After growing up hearing from family members how wonderful Merano is, I'm finally planning my first trip to there for late September. While I love the idea of strolling Merano's beautiful streets, I'm drawn to the mountains and looking forward to hitting the hiking trails. My plan is to base myself for a week in one of the villages higher up but still with good public transit connections (I won't have a car).
I've been looking at Schenna and it seems promising, being only 15 minutes from Merano by bus. Any hotel tips from travellers who have stayed there? After years of comfortable hiking holidays in Switzerland, Germany, Austria and Italy, I'm looking for somewhere that offers half-board, a large swimming pool, and spacious rooms with good mountain views.
I'm not committed to Schenna so am open to other suggestions around Merano. I've been to the Südtirol before so I'm not looking to roam too much while I'm there - I'd rather concentrate on enjoying the local hikes and Merano itself when I want a taste of civilization.