Hotel Ancora Rewrites Its Love Story to Cortina with Molteni&C

Molteni&C steps into the spotlight for the grand renaissance of Hotel Ancora as Cortina’s cultural heartbeat, showcasing its renowned mastery of tailor-made design which, in this case, blends alpine heritage, visionary design and contemporary rituals ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Words by Monisha Sivanesan | Images courtesy of Molteni&C

A landmark since 1826 and long regarded as a symbol of Cortina’s hospitality scene, Hotel Ancora emerges anew under the visionary lead of Renzo Rosso, founder of the OTB fashion group, who restores it to its central role as a place of connection, culture and aesthetics at the heart of Corso Italia. Eschewing the predictable tropes of traditional hospitality, Ancora Cortina speaks to travellers seeking not just a getaway from the hectic metropolitan living, but also character, identity and an ongoing dialogue with the surrounding landscape and history. With its 2025 reopening, the hotel undergoes a profound metamorphosis, reaffirming its role in the city’s landscape while actively embracing the transformational momentum sweeping through the destination.

At the core of the project is Renzo Rosso’s vision: Ancora as a living canvas where creative verve and meticulous design meet in a signature aesthetic that is impossible to mistake. His ambition? To bring a historic space back to the centre of attention as a modern transversal icon ready to welcome a new era as Cortina prepares for its global moment at the 2026 Winter Olympics. In this context, the hotel aims to help redefine the destination’s identity, returning prominence to a place that has long been both backdrop and protagonist in its alpine narrative.

Conceived as an open and dynamic sanctuary, Ancora offers spaces with purpose and soul. The bar, open throughout the day, celebrates the mountains through alpine botanicals and a careful curation of spirits. The terrace on Corso Italia, a signature of the hotel’s allure, is now a luxe open-air lounge; it’s the perfect stage for nourishing breakfasts, scheduled meetings or golden-hour aperitivo rituals. Deep within, an over 200-sqm spa promises rejuvenation with a hammam, sauna, Turkish bath, cryotherapy, advanced beauty treatments and serene relaxation zones. A Technogym fitness space and a studio dedicated to yoga and breathwork round out the offerings.

The interior design was entrusted to Charles & Co, led by Vicky Charles, former design director of Soho House. The result is a complete re-envisioning: natural materials like wood and stone, warm colour palettes and furniture choices reflecting a personal style. Each of the 38 rooms, spread across seven categories, is utterly unique with its own curated identity composed of refined details, artful objects as well as hues and materials that echo the surrounding environment. On top of that, all rooms face the Dolomites, imbuing an intimate atmosphere throughout.

Molteni&C’s contribution to Ancora’s rebirth is nothing short of exquisite. The Italian brand crafted all the built-in woodwork for the guest rooms: from doors and ceilings to wardrobes, headboards, freestanding furnishings and even the sculptural shower enclosures and glass partitions in the bathrooms. Furthermore, the common areas also bear Molteni&C’s signature touch: doors, wall paneling, ceilings, partitions, bar and reception counters, as well as all wooden support furnishings, including the corridor paneling, ceilings and the majestic entrance doors. Renzo Rosso also chose Molteni&C for the interior design of his private apartment and the hotel’s main suite.

Overall, this partnership between Molteni&C and Hotel Ancora is a tribute to bespoke excellence. It’s a noteworthy fusion of craftsmanship, innovation, attention to detail and impeccable savoir-faire, resulting in spaces that feel both uniquely timeless and thrillingly new.