Where To Stay in Cortina d'Ampezzo: The Hotels I loved & Is it Even Worth It?
/How is that the Olympics transformed a tiny Italian village? Well, a town now if you call it. That’s Cortina d’Ampezzo!
When I visited the Dolomites, I was trying to find the best places to stay in and people mentioned Ortisei and Cortina d’Ampezzo was also mentioned as one of the best places to stay in the Dolomites.
But it is super expensive and there are still some places that are not that expensive especially if you know where to base yourself. I stayed in Ortisei, Brixen, Collalbo and finally in Cortina d’Ampezzo.
I found the town more spacious than Ortisei. It felt like you could do more things, shop around and enjoy some nightlife and go for the popular hikes such as Tre Cime, Cadini Di Misurina, Cinque Torri, Lagazuoi and Lago di Sorapis.
Here is my guide on where to stay in Cortina d’Ampezzo
Also read: Where To Stay in The Dolomites: Places & Hotels I Loved!
Not sure where to go? Where To Stay in Cortina d’Ampezzo
where to stay in cortina d’ampezzo? here is the best places and hotels I loved
🚶 Going car-free: Hotel de Len or Ancora Cortina (town centre, no car needed)
🥾 Hiking Tre Cime, Sorapis and Cadini: Hotel Menardi or B&B Hotel Passo Tre Croci (north side of town, car helpful)
⛷️ Skiing or hiking Cinque Torri and Lagazuoi: Hotel Villa Argentina (Pocol, car needed)
🧖 After a spa trip: Rosapetra SPA Resort (edge of town, car helpful)
⛺ On a budget or camping: International Camping Olympia (Fiames, car helpful)
🏔️ Wanting quiet with mountain views: Casa Guargnè (north of town below Pomagagnon, car needed)
🚗 p/s you can rent a car here
📶 Get your e-sim here: I recommend Sim Local
How To Choose Where To Stay in Cortina d’Ampezzo
outside hotel menardi in cortina d’ampezzo, one of the best places to stay away from the crowds
If I were you I would forget about everything else and decide what exactly do you plan to do every morning as that gives you enough time to plan your transportation options and ways to get to the trail
🚗 p/s you can rent a car here
If You Don’t Have A Car: Stay In The Main Town
The most popular street in Cortina d’Ampezzo is Corso Italia. It is the hub where a lot of buses leave from.
The Funivia Faloria cable car connects the center of Cortina d'Ampezzo directly to the Faloria mountain summit.
There is reason why it is the most expensive part of Cortina and you have access to shops, cafes and the mountains. But without a car, being this close to the bus station matters more than anything.
If You’re Here for Tre Cime, Sorapis and Cadini: Stay North
So most of the big eastern Dolomites are actually out of the way. Passo Tre Coci which is the start of the Lago di Sorapis trail is a short drive and if you keep going you reach Misurina, and then the road up to Rifugio Auronzo for Tre Cime and Cadini di Misurina.
If you stay on the north side of the Dolomites, you get to cut down your morning drive and keeps you away from the main town traffic.
Also read: 7 Best Hikes in Dolomites I did (Without the Crowds) in Italy
If You’re Skiing or Hiking Cinque Torri and Lagazuoi: Stay in Pocol
So Pocol sits at about 1,540 metres and it is on the same road towards Passo Falzarego (which is where the Tofane slopes are). This is exactly where you will find ski-in and ski-out stays.
In summer time, you are actually on the road to Cinque Torri and Lagazuoi. The only problem is that you need a car here for pretty much everything.
What If You’re On A Budget? Camp Out in Fiames
Fiames is actually a pine forest that’s about 3.5km north out of the centre and situated at the foot of Pomagagno and Tofane. There are some campsites here, a few small hotels and a pretty cool bike path back into town.
It is the cheapest way to sleep near Cortina.
Also read: The Dolomites I loved: 10 Best Things To Do
The Best Hotels in Cortina d’Ampezzo In My Honest Opinion
the gorgeous cortina d’ampezzo - and yes it is expensive, but the hotels are worth it
I will be real here but Cortina is expensive but it is also a once in a lifetime experience to be here and there is a reason why hiking is built around wellness hotels in the Dolomites.
You have to splurge a bit to have the best experience but there are still so many options to choose from.
When I was there, rooms usually sell out a year in advance sometimes or some few months before. I would spend some time making sure you book them if your heart is set on the Dolomites because yes they’re so worth the extra splurge.
