Auronzo di Cadore: A Small, Family-Sized Hotel

As a mountain enthusiast and lover of authentic places, every time I return to the Cadore area, I’m struck by the genuine beauty of these lands. While walking near Lake Santa Caterina, I came across a property that immediately caught my attention: a family-run hotel, simple and genuine, with huge potential to become a small gem of modern mountain hospitality.

The building has a solid foundation, both structurally and emotionally: it features 10 rooms spread across two floors, all with private bathrooms, and some with small balconies. Even in its current state, the rooms hold great value, but I can easily imagine a restyling that would make them even more welcoming for today’s travelers — with natural materials, understated comforts, artisanal details, and a design that honors tradition while offering a contemporary feel.

On the ground floor, you’ll find the heart of the hotel: a bar area, once well known in the region for its excellent pastries. Here, I see the opportunity to create a lively meeting point not only for overnight guests, but also for hikers, cyclists, and travelers passing through — a place to enjoy breakfast, relax after a walk, or savor a local dessert in a warm, homely atmosphere. Next to it, the kitchen offers enough space to develop a simple yet curated culinary offering, perhaps with a small menu based on local, seasonal products.

The basement could be transformed into a wellness area, complete with a sauna and relaxation zone, while the large attic — still waiting to be explored — could be converted into a cozy, multifunctional loft: a space for activities, small events, or even a few panoramic suites.

Cadore has a deep soul, and properties like this have the potential to become a new kind of hospitality: respectful, rooted in tradition, yet able to speak the language of today’s travelers. With a thoughtful but decisive renovation, this hotel could be reborn as a contemporary mountain retreat with the warmth of a family home.