Under the vision of Renzo Rosso and with the bespoke mastery of Molteni&C, the historic Hotel Ancora reopens its doors, blending nearly two centuries of heritage with a bold, contemporary narrative.
In the heart of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Cortina d’Ampezzo has long been revered as the queen of Italian ski resorts. Its reputation is built on a foundation of dramatic alpine landscapes, exclusive glamour, and a storied history. As the town prepares to co-host the 2026 Winter Olympics, a new chapter of dynamic, international evolution is unfolding.
At the very center of this transformation, on the iconic pedestrian boulevard of Corso Italia, a landmark has been reborn. The Hotel Ancora, an emblem of Cortina’s hospitality since 1826, has reopened in 2025, meticulously reimagined by a trifecta of Italian excellence: the visionary entrepreneur Renzo Rosso, the design acumen of studio Charles & Co, and the unparalleled custom craftsmanship of Molteni&C.
An Unconventional Host: The Rosso Doctrine
The project is the brainchild of Renzo Rosso, founder of the fashion powerhouse OTB Group (Only The Brave). Known for his disruptive and forward-thinking approach, Rosso brought the same philosophy to hospitality with a clear mission: to shatter the impersonal, “industrial feel” of conventional five-star hotels. His vision was to move beyond redundant mountain clichés and transform the Ancora into a true alpine home.
This new concept is guided by a spirit of casual cosmopolitanism and playful personalism, creating a cosmopolitan alpine refuge. “I imagined the Ancora as more than just a hotel,” Rosso’s vision statement clarifies, “a place that expresses, in every detail, the balance between creative energy and design curation, with an unmistakable stylistic imprint.”
This is a move away from the conventional codes of hôtellerie, targeting a discerning clientele that seeks character, identity, and a profound connection to place. The goal was to restore a historic space to its central role in Cortina’s life, making it a vibrant, cross-cutting, and contemporary reference point.
Heritage Meets the Olympic Stage
For nearly two centuries, the Ancora has been more than a place to stay; it has been a protagonist in the town’s narrative, a crossroads for mountaineers, artists, and international society. The reopening builds on this legacy, aiming to actively contribute to the destination’s evolving identity. With the upcoming Olympic Games set to cast a global spotlight on Cortina, the hotel’s revival is both timely and symbolic, providing a stage for a redefined, more dynamic international profile.
Design in Dialogue with the Dolomites: The Soul of a Private Residence
The task of translating this ambitious vision into a physical space was entrusted to the internationally acclaimed design studio Charles & Co, led by Vicky Charles. With a portfolio that includes projects for celebrities and a formative past as the design director for Soho House, Charles brings a signature approach that blends residential comfort with curated sophistication. For the Ancora, her team eschewed transient trends in favor of a timeless aesthetic deeply rooted in the surrounding landscape.
The interiors are a masterclass in atmospheric design, built upon a palette of natural materials. Local wood and stone are used extensively, creating a tactile and authentic connection to the Dolomites. Warm colors, thoughtful lighting, and bespoke furniture choices reflect a personal, almost residential style that feels both intimate and luxurious.
Every Room a Narrative, Every Space a Stage
This philosophy extends to each of the 38 guest rooms, which are divided into seven categories. Crucially, no two rooms are alike. Each possesses a distinct identity, crafted through curated details, unique objects, and a specific combination of colors and materials that echo the alpine environment. Every room commands a view of the dramatic Dolomite peaks, framing the natural beauty as a key element of the interior experience. The atmosphere is one of warm, understated elegance—a sanctuary from the world outside.
The hotel’s public spaces were conceived as open and dynamic environments, each with a distinct function and soul. The all-day bar becomes a narrative of the mountains, featuring cocktails crafted with alpine botanicals and a curated selection of local and international spirits. The terrace on Corso Italia, long a signature feature of the hotel, has been transformed into a veritable open-air salon. A convivial hub from breakfast through to the aperitivo hour, an invitation to linger while observing the life of Cortina’s most famous street.
At the heart of the hotel lies a state-of-the-art spa, a 200-square-meter wellness retreat designed for complete regeneration. It features a hammam, sauna, Turkish bath, and advanced treatments like cryotherapy, complemented by relaxation areas. The focus on regeneration is further enhanced by a Technogym-equipped fitness center and a dedicated space for yoga and mindful breathing, catering to the modern traveler’s holistic needs.
The Architect of the Interior
The realization of such a detailed and materially rich design required a manufacturing partner with profound expertise in custom-made solutions. Molteni&C, a brand synonymous with high-end Italian furniture and contract projects, was selected to execute all fixed and loose joinery. Their involvement was not merely that of a supplier but of a core project partner, translating the design intent of Charles & Co and the vision of Renzo Rosso into tangible, flawlessly executed reality.
The meticulous craftsmanship of Molteni&C defines the interior architecture of the hotel’s private spaces. In the 38 guest rooms, the company produced all fixed woodwork, including doors, ceilings, bespoke wardrobes, bed headboards, and wooden mobile furnishings. Their scope extended to technical elements within the bathrooms, such as shower boxes and elegant glazed walls. This turnkey approach ensured a seamless aesthetic and functional coherence across every private environment.
This mastery extends to the common areas, where Molteni&C’s signature is imprinted on doors, wall coverings, ceilings, and the intricate counters of the bar and reception. All supporting wooden furniture, corridor cladding, and entrance doors were also part of their remit. In a testament to the trust and synergy established, Renzo Rosso also commissioned Molteni&C for the complete furnishings of his private apartment and the hotel’s master suite.
Cortina’s Enduring Anchor
The collaboration between Molteni&C and the Hotel Ancora is a celebration of bespoke excellence. It is a project where artisanal competence, technological innovation, and an obsessive attention to detail converge. The result is a series of unique, timeless spaces that feel both deeply connected to their alpine setting and resolutely contemporary. Cortina’s Grande Dame has not just been restored; it has been redefined, standing ready to once again take its place as the living, breathing heart of the town.