This June, we ticked off a bucket‑list trip to the Dolomites, and one of the absolute highlights was staying at the Grand Hotel Savoia in Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Cortina d’Ampezzo itself is known as the “Queen of the Dolomites.” Sitting 1,224 metres above sea level, it’s a town surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks and soft green valleys. Visiting in spring means you get the best of both – snow-dusted summits and meadows bursting with wildflowers. And right in the centre of town, is the Grand Hotel Savoia who has been welcoming travellers (and their four-legged friends) since 1912.
In this review, I’m sharing every detail of our experience, from our first impressions and our beautiful room to the delicious dining options, spa facilities, local must-sees, and, of course, what our dog Moose thought about it all! So without further ado, let me tell you why Grand Hotel Savoia is the perfect base for exploring the Dolomites with your dog.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
We pulled up at the Grand Hotel Savoia and my jaw practically hit the floor. It felt like stepping straight into a classic movie with the hotel’s stately façade, framed perfectly by the jagged peaks of the Dolomites. Within seconds, the doormen were at our car, welcoming us like old friends of the hotel, that they were genuinely excited to see. They grabbed our bags and led us inside to check in.
Inside, the hotel’s historic charm sweeps over you immediately with its gleaming marble floors, tall ceilings, and nods to its glamorous early 20th-century roots. The front desk team greeted us with smiles, and best of all, open arms for Moose. He was fussed over immediately, setting the tone for the stay. Right away, we knew this was a hotel that truly loves dogs as much as we do – they were dog people.
OUR ROOM
We stayed in one of their Collection Superior rooms with a Dolomites view, and honestly, if this is the entry-level offering, the bar is set very high. We walked in and were greeted with the loveliest surprise, a thoughtful welcome gift of a bottle of bubbles, fresh strawberries, and macarons that we devoured almost immediately. Speaking of welcome treats, Moose had his own welcome hamper waiting for him too. A comfy plush dog bed, food and water bowls, welcome treats and a guide to all of the dog-friendly hikes and adventures around Cortina d’Ampezzo. It’s these little things that go a long way, and make travelling with your pet feel easy and special.
The room itself struck that perfect balance between classic Alpine charm and modern luxury. Warm wood panelling, crisp white linens, and touches of rich velvet made it feel cosy yet grand. The bathroom was a highlight in itself. Marble floors, fluffy robes, and a deep soaking tub I took full advantage of (with a glass of bubbles, naturally). Of course, the room had all the essentials too: a well-stocked minibar, Wi-Fi, and loads of wardrobe space for all our layers and hiking gear. One thing we’ve noticed with hotels in the Dolomites is they’re built with the winter season in mind, so even in spring or summer, there’s so much space and practical storage, which is something you really come to appreciate when you’re living out of a suitcase.
Our room had these floor-to-ceiling doors that opened onto a balcony with the most incredible stretch of the Dolomites right in front of us. It was the kind of view, that I personally feel, makes it entirely acceptable to stay in your room all day just staring out, totally mesmerised. Moose definitely agreed.
THE SPA AND WELLNESS CENTRE
One thing Moose definitely didn’t approve of was leaving him behind with Dad while I escaped to the spa. Sorry, Moose, but sometimes a little “me time” is non-negotiable, and the spa at Grand Hotel Savoia quickly became one of my favourite parts of the whole stay.
When I arrived, the spa receptionist kindly gave me a tour of the facilities. The space is beautifully designed, calm, serene, and quietly luxurious. There’s a heated indoor pool, a bubbling whirlpool, sauna and steam room. Plus, there’s a gym if you’re feeling motivated, a relaxation room, a beauty room and private treatment rooms if you really want to indulge.
Typically, travelling with Moose and Farley means we’re always on the move, so it’s easy to forget how important it is to take a moment for yourself. This short stay gave me exactly that chance to slow down. I spent a few blissful hours drifting between the pool, sauna, and whirlpool while Farley and Moose had some boy time. It was just what I needed. If we’d had more time, I would’ve definitely booked one of their signature massages – next visit for sure!
FOOD AND DRINK
We’re total foodies. Good eats are definitely a way to our hearts. Grand Hotel Savoia really knows how to make sure you won’t be going hungry, and that your taste buds leave with a lasting impression.
Mornings started with one of the most generous breakfast spreads I’ve seen. We’re talking fresh bread and pastries, eggs cooked just the way you like, fresh fruit, local cheeses, cereals, smoked salmon, pancakes (both sweet and savoury), and of course, Farley’s favourite – strong, rich Italian coffee. Honestly, the breakfast alone could warrant its own blog post.
