Spanish hotel group Melia has expanded its coverage in Italy, signing to add a hotel in the Dolomites to its Affiliated by Melia collection brand.
The new hotel will join the group when it opens in May 2026, benefitting from Melia’s international marketing and distribution, and connection to the group’s growing loyalty scheme. It will be Melia’s first offering in the iconic Dolomites region of Italy, building the group’s presence to 16 hotels across the country.
Growing in the Italian Market
The new hotel occupies a central position in the town of Auronzo di Cadore. The destination is considered to be the gateway to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, three peaks that help define what the Dolomites region is all about – a great outdoor play park for those who love hiking, climbing and winter adventure sports.
This will be a four star property, with an intimate 53 rooms. Guests will be able to enjoy a spa, all-day restaurant and bar, while just a stroll away they can experience the majesty of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cadore Dolomiti. For skiers, a winter stay provides easy access to Dolomiti Superski, a series of ski hills with no less than 450 lifts, and around 1,200 kilometres of ski slopes through a dozen different towns and villages, all united with a single access ticket.
“The Dolomites are one of the most spectacular destinations in Europe and perfectly represent the kind of unique experiences we want to offer our guests,” said Gabriel Escarrer, president and CEO of Melia Hotels International.
Local partner and hotel management company Gruppo Stay will be collaborating to deliver the hotel. Founder Andrea Franceschi is building the business to become a larger platform, focused on operating hotels across the region. Currently managing eight hotels, the business also looks after a number of short term rentals in Cortina d’Ampezzo, and has more than 100 employees.
The Affiliated by Melia brand has allowed the Spanish group to build a new collection of individual hotel properties, all distinctly different. New additions to the brand include the Hotel Elisa in Tirana, and Hotel Las Águilas Tenerife. In early 2026, it will add the 167 room Hotel Cusco La Paccha in Peru.
Expanding Across Europe, and Into New Markets
And that will be joined in the coming months by Melia Begur, in the Girona region, which will launch following a refurbishment, to be completed during 2026. Melia will be collaborating with Summum Hotel Group on their fifth project together, expanding the provision of premium and luxury hotels across Spain.
Elsewhere, Melia continues to strike out into new markets, while consolidating its position in its home Spanish market. In late 2025, the group signed new hotels in Honduras, and Bahrain. A four star resort in Honduras will be rebranded to Sol Roatán Media Luna Resort, in a collaboration with the HMResorts group. And in Bahrain, Melia will open its first hotel in 2027 on Amwaj Island. The project will include 150 hotel rooms plus 106 branded residences, which Melia will manage.
