Ancora Cortina

Ancora Cortina, a Michelin Key Selected property in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, offers a luxurious and memorable alpine experience. Housed in an 1826 original building on Corso Italia, the hotel blends classic elegance with modern comfort, making it a prominent icon in the Dolomites.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general sentiment for Ancora Cortina is overwhelmingly positive. Guests frequently describe the hotel as beautiful, warm, welcoming, and luxurious, with an "old-world yet understated atmosphere." It's often highlighted as a stunning property with an international style, offering a perfect blend of French bohemian elegance and the discreet charm of English clubs. Many consider it a "must-try experience" for those seeking a classy setting with a youthful and refreshing spirit.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently praise several aspects of Ancora Cortina:

• Location: Its central position on Corso Italia provides easy access to attractions and stunning views of the Dolomites.
• Design & Ambiance: The interiors, reshaped by renowned designer Vicky Charles with owner Renzo Rosso, combine dark woods, custom pieces, sheepskin, and stone fireplaces, creating a unique and meticulously crafted atmosphere. The hotel features galleries of vintage Cortina photography and stacks of art books.
• Amenities: A multi-level spa, gym, and an exclusive "phone-free" Brave Club for cocktails and social gatherings are highly valued. The hotel also boasts covered and open terraces with magnificent views.
• Service: The staff is frequently noted for being very friendly and helpful, with excellent room cleaning.

3. Room Quality

Ancora Cortina offers 38 elegantly designed rooms and suites, including the top-floor Ancora Suite with a broad terrace facing the Dolomites. Rooms are described as "cozy, contemporary hideouts" with timber walls, soft textures, and hand-collected art objects. Each room provides comfort and functionality, typically around 30 m² for a Superior Room, featuring a double bed (or two single beds), a bathroom with a shower or bathtub, a kettle, and a coffee machine. Standard amenities include safes, slippers, complimentary wireless internet access, desks, and phones. Many rooms boast jaw-dropping views, and some offer private terraces or balconies. Daily housekeeping ensures a comfortable and hygienic stay. However, some guests have noted issues with sound insulation, mentioning they could easily hear noise from outside their rooms.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Ancora Cortina is highly regarded. The hotel features an excellent restaurant serving delicious Italian cuisine, including pizza, Wellington meat, fresh pasta, and refined dishes with beautifully balanced flavors. Desserts are often described as sublime. A Viennese-style terrace dining room offers alpine comfort dishes with an immersive dining experience overlooking the Dolomites. Complimentary buffet breakfast is provided daily from 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM, with many guests appreciating its quality and variety as a great way to start the day. The hotel also includes a bar/lounge for casual bites and drinks.

5. Service & Staff

Guest feedback consistently highlights the exceptional service and hospitality at Ancora Cortina. The staff is frequently praised for being very friendly, helpful, and attentive. The room cleaning staff, in particular, has been singled out for being excellent. A 24-hour front desk ensures guests' needs are promptly attended to, offering services such as room service, ticket service, and concierge assistance. The concierge service is particularly lauded for providing helpful recommendations for local activities and dining options.

6. Location & Accessibility

Ancora Cortina boasts an unbeatable central location on Corso Italia, placing guests right in the heart of Cortina d'Ampezzo. It's approximately 0.1 miles from the Cortina d'Ampezzo Historic Centre, making it incredibly convenient for exploring the town. Key attractions like the Museo d'Arte Moderna Mario Rimoldi and the Faloria ski elevator (about 1,000 feet away) are within walking distance, offering easy access to both cultural experiences and outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, and mountain climbing. While the hotel does not offer an airport shuttle, it is approximately 91.4 miles (a 131-minute drive) from Marco Polo Airport (VCE) and 105 km from Bolzano Airport. A local bus stop is also conveniently located nearby.

7. Value & Pricing

Ancora Cortina is a luxury property, and its pricing reflects this. Prices for a 1-night stay for two adults can start from approximately $680 to $716.33. Average prices can range from $2,058 for weeknights to $2,706 for weekend nights. February is generally the most expensive month to stay, while September offers the cheapest rates. Guests should also factor in a city tax of EUR 5.00 per person, per night. For those traveling with pets, there's an additional charge of EUR 55 per pet, per day. Parking is available but costs EUR 55 per day. Despite the higher price point, many guests find the experience, amenities, and service to be well worth the cost, positioning it as a top luxury option in Cortina.

8. Common Complaints

While reviews are largely positive, a few recurring issues have been mentioned by guests:

• Sound Insulation: Some reviews indicate that rooms may lack sufficient sound insulation, leading to noise disturbances.
• Breakfast Quality (Historical): While more recent reviews praise the complimentary breakfast, some older feedback suggested it was "not great," though dinner was consistently rated very good.
• Parking & Shuttle: The hotel does not offer free parking, with a daily charge of EUR 55, and an airport shuttle service is not available.

Sources

1. lhw.com
2. michelin.com
3. trip.com
4. kayak.com
5. ancoracortina.com
6. virtuoso.com
7. travelocity.com
8. booking.com
9. hotels-in-it.com
10. hotels.com