I stayed in Hotel Menardi and loved it a a family run-hotel with a large sprawling garden that’s close to the bike path — but it wasn’t in the centre and it was a 20 minute walk. Here’s my take on the best hotels in Cortina d’Ampezzo.
1. Ancora Cortina (town centre): For being conveniently located
ancora cortina (source:booking.com)
This is perhaps one of the oldest hotels in Cortina. It first opened in 1826 which is crazy and then reopened in 2025. There are about 35 rooms, a spa and terrace right on Corso Italia which is perfect if you want to wind down, enjoy your breakfast and and an aperitivo.
Just a heads up that they close in spring and autumn (April to late May) and (Oct to early Dec)
2. Rosapetra SPA Resort (edge of town): Best for wellness
rosapetra spa resort (source: booking.com)
This is as luxurious as it gets but so worth it. Rosapetra is a 5 star member of small luxury hotels of the world built entirely with wood and stone (how cool is that?).
There is an indoor pool, Turkish bath and saunas plus a free shuttle to the Faloria slopes which are about 1km away.
3. Grand Hotel Savoia (Town Centre): For Just the Classic Cortina Feels
grand hotel savoia (source: booking.com)
This hotel is part of the Radisson Collection and the Savoia is a big polished 5 star hotel in the middle of the town with amazing mountain views. I would say this hotel is great if you want a classic hotel that is attached to a brand name as huge as Radisson.
4. Hotel de Len (town centre): For a Rooftop spa with a view
i love this hotel. hotel de len (source:booking.com)
I love love this hotel! Hotel de len is the old hotel Impero which was fully rebuilt and reopened at the end of 2021. Everything about this property is gorgeous!
The name literally means “of wood” in the local language and you see it in its architecture from the timber interiors to natural materials and that’s why they believe in sustainability.
There are only 22 rooms so it feels more boutique than a “big hotel”.
The highlight is also the spa on the top floor where there is a sauna, steam room and outdoor hot tub looking straight out at the Dolomites. During the summer month, there’s even morning yoga up here and the restaurant serves amazing local dishes with a modern twist.
It’s on Via Cesara Battisti in the centre which is just a few minutes walk from the bus station and the Faloria cable car so honestly it works great if you don’t have a car.
5. Hotel de la Poste (town centre): For The History
De La Poste started out in 1835 as a rest stop for mail coaches and the Manaigo family and it has been running since 1936. A little fun fact but Ernest Hemingway even drank and slept here.
It is next to Piazza Roma so that’s when you know you are right in the town.
6. Hotel Menardi (North Cortina): Away from the hustle
the gorgeous hotel menardi
I stayed here because it was a bit expensive staying in the main town of Cortina. Menardi has been in the same family since 1836 so it is one of the only two historic hotels still standing in its own.
It sits on the Dolomiti bike path just outside the centre and basically a 15 minute walk from everything. The ski bus stops right outside and most rooms have a balcony looking over the hotel’s amazing private park.
There is a small wellness area with a sauna, a Turkish bath and even a hot tub. Nothing too fancy but honestly this was heavens after being out the whole day.
7. Hotel Villa Argentina (Pocol): Best Ski-In Ski-Out on a Budget
This hotel called Villa-Argentina is another amazing family run hotel that’s situated next to the Pocol slopes. This is the perfect hotel if you are skiing in Cortina d’Ampezzo — there is free park, ski equipment rental shop right at the basement and you can have breakfast or half board.
It is also just 10 minutes drive to both town and the Cinque Torri chairlift.
8. Hotel Serena (Town Centre): Easy Base with a Ski Shuttle
Now Hotel Serena is also another one which has great access to ski slopes. This is a great hotel to be and there is even a winter shuttle to the Faloria, Freccia nel Cielo and Socrepes lifts.
👉 Book it here
9. Hotel Columbia & Spa (Edge of Town): Small Spa Without the Five-Star Price
look at this spa!! the best hotel to stay after hiking (source:booking.com)
There are more great hotels without bursting your budget — Hotel Columbia & Spa is actually family run and just 10 minutes away from the centre.
You have your wooden styled rooms and unbelievable views of the mountains. It doesn’t get better than this!
The wellness area is the biggest selling point. How amazing to have Finnish sauna, Turkish bath, jacuzzi and a cold plunge, with mountain views?
👉 Book it here
10. B&B Hotel Passo Tre Croci (Passo Tre Croci): For Sorapis
The B&B Hotel Passo Tre Coci is a great three star hotel there is known to be where the Lago di Sorapis trail starts.
