I stayed at the Westend for four nights at the beginning of March 2008. The villa, set in attractive gardens, has character and an excellent, quiet location, next to the river; it is close to both the railway/bus station & the centre of town, which you reach by a pleasant stroll along the riverbank.

My single room was clean & very spacious - unlike many single rooms I've encountered - as was the ensuite shower room (no bath, but otherwise well equipped), while my balcony came with a glorious mountain view. The furnishings, apart from the minibar & a rather low-tech TV, matched the style of the room.

I enjoyed the half-board option. Dinner consisted of 5 courses: a salad buffet, then soup of the day, pasta of the day, main course (usually a choice was offered), and finally dessert. Personal service from Herr Strohmer, who is a bit of a character, and his staff, and the kitchen was very accommodating when it came to feeding the young child of the couple at the next table.

I didn't get round to hiring one of the available bikes (I believe they are free) on this occasion.

Not the place for you if, for example, high speed internet or a plasma screen TV is essential, but I found it excellent value.

P.S. After-sales service: on the way home I discovered that I'd left my reading glasses behind, and emailed Herr Strohmer the next day. His initial response seemed oddly casual, but then he contacted me to say that my glasses had got mixed up with the laundry and ended up in the hotel washing machine, from which they emerged with the frame slightly bent, and a screw missing. He took the glasses to his optician, who made them good as new, then wrapped them up securely & posted them on to me.

The Westend is a "pensione," in a large old villa which has been in some ways updated. It is more akin to a large B&B than to a hotel. I was expecting charming, but the feel was more pleasant and eccentric, a combination of old and new. The room carpet was somewhat stained. Our stay was perfectly fine; it just wasn't as nice a property as I was hoping for. Breakfast was ample.

The big plus of the Westend is the location, right on Merano's river walk and in a neighborhood of beautiful old villas. It is just a few minutes' walk into town.

Great location, was able to walk the boardwalk. Was like a never ending park. Great to see the arciticure of the homes and wonderful gardens. Great breakfast and restaurant. Very helpful staff that also speaks English.

We enjoyed our stay in this hotel. The rooms are large and airy (even if some of the furniture does jar with the elegant proportions of this hundred-year-old building), the staff friendly, and the breakfast excellent. Nicely situated by the river, and convenient for the station and the town. Highly recommended.