Alaska Hotel Cortina — Hotel in Cortina d'Ampezzo

Positives: Location is centre of town, 1-2 minute walk from the bus station and bus stops if you are going to other ski areas. If you want to be in the middle of the town, this Hotel has definitely that covered. (so do many others though!). ||||The Room was very large, with a balcony. The mattress was firm & comfortable. The heating could be adjusted. The shower head was very strong and we always had hot water. ||||The breakfast was quite good (although unbalanced because too many sweet cakes etc., to the hot savoury food options which were limited). As for savoury, you have boiled eggs, some scrambled egg, toast of course, i think small sausages.. and italian meat cuts. Young Staff in breakfast room polite and helpful taking orders for coffee like espresso / macchiato (also included in breakfast price). There was a fresh juice bar, but i would prefer to have more hot food selection instead of this. ||||As for the decor, it was definitely all about 1970's or earlier, and very very dated, and probably worth only a 3 star rating in that regard - but it was not 'as bad' as what people made out. Everything is relative to the price you pay and at about £150 a night this was the cheapest hotel in Cortina town and good value for money. ||||The lobby area was comfortable, large and had a central fireplace which of an evening was very warm and nice if you were just there to chill before leaving for dinner. Every night there was live music and a great ambience. We ate out every evening so i cannot comment on the food (too many other great options in town).||||NEGATIVES: Room did not have a radiator to dry ski gloves. We ended up drying in the bathroom as that was the driest and warmest option. Lockers downstairs were also not heated for drying boots, gloves. This was not a big deal though. ||||The staff at front desk were inconsistent in training, knowledge and helpfulness (some helpful and prompt, others had no clue what was going on). One young lady didn't even know where Socrepes ski area was, or had never heard of it (?). I speak italian so it was not a language barrier. I witnesses this cluelessness several times. ||||It would be really useful if front desk had more information about which Ski lifts were open etc. ||||Garage was jam packed and difficult to navigate, but at least they have an underground carpark. Too expensive at 20euros a day (10euros would be more reasonable). However, the alternatives were not great, as even if you can park in the Bus Station carpark for 7euros a day, it is metered and you have the hassle of topping up the meter nightly. You can park on meter (3 euros/hr) outside the hotel, but that is probably only practical for the drop off of...

Positives: Location is centre of town, 1-2 minute walk from the bus station and bus stops if you are going to other ski areas. If you want to be in the middle of the town, this Hotel has definitely that covered. (so do many others though!). ||||The Room was very large, with a balcony. The mattress was firm & comfortable. The heating could be adjusted. The shower head was very strong and we always had hot water. ||||The breakfast was quite good (although unbalanced because too many sweet cakes etc., to the hot savoury food options which were limited). As for savoury, you have boiled eggs, some scrambled egg, toast of course, i think small sausages.. and italian meat cuts. Young Staff in breakfast room polite and helpful taking orders for coffee like espresso / macchiato (also included in breakfast price). There was a fresh juice bar, but i would prefer to have more hot food selection instead of this. ||||As for the decor, it was definitely all about 1970's or earlier, and very very dated, and probably worth only a 3 star rating in that regard - but it was not 'as bad' as what people made out. Everything is relative to the price you pay and at about £150 a night this was the cheapest hotel in Cortina town and good value for money. ||||The lobby area was comfortable, large and had a central fireplace which of an evening was very warm and nice if you were just there to chill before leaving for dinner. Every night there was live music and a great ambience. We ate out every evening so i cannot comment on the food (too many other great options in town).||||NEGATIVES: Room did not have a radiator to dry ski gloves. We ended up drying in the bathroom as that was the driest and warmest option. Lockers downstairs were also not heated for drying boots, gloves. This was not a big deal though. ||||The staff at front desk were inconsistent in training, knowledge and helpfulness (some helpful and prompt, others had no clue what was going on). One young lady didn't even know where Socrepes ski area was, or had never heard of it (?). I speak italian so it was not a language barrier. I witnesses this cluelessness several times. ||||It would be really useful if front desk had more information about which Ski lifts were open etc. ||||Garage was jam packed and difficult to navigate, but at least they have an underground carpark. Too expensive at 20euros a day (10euros would be more reasonable). However, the alternatives were not great, as even if you can park in the Bus Station carpark for 7euros a day, it is metered and you have the hassle of topping up the meter nightly. You can park on meter (3 euros/hr) outside the hotel, but that is probably only practical for the drop off of...

🏨 Hotel Alaska Cortina — Where Time Stands Still (and So Might Your Car)

If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to sleep inside a museum exhibit titled “Mid-Century Mediocrity: The Forgotten Wing”, look no further than Hotel Alaska Cortina. This place isn’t just stuck in time—it’s actively resisting the present.

❄️ Olympic Legacy… Frozen in 1956

The last known renovation appears to have occurred during the Eisenhower administration, presumably to welcome athletes from the 1956 Winter Olympics. Since then, the decor has aged like unrefrigerated milk. The furnishings? Think grandma’s closet meets alpine retirement home. If you’re nostalgic for floral upholstery and creaky wardrobes, you’re in for a treat.

🚗 Parking: A €40 Puzzle Challenge

Descending into the basement carpark is like entering a Cold War-era bunker—minus the charm, plus the mildew. The turns are tighter than a Formula 1 chicane, and unless you’re driving a Fiat Panda with a spotter and a prayer, you’ll need guidance. Charging €40 per night for this vehicular escape room is bold. Charging it with a straight face? Iconic.

🏗️ Room With a View… of Scaffolding

Once upon a time, the views from Hotel Alaska were postcard-worthy. Now, they’re dominated by the roaring symphony of cranes and concrete—thanks to the 2026 Winter Olympics construction zone. Strangely, this massive disruption is mentioned nowhere on the hotel’s website. Perhaps they’re hoping guests will mistake the jackhammers for woodpeckers.

💸 Value: Missing in Action

Across ten dream hotels on your European journey, this one takes the gold medal—for worst value. For the same price, you could be sipping prosecco in a luxury suite five minutes away, complete with free transfers every eight minutes and furnishings that don’t whisper “estate sale.”

🌄 Cortina: Still Gorgeous, Just Not From Here

The town itself is a gem—charming, scenic, and full of promise. But Hotel Alaska? It’s the plot twist no one asked for. If Cortina is the crown jewel of the Dolomites, this hotel is the loose rhinestone that fell off in 1983.

Verdict: Visit Cortina. Just don’t stay here unless you’re filming a...