Mandarin Oriental announces its first mountain resort in Cortina, Italy

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has signed a long-term management agreement with Attestor Ltd to rebrand and manage the historic Hotel Cristallo in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy

The property will undergo a substantial renovation after closing in the second quarter of 2023. It will re-open as a Mandarin Oriental resort in the summer of 2025, ahead of the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics.

Mandarin Oriental Cristallo, Cortina will be the Group’s first alpine resort and will expand Mandarin Oriental’s presence further in Italy.

The property sits above the most recognised mountain village in the Dolomites. It is a short walk away from Cortina d’Ampezzo, known as the Queen of the Dolomites. The region features many award-winning restaurants, luxury brand boutiques and local arts and crafts. In addition, Venice Marco Polo Airport is reachable in one and a half hours by car.

History

Hotel Cristallo was built in 1901 in Art Nouveau style by the Menardi family and was a popular ski destination in the 1930s for the cultured European elite. After the 1956 Olympic Games, the Hotel entered its “golden era” as a renowned ski destination. It has hosted royalty and celebrities, including Peter Sellers, Frank Sinatra, Saul Bellow and Vladimir Nabokov.

In addition, it featured as a backdrop for several award-winning films, maintaining its historical charm as an early 20th-century grand hotel.

In 2021, the property was acquired by funds managed by Attestor Ltd, which owns Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como. Hotel Cristallo will undergo a thorough renovation, including a new extension created by award-winning architects Herzog and de Meuron.

What’s new?

On re-opening, the hotel will feature 83 guestrooms, many with balconies, including 30 spacious suites with beautiful views of the Dolomites. The resort will feature a range of restaurants, bars and flexible spaces for entertainment and events. Plans to add an extensive spa and wellness facility are in the works including a swimming pool that transverses from inside to outside the building.

The property will provide a picturesque backdrop from which to enjoy a broad range of experiences. These include skiing, golf, cross-country walking and hiking, tennis, ice skating, mountain climbing, and a Kid’s Club equipped to match the needs of various age groups.

Due to an extensive investment in artificial snow systems, the Dolomites are among the few Alpine resorts with guaranteed snow throughout the season. It aims to bring 1,200 kilometres of interconnected slopes.

James Riley who is the Group chief executive of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group says, “We are delighted to be bringing the Mandarin Oriental brand to the beauty of the Dolomites, which has long been a destination of choice for skiers and adventurers and will no doubt appeal to Fans of Mandarin Oriental who love alpine pursuits.”

Attestor partner, David Alhadeff, adds their excitement of restoring a famous property to its former glory ahead of the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics, and creating an Alpine landmark.

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