What made it even better? Moose was welcome in the restaurant. We’d checked beforehand because so often dogs are restricted, but at Grand Hotel Savoia, dogs are welcome just as much as humans. So Moose loved curling up under the table, charming fellow diners with his adorable eyes. And as always, those eyes worked. Guests would stop by our table and ask to say hello, and you could see their faces light up the moment Moose wagged his tail. The staff also made sure he had his own water bowl each morning. One waiter went so far as to serve it just as he would pour a fine bottle of wine, checking Moose’s approval before topping it up.
Come late afternoon, which, let’s be honest, quickly turns into evening, we treated ourselves to an aperitif (maybe two) at the 1224 Bar Lounge Bar and Terrace. One cocktail inevitably led to another, and naturally, those drinks had to be followed by pizza. In fact, some of the best wood-fired pizza we’ve had! The Lounge Bar’s menu is super laid-back and casual, just the vibe you want after a day of hiking. But if you’re feeling something a little more fancy, or maybe celebrating something special, the hotel’s 1224 Restaurant Cortina offers fine dining with a creative menu inspired by the region’s flavours. And yes – dogs are welcome here too!
LOCAL AREA
Cortina d’Ampezzo is one of the Dolomites’ most popular tourist destinations and the perfect base for exploring so much of the mountains without constantly having to pack up and move hotels. The location of Grand Hotel Savoia couldn’t be more central, placing you right in the middle of town, steps from the shops, cafés and restaurants. We loved wandering the cobbled streets, taking in the views, popping into local boutiques and picking up a few souvenirs. That, of course meant adding to our tradition of buying fridge magnets and Christmas tree decorations.
In winter, Cortina is famous for being a top ski resort, it’s a total skier’s paradise. Right now, the town has an extra bit of excitement with the locals busy getting ready to host the Winter Olympics next year. It’s fascinating to see how the community is gearing up for the event, and it’s clear that accommodation will be in high demand, we can only imagine every room in Cortina will be booked solid.
But even if you’re not here for the slopes (like us), and visiting in the warmer months, there’s still loads to do. And one of the biggest perks of staying at Grand Hotel Savoia is the access to nature right from the doorstep. The hotel team were incredibly helpful, recommending several hiking trails. One morning, we set out on the stunning Lake Sorapis hike, a trail that rewards you with surreal turquoise waters nestled among towering peaks. (I’m currently working on a detailed guide for that hike, so stay tuned). And if you want to see more of the Dolomites, there’s so much within an hour or two’s drive: places like Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Lago di Braies, Val Gardena, Alpe di Siusi. It’s all so doable from Cortina.
MOOSE AND HIS STAY
If you’ve been following us for a while, you’ll already know that Moose isn’t just our dog, we treat him like he’s our first born child. He’s our little adventure co-pilot, and it wouldn’t feel right to leave him behind, and honestly, we don’t believe he should miss out on life’s best moments either.
It’s one thing for a hotel to simply allow dogs, but it’s another thing entirely for them to truly welcome and celebrate pets. Grand Hotel Savoia gets it absolutely right. They’re real dog people here, and it shows in the little details like the welcome hamper waiting for Moose, and the warmth with which they greet him. From the moment we stepped through their doors, Moose was treated like a VIP guest in his own right.
He quickly settled into his own routine at Grand Hotel Savoia. He loved his mornings, greeting the team who not only remembered his name, but who made a big fuss every single day. He loved lounging in the lobby, watching people come and go. He loved our long walks through Cortina, and our hikes in the Dolomites even more. He loved hanging out with his favourite doormen, and acting us the unofficial concierge. And at the end of each day, there was no better feeling than seeing Moose snuggled up in our room, paws twitching as he dreamed about the day’s adventures. Knowing he was so happy and comfortable, living his best life, made our stay all the more special.
We’ve stayed at a lot of so-called “dog-friendly” hotels over the years, but Grand Hotel Savoia genuinely sets the bar higher. For us, and for Moose, it felt like a home away from home, just with a much fancier lobby and far better views! If you’re wondering whether to bring your dog to the Dolomites, don’t think twice. Moose gives it five paws up.
So, to sum it up, our stay at Grand Hotel Savoia was a wonderful experience that combined classic Alpine luxury with a genuine, warm welcome for both guests and their dogs. The hotel’s beautiful setting in the heart of Cortina d’Ampezzo, along with its comfortable rooms, excellent dining, and relaxing spa, made it an ideal base for exploring the Dolomites. As you can probably guess, what really stood out to us was how dog-friendly the hotel truly is. It was a hotel that truly welcomes dogs – not just tolerates them.
If you’re dreaming of a luxury stay in the Italian Alps that’s not only iconic but truly dog-friendly, this historic five-star hotel should be at the top of your list. We left with tired legs, a few extra fridge magnets for our collection, and a Moose who, if we’re honest, would have happily moved in permanently to greet his favourite doormen every morning.
Until next time, Cortina – and thank you, Grand Hotel Savoia. We’ll be back one day, we promise!