The biggest draw here is that you don’t get the crowds and town vibes and there’s some peace knowing you can get to the trail in no time.
11. International Camping Olympia (Fiames): For Campers
endless views if you are camping in cortina d’ampezzo
I know how hard is it to want to be on a budget in Dolomites which is why this is great because the International Camping Olympia is known for its cabins in the pine forest at Fiames.
There is a pizzeria, bar, sauna and laundry on site. Honestly, it can’t get better than this and probably the cheapest way to sleep in Cortina. Some parts of Autumn it is closed so best to check beforehand first.
12. Hotel Nigritella (Selva di Cadore): Best Value Outside Cortina
This one isn't in Cortina, it is basically in Selva di Cadore on the other side of Passo Giau, roughly 35 minutes' drive away. But if the Cortina prices are too much, this is where your money stretches.
It's a family-friendly three-star facing Monte Civetta and Monte Pelmo, with an indoor pool, sauna, steam room, restaurant and free parking. Most rooms have a balcony. You're also about 15 minutes from Passo Giau and its trails. You'll need a car for this one.
Also read: My Real Dolomites Itinerary: 5 to 7 Days (What I Loved About It)
Do You Even Need to Stay in Cortina d’Ampezzo?
while cycling in cortina d’ampezzo — i mean this view says it all
It all depends what your plan is. I would say it is still worth it to spend 3 days here after you have done Ortisei.
If those two hikes (Cadini di Misurina and Tre Cime) are the whole point of your trip, staying here saves you the drive every morning.
Dobbiaco is also another option and works as a base for Tre Cime from the north side, plus Lago di Braies.
For me, I started with Bolzano, Brixen, Ortisei and then Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Some Helpful Tips For You
The biggest question is ofcourse transportation and staying in Cortina d’Ampezzo means being at mercy of the bus timetables which requires more research and booking.
The good news is that Cortina Express, ATVO, Dolomiti Bus and FlixBus all run from Venice Marco Polo Airport, and the ride takes around two to two and a half hours. It costs around €25 on the Cortina Express for example.
In summer, Dolomiti Bus lines 30 and 31 go from Cortina to Rifugio Auronzo for Tre Cime. If you're car-free, I suggest staying in central locations so you're close to the bus station.
If you're driving, parking is the biggest pain!! Please only book at the centre if the hotel includes parking because if not you will suffer. And if you're planning to drive up to Rifugio Auronzo in peak season, you now need to reserve the toll road online in advance.
I would say shoulder season is the best thing right now. I went in June and it was so much calmer (I mean it snowed 2 days before I arrived and cleared immediately when I came!)
June and September are usually calmer and cheaper than July and August. For skiing, it starts from December to March, and hiking season is June to October. Just note that a lot of hotels and lifts close in the in-between months and they mostly open later in June and July (every year it changes!)
Lastly, think about the crowds. Dolomites has blown up on Instagram (everyone wants that place with the best donuts unfortunately)!
You should know that places like Sorapis and Tre Cime seriously overrun in July and August. In my personal opinion, just go early in the day, take the bus instead of driving and stay a few nights in one place instead of ticking off spots helps more than you'd think.
Some frequently asked questions
What is the best area to stay in Cortina d'Ampezzo?
The town centre if it's your first time or you don't have a car. North Cortina if you're mainly there to hike.
Where should I stay in Cortina for skiing?
Pocol, since it's the only area with real ski-in ski-out hotels. Otherwise, stay central near the Faloria cable car or pick a hotel with its own ski shuttle.
Is Cortina d'Ampezzo expensive?
Unfortunately yes, it's one of the priciest bases in the Dolomites. Going in June or September, staying just outside the centre like how I stayed in Hotel Menardi helped a bit.
How many nights do I need in Cortina?
Three to four nights gives you time for Tre Cime, Cinque Torri and Sorapis without rushing.
So Is Cortina d’Ampezzo Worth It?
Yes, I think Cortina d’Ampezzo is still worth it. If you’re coming all the way, it would be a shame to skip this town. The setting is also unreal and there’s just some kind of energy in the air when you are walking in the main square.
Everyone is hiking, enjoying the views, relaxing at their hotel and eating the best Italian food.
Read my other Dolomites posts:
My Real Dolomites Itinerary: 5 to 7 Days (What I Loved About It)
7 Best Hikes in Dolomites I did (Without the Crowds) in Italy
Cycling In Italy: From Dolomites to Venice in 7 Days (Self-Guided)
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