A Dreamy Sleep Retreat: Hotel de LEN – Review

Set on the high street in the glossy mountain town of Cortina d’Ampezzo, Hotel de LEN is a colourful design den in the Dolomites which combines contemporary Alpine chic with respect for the environment. The sister stay of Puglia sensation Borgo Egnazia, everything is just as dreamy – but the focus at this hotel is on sleep, through slumber-inducing interiors, cutting-edge technology and soothing spa treatments. Harriet Compston reviews. 

Review: Hotel de LEN

STAY

Credit: Alessandro Amodio

Having opened in 2022 after three years of renovation, this sustainable sanctuary, with its striking matchbox-style façade, is a sophisticated masterclass in wood – unsurprising, as ‘de LEN’ means ‘wood’ in the local Ladin language. The 22 bedrooms are lined with reclaimed fir and Swiss pine, recovered from the surrounding area before being whipped into shape by Cortinese craftsmen. Both types of wood have been chosen carefully: fir for its ancient perfume and relaxing effects (both physically and mentally) while pine improves sleep quality and has antibacterial properties. 

The desire for a good night’s sleep shines from every corner of the bedrooms. A Magma13 ‘Sleep Radiance Panel’ is positioned at the base of each bed. The technology reorganises and restores natural ambient energy, prompting better sleep thanks to the increase in the flow of energy in the body. The atmosphere is further improved by Orpheus, a filter, which captures and shields radiation from devices (laptops, tablets and phones), and Astreo, another powerful tool, which gets rid of ‘dirty electricity’ from the power grid. 

EAT

Credit: Alessandro Amodio

The de LEN restaurant has nailed the Ladin cuisine, a blend of Italian and Tyrolean flavours, which focuses on a connection to the land. Cue homemade Ampezzo cheese, local vegetables, game and fish (from the Venetian lagoon). Hearty meat dishes (order the braised roe deer with blueberries and polenta) sit alongside mouth-watering goulash, potatoes conjured up into exquisite gnocchi and platters of speck. Not forgetting Casunziei – Cortina’s famous beetroot-stuffed ravioli. The local approach also infuses the cosy fire-lit bar, with its speakeasy vibe, which offers local beers and barrel-aged cocktails.   

INDULGE

Credit: Alessandro Amodio

High up in the eaves is the rooftop spa, whose jaw-dropping views will stop you in your tracks, particularly at morning yoga. There’s a serious treatment menu, overflowing with every massage possible (the tension-releasing massage is perfect after a day on the slopes) alongside body scrubs and a ‘total body lift’. Otherwise, enjoy the steam room, bio-sauna, ice waterfall, salt sauna, snowy-peak-facing outdoor hot tub and an ‘emotional shower path’ of different temperatures. For something super special, treat yourself to the ‘spa by night’ – an all-out wellbeing extravaganza with a three-course private dinner, blissful massage and the spa exclusively yours. 

DO

Credit: Ben Schott

Known as ‘The Queen of the Dolomites’, Cortina is on the map for outstanding skiing – and about to get its moment in the winter sun as the main site for the 2026 Winter Olympics. Alongside a whopping 750 miles of pistes, there’s the Cortina Skyline, a new gondola, which connects two of Cortina’s three ski areas and means you can whizz your way to Alpe di Siusi, perhaps the longest downhill-only experience in the world. However, this mountain town is, in fact, a great all-rounder throughout the year. Peaks, lakes and forests decorate the verdant landscape, plus it’s brilliant for hiking and biking. The cobbled town of Cortina itself makes for a magical wander, with a lovely market square, artisan workshops and glitzy après ski scene. 

THE FINAL WORD

Credit: Ben Schott

Hotel de LEN is the perfect package, with its sleep-centred approach, stand-out food and rooftop spa. Couple that with an abundance of thrilling activities, all set in the fabulous quintessentially Italian mountain town of Cortina.

BOOK IT

The Sleep programme at HOTEL de LEN starts at €1,275 on B&B basis (based on two people sharing). The package includes two nights, Spa by Night: 5 Senses experience, and a yoga session. hoteldelen.it