Classic Alpine hotel with plenty of nostalgia in Olympic town of Cortina

Hotel Menardi / Cortina d’Ampezzo / Veneto / Italy

”Where time has stood still”. It is a phrase that is often used when describing something or someplace with a huge portion of nostalgia. And it is a phrase that can really go both ways. Either it could be referring to being stuck in the past, describing something that is stuffy, outdated and down right boring. Or it can be the complete opposite, where care has been taken to honor something from the past worth preserving. Details, craftsmanship and reminder that sometimes things were actually better in the good old days. This is fully the case with this hotel, the Menardi Hotel located in the queen of the Dolomites, Cortina d’Ampezzo.

The Menardi family has been based on this site since the 19th century when they built their home here, on the gentle slopes, just outside of Cortina. The location was perfect considering this was one of the main thoroughfares between the Kingdom of Italy and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The Menardi’s started to rent out horses and launching an inn business. In the 20th century, after the two grueling wars, the inn developed into a hotel, and to be honest. Not much has changed here since those good old days, which I love!

This 49-key hotel is all about authenticity, local design and traditions. More or less all of the interior is different kinds of wood. It is rustic, warm and cozy. The service is relaxed and affable with waiters in white shirts and waistcoats serving morning coffee in silver jugs. All the china is labeled with the Menardi Hotel logo. Why is this not a thing anymore? More hotels should re-introduce this classy detail.

Our room was, just lite the rest of the hotel, all about wood with a hand made wooden headboard, white painted walls, vintage art work, lace curtains and chunky furniture. Our room was facing the back (good to ask for, since the road in front of the hotel is the main thoroughfare of Cortina) where we had views of the most stunning mountain of all, the Cristallo.

Although this hotel is great, Cortina is a place you come to for the outdoors. The skiing here is great and so is the hiking. And don’t get me started on the food. Or the shopping. Regardless of what your favorite past time is, you can rest assured that your needs will be met, and then some, in Cortina.

The nostalgia hits you like a hammer when entering the hotel. I love these classic Alpine hotels where time seems to have stood still.

Our room was just as classic as the rest of hotel. Almost felt a little austere in its simplicity.

Love the color combo of the tiles in the our bathroom.

The view from of room of the majestic Cristallo mountain.

The lounge next to the reception. All wood.

My favorite part of the hotel was the cozy corner right next to the open fire place.

An Americano and some snacks by the fire.

Sun is setting over the Ampezzo valley as we were walking down to the center of town….

…for a glass of wine at my favorite place, Enoteca. A small wine bar, hidden away in an unexpected corner of town.

After two aperitivo stops, time for food. One of my favorite things to eat when in Cortina is Casunziei all,Ampezzana. Ravioli filled with beetroot served with poppy seeds, melted butter and a lot of parmesan. Local comfort food.

Morning time at the hotel and of course the cups have the hotel logo on them…

….just lite these beautiful silver jugs.

When in Cortina time is best spent outdoors. My favorite ski area in the valley is the Cinque Torri.

Our fiends Anna and Pelle in the vintage chair lift heading up to the top.

One of the best parts when skiing in Italy is the food. This is from our al fresco lunch at Rifugio Scoiattoli. Friends, sunshine, great views and delicious food. Unbeatable combo.

RG inside info

This place is perfect if you…

…like authentic Alpine hotels, deeply rooted in local design and traditions. If your thing is affable, warm and rustic hotels with a lot of charm, you are going to be happy at the Menardi.

My favorite thing about this place…

…is the sense of having travelled back in time. To a time when the waiters were wearing waistcoats, morning coffee was served in silver pitchers and friendly service was more important than just offering the latest mod cons.

What not to miss when staying here…

…to explore and enjoy the marvelous mountains surrounding the Ampezzo valley. To me this is one of the most beautiful places in the world. There are mountains and then there are the Dolomites. This jagged mountain range is beyond dramatic with its red color and unique shapes. Regardless if you are here for skiing in Winter or to hike in Summer, you are in for a treat.

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Zum Riesen / Torres, Italy

Niedermaierhof / Brunico, Italy

Briol / Barbiano, Italy