Hotel Ciasa Salares

Hotel Ciasa Salares: An Alpine Sanctuary of Gastronomy and Ladin Hospitality

Hotel Ciasa Salares in San Cassiano, Italy, a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently earns exceptional praise for its unique blend of traditional Ladin charm, outstanding culinary experiences, and remarkably attentive service. Guests frequently describe it as a "fantastic hotel" and a place that "totally exceeded expectations," offering an intimate and refined mountain retreat.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Hotel Ciasa Salares is overwhelmingly positive, with guests consistently rating it as "exceptional." The sentiment is one of deep satisfaction and a desire to return, with many highlighting the feeling of being "at home" due to the warm, family-run atmosphere.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several key aspects of Ciasa Salares:

• Exceptional Service & Staff: The staff are frequently described as "amazing," "unbelievably helpful, friendly," and going "above and beyond" to ensure a perfect stay.
• Culinary Excellence: The hotel is a "dream destination for food lovers," renowned for its superb food offerings, including Michelin-starred dining, and unique features like a cheese room and chocolate room.
• Stunning Location & Scenery: Nestled in the Dolomites, the hotel offers "breathtaking views" and a peaceful setting amidst immense natural beauty.
• Wellness Facilities: The well-equipped spa, including an indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, and Turkish bath, is highly appreciated by guests for relaxation after active days.
• Family Hospitality: Run by the Wieser family for three generations, the hotel excels in genuine hospitality and personalized attention to detail, creating a welcoming and relaxed environment.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at Hotel Ciasa Salares are consistently described as very good, large, clean, and quiet. They offer comfort, coziness, and elegance, with a classic South Tyrol feel, incorporating raw larch, pine, and fir paneling, along with handcrafted patterns and fabrics. Rooms are designed to maximize appreciation of the "astonishing views" of the Dolomites, with many rooms and suites boasting private balconies. Amenities typically include Sky TV, bathrobes, slippers, and towels for the pool. Options range from compact standard rooms to spacious superior rooms, junior suites, and deluxe suites, some even featuring special touches like a chocolate surprise.

4. Dining Experience

Ciasa Salares is a gastronomic paradise with diverse and exceptional dining options.

• Michelin-Starred La Siriola: This restaurant is the hotel's crowning jewel, offering modern and refined dishes based on locally foraged food, led by a Michelin-starred chef. Guests can choose from à la carte or various tasting menus, including an acclaimed ten-course option where the experience extends to the kitchen, cheese room, and chocolate room.
• Restaurant Sorì: Offers a rich breakfast and a four-course dinner with authentic flavors, blending Ladin traditions with a creative twist.
• Cocun Cellar Restaurant: Provides an atmospheric setting for exquisite Ladin-inspired cuisine, complemented by an impressive wine cellar with 24,000 bottles.
• La Terrazza/Infiní Eat on Beat: Ideal for delicious breakfasts and lunches, often served on a sunny terrace with breathtaking Dolomite views.
• Specialty Rooms: The hotel boasts a dedicated Cheese Room with over 70 varieties, offering tastings and pairings with wines from its extensive cellar. The Chocolate Room features around 40 different types of fine chocolate, including a Venezuelan chocolate fountain for dipping fruit skewers.
• Breakfast: Described as "amazing" and "hearty," offering a substantial spread with fresh fruit, eggs any style, crepes, and excellent coffee.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Ciasa Salares is consistently highlighted as a major strength. Guests frequently commend the staff for being "friendly," "helpful," "professional," and "attentive to any need or desire." The family management is credited for creating an environment where guests feel "like home" and for their "exceptional attention to detail." This personalized touch and genuine hospitality are central to the hotel's charm. The front desk is helpful with recommendations for local activities, and a shuttle bus is available for transportation to trailheads and nearby towns.

6. Location & Accessibility

Hotel Ciasa Salares is "perfectly situated" in the hamlet of Armentarola, between Alta Badia and Cortina, offering a quiet location with "beautiful scenery." It provides "breathtaking views of the incredible Dolomites."

• Skiing: The hotel is considered ski-in/ski-out, with a ski lift to the Armentarola slope just a short walk (about 100 meters) from the entrance. It's a great base for exploring the vast Alta Badia ski area and the Sella Ronda.
• Hiking: The location is excellent for hiking, with shuttle bus service available to drop off and pick up guests at trailheads.
• Proximity to Towns: While Armentarola itself is a quiet hamlet with few other restaurants or shops, the small village of San Cassiano is nearby (around 2km, or a short shuttle ride). Corvara is about a 15-minute drive away.
• Airports: The hotel is reachable by car from several regional airports: Venice (174 km), Verona (252 km), and Innsbruck (135 km).

7. Value & Pricing

While specific daily rates fluctuate, Hotel Ciasa Salares is a luxury property. Standard rooms may start around $362, with luxury and superior rooms priced higher, for example, around $696 and $814 respectively. The value is generally perceived as excellent given the high quality of service, facilities, and the exceptional dining experiences offered. Guests on half-board often enjoy a five-course meal of beautifully prepared and presented food. Half-board packages typically include a generous breakfast and dinner.

8. Common Complaints

Based on the numerous reviews, there are virtually no recurring common complaints about Hotel Ciasa Salares. The overwhelming sentiment is positive, with guests consistently praising all aspects of their stay. The secluded location, while a highlight for many seeking peace, might be a minor consideration for those desiring immediate access to a bustling town center without relying on the hotel's excellent shuttle service. However, this is rarely expressed as a criticism.

Sources

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7. thehotelguru.com
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10. luxurytraveldiary.com
11. greatitalianchefs.com
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14. kayak.com
15. altabadia.org