Guesthouse Pension Grafenstein

We paid €90 for two, without breakfast, and it felt like the worst money I’ve ever spent. Check-in isn’t allowed before 3:00 PM, and a computer handles your details and codes before giving you the keys, much like using a debit card. The attic room was far too low for anyone over 1.75 meters. At my 1.83 meters I kept hitting my head, especially in the bathroom, where I had to bend over. The bed was short, so I slept diagonally. It also needed to be made, so I called the manager, who sent the maid while we were out that afternoon. When we returned, I found other people’s hair between the sheets and dust on the headboard, where I hadn’t put anything. The neighbors smoked on the terrace, and the smell came in until I shut the window. A total letdown.

The room was clean and neat, but cramped for three, and the price felt too high for what we got. After a full day driving, the digital check-in was a real inconvenience. The staff were very helpful by phone; the next day we checked in at the desk of the other hotel. Breakfast is served there too, and it isn’t really within walking distance. The staff there were very friendly. Being on a busy main road also wasn’t ideal.

The room itself was fine, with a tub and shower, a window, and a bidet in the bathroom. It could use a different soap dispenser and another trash can. Getting inside was the frustrating part. You can book late at night, but with self check-in the access code may not arrive right away. When I called to flag it, they said it was my fault for booking so close to arrival. Don’t buzz the outside intercom: an old man came out, got upset, then shut the door without helping. There’s no connection inside for checking email or chats, and the Wi-Fi password is only in the room. Self check-in sucks. It’s not especially convenient to walk into town, though there is parking. While we were loading the cars, two women arrived with the same sort of trouble with the codes and self check-in.

We spent three nights here and felt it was good value, with a lovely panoramic setting. The center of Merano is about a half-hour walk away, and there are plenty of pedestrian paths for the route. The cable car to Merano 2000 is a five-minute drive. For a guesthouse, I’d say the location is excellent.