Driving through the snowy Dolomites, we arrived at the Hotel Sassongher to be warmly greeted by the Pescota family and their incredible team. It was as if you were welcomed into your Italian grandmother’s home for Christmas festivities – if she happened to run an uber-chic mountain retreat complete with a sky-high spa and top-notch traditional cuisine.
Our room was massive and super-comfy, with a bed perfect for melting into after a full day exploring the winter wonderland outside. The view from our balcony was like a scene from a Christmas card: captivating Corvara down below, blanketed in snow with fairy-lit trees twinkling and church bells ringing.
Worrying about missing our usual Christmas comforts was needless; the Hotel Sassongher had spared no effort to sprinkle festive cheer everywhere. Christmas Eve and the big day itself were celebrated with sumptuous gala dinners, ensuring every guest felt special, with joyful wishes of “buon Natale!” at every corner.
We could not have been happier that we had shunned a highbrow ‘design’ hotel. At the Sassongher, it’s all about snug luxury and homely charm. Christmas trees, dazzling lights, sleds brimming with flowers and the comforting crackle of log fires set a vibe straight out of a Mariah Carey video; if we’d have seen Santa himself behind the check-in desk, it wouldn’t have fazed us in the slightest.
The food at Hotel Sassongher
The Sassongher’s is no ordinary hotel buffet, offering an ‘all killer no filler’ selection for breakfast, lunch and dinner in its stylish dining room. The choice is extraordinary, with delicious plates to choose from before the charming waiters take à la carte orders for morning eggs or your main course. Festive treats included the best truffle pasta we’ve ever eaten, rosemary-infused racks of lamb, an haute-cuisine take on Italian classics and an eye-popping selection of desserts and cheese that ended each dinner on a high.
With different generations gathering at their tables to chat and laugh at the end of their busy days, the atmosphere was like one warm family Christmas gathering.
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What to do at Hotel Sassongher
Hotel Sassongher’s expert concierge Paula is this hotel’s secret weapon and will help you make the most of the surrounding UNESCO World Heritage site. She can arrange tours, recommend hiking trails or direct you to the pick of the pistes – no matter how energetic or chilled you want to be.
Non-skiers will find plenty to occupy them with cable cars to the mountain-top ‘refugio’ bars and restaurants for those jaw-dropping terrace vistas, Kaiserschmarrn pancakes and other treats – with a few hot cocktails, of course.
You can learn more about this unique region at the Museum Ladin or browse the boutiques in the town for beautiful wood carvings, local grappa and Stilfser cheese.
Upon your return, the cosy lounges of Sassongher, with their traditional tiled stoves, are a delight. The legendary barman Saro is always ready to wheel over the drinks trolley and prepare his famous aperitifs right at your table. As we lounged around, listening to the pianist belt out carols or playing the vintage jukebox in the lobby, it felt like a glamorous home away from home.
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In 1993, a deaf baby was left on my doorstep. I took on the role of his mother, but I had no idea what the future would hold for him.
