IMO it's an under-rated area, with reasonable access to various wine route villages and even a day trip (a long day, to be sure) up into the Dolomites. It's very beautiful.

It's been quite a few years, but we stayed at Schloss Korb in the hills to the east of Merano, and loved it. Worth a google or two. https://www.schloss-hotel-korb.com/en/

All depends on the season and the things and daytrips you plan to do:
walk along the water channel trails (Waalwege),
ride to the mountain area of Timmelsjoch and Oetztal (Austria),
bus via Jaufen Pass to Sterzing and back by train via Brixen - Bolzano/Bozen,
drive via Gampen Joch and Mendel Pass to the vineyards of Lake Caldaro,
bus to Ulten Valley or Martell Valley,
Senales Valley with the cableway to the highest situated hotel in the Alps (Grawand),
train to Spondinig and bus to Stelvio Pass,
train and bus to medieval Mustair Unesco World Heritage monastery,
etc. etc.
There are furthermore some castles and 18 cableways around Meran.
https://www.meranerland.org/en/servi...port/ropeways/

Yes, Merano is wonderful! Loads to do both in the immediate vicinity and further afield.

We love Merano too! Although we tend to go towards the very beginning or very end of the summer season for the best rates. We don't do that much other than walking, relaxing, swimming, enjoying the good food and wine. I'm curious to see what hotel you choose...we prefer to go here off season and take advantage of their special offers: https://www.residence-mirabell.com/e...tyrol/1-0.html