditional farmhouse cabinets and comfy beds.
• The unusual copper light switches and sockets (with surface-mounted conduit) add a special touch.
• In the course of the renovation, many beautiful details came to light, including old parquet floors and special wall decorations, which have been lovingly restored.
• The new terrace above the breakfast bistro — on fine days, the place for breakfast outdoors, with a view of the old town
• The views from the windows to the tower of the parish church, the medieval town gate, the mountain landscape
• Since every suite has separate sleeping and living areas, there's room enough to retreat, read in peace, or let your thoughts wander.
• The great central location: Only 150 meters away is the historic “Laubengasse” with its numerous stores, restaurants and cafes.
• The boutique B&B has been run since 2024 by Katalin Huff and Andrea Fenoglio. Fenoglio is a Michelin-starred chef and owner of the renowned Sissi, a gourmet restaurant in central Merano, and the popular Pizzeria 357.
• The new breakfast bistro, with tables from the 1930s that come from the first-class waiting room of Trento station, and lamps by Le Corbusier.

GOOD TO KNOW:

• Breakfast is served every morning in the hotel’s bistro, on fine days on the terrace (or on request in the suites): Delicious regional and organic ingredients are included, other dishes can be chosen from the breakfast menu—including extra treats for children.
• Some of the suites are equipped with a kitchenette.
• Children are welcome—the sofas in the living rooms can conveniently be converted into additional sleeping accommodation; baby beds are also available on request.
• Some of the suites have balconies.
• A modern air conditioning, heating and dehumidification system guarantees a pleasant, comfortable indoor climate at all times, adapted to the time of day and season.
• If you feel like a snack or a drink at any time, you’re welcome to help yourself in the Honesty Bar in the cozy lounge next to the entrance.
• A small library and a selection of newspapers and magazines are available for your reading pleasure.
• E-bikes can be rented for tours in the surrounding area.
• Culture, gastronomy, shopping, hiking and biking trails, and in winter the ski slopes—Merano offers a great mix of city and nature vacations.