Croce Bianca Leisure & Spa Hotel

Maintained by the same family for five generations, there is a lot of personal pride wrapped up in the Croce Bianca Leisure & Sport Hotel. Romantic and intimate, this property actually has a more adult feel throughout, even though the exterior of the property looks a bit like an intricate gingerbread house (kids under 14 are also not allowed in the spa area). The historical element is evident in the displays and antiques throughout the interior (oil paintings of Detone family members --the hotel's owners -- decorate the walls). Guests frequently gather near the cozy bar fireplace or on the terrace (predicated on the season) for an evening drink and to watch the sun go down behind the Dolomites.

Located in the heart of the Dolomites, this hotel is perfectly situated for those wishing to hit the slopes in the winter or hike and bike in the summer. Just minutes from the gondola (and with a stop for the bus to the surrounding mountains literally out the hotel's front door), the Croce Bianca's location makes it easy for guests to get to the Dolomiti Superski (four ski areas in the Dolomite Alps). The hotel itself is located in the center of Canazei and therefore is surrounded by other local shops, restaurants, grocery stores, hotels and bars.

In a nod to the traditions of Northern Italy, the rooms are decorated in an authentic Ladin style that includes heavy wooden furniture, artsy hand-painted floral and patterned accents, and warm colors. The beds are outfitted with plush pillows and duvets, and the bathrooms are clean and tastefully tiled with comfortable additions like whirlpool tubs and rainfall showerheads in some rooms (all rooms include showers/tubs, bidets, hairdryers, and plush robes). In general, the rooms are good-sized, with the suites offering the most space thanks to the extra living room areas and balconies. Pets are allowed at this property, but only on the first floor and for an extra charge. Though there is free in-room Wi-Fi, the connections are weak and intermittent. If it's quiet you seek, ask for a room facing the back of the hotel. Be wary that some rooms feature two twin beds pushed together to form a queen.

The wellness center is undoubtedly a draw. Free to guests, it includes a steam room, sauna, brine baths, crushed ice, and sheepskin-lined loungers. Spa services such as massage are also available. The indoor/outdoor pool with an adjacent whirlpool/hydrotherapy tub also becomes a popular gathering place après ski or hiking (in the summer there is a large garden area in the back as well with sun loungers). There is a small but functional fitness center on property though most people will probably choose to use the Dolomites as their gym during their stay instead, and free bicycles are available in warmer weather. A free daily buffet breakfast is included with the room price and guests may also select a half-board option that includes nightly dinners in the restaurant (with a buffet salad bar, choice of appetizers, and entrees). There is also a wine cellar where guests may dine a la carte and select vino from the extensive wine list. And the Bar Toron is cozy and charming with accents like a fireplace and a grand piano.