Hotel Serena Cortina, Cortina, Italy

· 5 minutes’ walk to the resort centre · 5 minutes’ walk to the nearest lift · ski bus stop outside

Known for its friendly staff and excellent food, the Serena’s a great-value pick. It's on the edge of the resort, which is ideal if you prefer peaceful evenings. But if you do fancy a night out, the main street is just a short stroll away. And getting to the slopes is hassle-free – just catch the public ski bus or hotel shuttle to the main lifts.

The hotel has a traditional look, from the bright green shutters to the frescoed walls. The authentic feel continues inside, with pinewood panelling lining the restaurant and lobby bar. Upstairs, the bright and simply furnished bedrooms are a comfy place to end the day – and some even have balconies where you can step outside to take in the mountain views.

As for the food, wake up to the smell of freshly baked croissants each morning, and fuel up for the day with a continental buffet breakfast. If you’re feeling peckish post-piste, you can grab a light bite from the bar. And when dinner time rolls around, sit down for a four-course meal that mixes Mediterranean flavours with mountain dishes – think platters of cured meats and seafood risottos.

You won’t find many extra facilities here. Spend your off-slope hours relaxing with a drink in the lounge. Or if you fancy soothing your ski muscles, you can pay a little extra and book a slot to use the spa in the nearby Hotel Cristallo.

· restaurant · á la carte restaurant with outdoor terrace · bar · lounge · free WiFi · use of the spa in the nearby Hotel Cristallo (must be booked and paid for in resort) · free shuttle bus to and from the slopes every 15 minutes · ski room with lockers · lift to all floors

All rooms are non-smoking and have a satellite TV, free WiFi, telephone, hairdryer and safe.

Twin room – sleeps 1-2: Twin beds or double bed, private bath or shower and WC. Some rooms have a balcony.

Triple room – sleeps 1-3: Twin beds or double bed, extra single sofa bed when booked for three, private shower and WC. Some rooms have a balcony.

Quad room – sleeps 1-4: Twin beds or double bed, bunk beds when booked for four, private shower and WC.

Note that some triple and twin rooms are eaves rooms with lower beams.

Half Board

· hot and cold buffet breakfast · 4-course evening meal, comprised of a starter, a choice of 2 dishes for both main courses, and a dessert or fruit to finish · Christmas Eve and Christmas Day gala dinners included

Many Italian hotels do not serve free tap water with meals.