Hi Everyone,
There are hotels and then there are lovingly run family resorts. Properties that have generations of passion and experience behind them on how to make their every guest feel fabulously welcome. The five star Hotel Mignon Park & Spa definitely belongs to the latter.
Situated right in the heart of Merano, South Tyrol, yet at the same time hidden away. A stay at the Hotel Mignon Park & Spa can be compared to staying in an oasis, a mere 5 minutes walk away from the centre of the pretty town of Merano.
Introduction to Merano, South Tyrol:
Merano first attracted visitors in the 19th century when it became a trendy spot for many of the writers of the era. Since then South Tyrol has become a favoured holiday destination. Famous for it’s delicious wine and food as well as mild climate and soothing air.
Before the First World War, Merano was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Afterwards however it became, and has remained ever since, a part of Italy. Hence there is also quite some Austrian influence in the architecture etc. to be seen today.
Now keep reading to find out more about “Hotel Mignon Meran Park & Spa – a Fairytale of Generations”
Hotel Mignon Meran Park & Spa – a Fairytale of Generations
How it all began:
The story of the hotel started in 1948 when Zenzi Glatt opened the Pension Mignon, a residence for guests. The principles she had then remain the guiding principles of the hotel today: hospitality, homemade cuisine and cleanliness. In 1967 she built the Park Hotel Mignon & Spa and renamed her other hotel Dèsirée.
Later her daughter Irmgard Amort took over the running of the hotels and today it is Irmgard’s daughter Sissi and son-in-law Florian Ellmenreich who run the hotels (currently 3 hotels in total), with the help of their son and daughter-in-law.
Fun fact: Zenzi Glatt retired when she was sixty, spending the rest of her life (until she became 105 years old), painting. As such the whole family has a great interest in art. You will find Zenzo Glatt’s pictures in each of the rooms and throughout the public areas of the hotel.
In homage the statue above was created, depicting the 3 generations of strong women running the hotels.
Our room:
There are around 50 rooms in total in the hotel, with 11 different categories to choose from. So really something for every taste. Our room was a Family suite, 55 sq m, certainly roomy enough for another 2 smaller family members as well – smile!
I loved the balcony view of pretty palm trees and it was difficult to get me out of the fabulous hanging chair – ask Mr FunkyForty – hehe!
Dinner:
It would be fair to say that one of our favourite things at the Hotel Mignon Park & Spa was the food. Mr FunkyForty totally fell in love with the breakfast buffet and said it is one of the best he has ever had. That’s saying something!
I love the pretty real flower details throughout the hotel, particularly in the restaurant area. Of course I loved the food as well. On our first night there was a special Tyrol theme with local food and live traditional music:
Each Friday night there is a buffet. This is seriously the best buffet dinner in the whole of Merano! I believe you can also book it as a non resident so I truly recommend this for anyone visiting Merano.
The wine list is also extensive and Mr FunkyForty liked the fact he could order a grappa that matched the wine we drank as a digestive.
Spa:
Wow, what an experience, the 2,000 sq m Spa extending over three levels in a beautiful park setting is simply a dream! Pictured above is the outside pool oasis.
There is also an indoor pool, indoor beach area and a separate spa lounge to enjoy. Not forgetting the many spa treatment rooms.
Whilst I was having the time of my life relaxing in the spa area Mr FunkyForty was doing his thing in the gym. He calls it keeping in shape for me – hehe.
Rooftop Terrace:
The rooftop terrace on top of the main building is also not to be missed with its beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
There is also a spa pool, sauna and indoor resting area, both with beautiful views. Drinks can be ordered up here too so there is no need to leave really…
Oops, i’ve found my chair, got my champagne… that’s it I’m staying here for the rest of the day thank you very much!
Mr FunkyForty however has other plans…
Merano:
As idilic as the hotel is, it is certainly worth walking 7 minutes into the centre of Merano. Be sure to take in the beautiful art nouveau villas and other striking buildings from the Wilhelminian period.
There are lots of pretty shops. I stopped by the food stand and had to buy some traditional dried fruits as well as local balsamic vinegar – delicious!
This is also a place where Sissy, Empress of Austria spent quite some time, so you might like to visit the Trauttmansdorff Castle for more Sissy history.
Our personal favourite thing to do in South Tyrol is to drive through the surrounding mountain villages and discover local wines.
Conclusion:
We absolutely loved our stay at the five star Hotel Mignon Park & Spa and would recommend the hotel to anyone who likes to relax, rejuvenate, whilst enjoying good food and wine – I guess that covers almost everyone – smile!
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I would love to visit Mignon to unwind, relax, and enjoy beautiful surroundings. It must be a healthy environment if the late matriarch lived to 105!