Where to stay for the Milan–Cortina 2026 Olympics (from a local!)
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Trying to decide where to stay for the 2026 Winter Olympics? I know, it’s not as easy as it sounds.
Events will be spread across Northern Italy, from Milan’s ice arenas to the ski slopes of Cortina and Bormio. Picking the right base can truly make or break your trip and you don’t want to spend hours and hours stuck on transport.
But don’t worry, I’ve got you! I live in Milan and know all these places well — I spent countless holidays skiing in Bormio and Livigno and often visit Cortina and Verona. So every tip here comes from real experience, not just research.
Whether you want to catch the opening ceremony in Milan, stay close to the slopes, or combine a few Olympic destinations, here’s how to choose the best place to stay (and the hotels I’d actually recommend).
Best places to stay for the 2026 Winter Olympics
Choosing where to stay depends on which events you’re attending and the kind of trip you want. Do you prefer the city buzz of Milan, the alpine atmosphere of Cortina, or a cozy spa retreat in Bormio?
💡 Pro tip from a local
If you plan to move between venues for Olympic events, spend at least one or two nights in each. To give you perspective, Milan to Cortina is about a five-hour drive — a bit more than New York to Boston — so a day trip isn’t really doable.
Here’s a quick overview to help you decide before diving into the details for each destination 👇
|
Destination |
Olympic event |
Why stay here |
Best hotel |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Milan |
Opening ceremony, figure skating, hockey, short track, speed skating |
Perfect for combining Olympic events with culture, shopping, and sightseeing. Great base for the opening ceremony and Northern Italy day trips. |
Room Mate Collection Giulia |
|
Cortina d’Ampezzo |
Alpine skiing, bobsleigh, curling, luge, skeleton |
Ideal for a full mountain experience, breathtaking Dolomite views, and access to world-class skiing. |
Hotel Tofana Cortina |
|
Bormio |
Alpine skiing, ski mountaineering |
Cozy alpine town famous for its slopes and QC Terme spas, perfect for combining sport and relaxation. |
QC Grand Hotel Bagni Nuovi |
|
Livigno |
Freestyle skiing, snowboarding |
A snow-lover’s paradise with long slopes and a lively après-ski scene. |
Park Chalet Village |
|
Val di Fiemme (Predazzo & Tesero) |
Cross-country, ski jumping, Nordic Combined |
Peaceful valley surrounded by forests, perfect for Nordic disciplines and spa lovers. |
Hotel Erica |
|
Anterselva (Antholz) |
Biathlon |
Quiet alpine base close to Cortina, great for biathlon fans who want to stay near the action without the crowds. |
Berghotel Johanneshof |
|
Verona |
Closing ceremony |
Romantic and cultural gem, ideal if you’re attending the closing ceremony only. |
VISTA Verona |
Need help planning? 🇮🇹
I’m a Milan local and travel planner — I can help you design a personalized Olympic itinerary that fits your time and style.
Milan
Milan will take center stage at the 2026 Winter Olympics, hosting the opening ceremony along with all the main ice events, from figure skating to hockey.
I might be biased because I live here, but I love Milan during winter and I’m sure visiting during the Olympics will be such a special experience!
If you’re attending the Games but also want to do some sightseeing, I recommend staying central. You’ll have the metro right at your doorstep, easy access to every venue, and all the main sights just a short walk away.
Hotels will book up quickly, so make sure to reserve early!
Best hotels in Milan for sightseeing and convenience
Room Mate Collection Giulia ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
from 900€/night
A colorful, modern boutique hotel that’s literally one minute walking from the Duomo. Designed by architect Patricia Urquiola, it’s perfect if you want to mix Olympic events with sightseeing and shopping. There’s even a small spa and gym for relaxing after a long day.
Getting to venues:
Milano San Siro Olympic Stadium: 35 min
Milano Ice Skating Arena: 30 min
Milano Santa Giulia Ice Hockey Arena: 15 min
Milano Speed Skating Stadium and Ice Hockey Arena: 25 min
Antica Locanda Leonardo ⭐️⭐️⭐️
from 400€/night
A bit less expensive, it’s a charming boutique hotel near Santa Maria delle Grazie, home to The Last Supper. Peaceful, cozy, and just 10 minutes from the center by metro — a great option with a lovely courtyard garden.
Getting to venues:
Milano San Siro Olympic Stadium: 30 min
Milano Ice Skating Arena: 25 min
Milano Santa Giulia Ice Hockey Arena: 30 min
Milano Speed Skating Stadium and Ice Hockey Arena: 25 min
Be Mate Via Tivoli ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
from 900€/night
Right in Brera, one of Milan’s most beautiful areas — full of boutiques, cafés, and restaurants. Ideal if you prefer an apartment with a kitchen over a hotel room.
Getting to venues:
Milano San Siro Olympic Stadium: 30 min
Milano Ice Skating Arena: 20 min
Milano Santa Giulia Ice Hockey Arena: 25 min
Milano Speed Skating Stadium and Ice Hockey Arena: 30 min
Where to stay close to Milan’s Olympic venues
None of these hotels are right in the city center, but they’re the best (and closest) options near each Olympic venue if you just need a comfortable place to sleep between events.
San Siro Olympic Stadium
B&B Hotel Milano San Siro ⭐️⭐️⭐️
from 900€/night
Simple and clean, just 5 minutes walking to the stadium.
c-hotels Rubens ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
from 500€/night
Comfortable, modern, and close to public transport, so you can reach the center easily. You can reach San Siro in 10 minutes by taxi or 30 minutes walking.
Milano Ice Skating Arena (Assago Forum)
NH Milano Congress Centre ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
from 500€/night
Modern and convenient, just a 15 minutes walk from Assago Forum.
Royal Garden Assago Milano ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
from 700€/night
Great breakfast and unbeatable location if you’re attending multiple skating events. Less than 5 minutes walking to the venue.
Milano Santa Giulia Ice Hockey Arena
Boutique Hotel Borgo Nuovo ⭐️⭐️⭐️
from 200€/night
A cute boutique hotel that feels like a countryside escape right in Milan — calm, cozy, and surrounded by greenery. Downside: no good public transport options here, so you’ll have to take a taxi to the venue.
Collini Rooms, WorldHotels Crafted ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
from 800€/night
Bold design, rooftop terrace, and a fun, artsy vibe. The venue is 35 min walking or 10 min by taxi.
Milano Speed Skating Stadium and Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena
Enterprise Hotel Design & Boutique ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
from 500€/night
Stylish design hotel with a rooftop spa and great value for money.
Radisson Blu Hotel Milan ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
from 700€/night
Spacious rooms, indoor pool, and relaxing wellness area — perfect after a full day at the Games.
Get your free Milan guide for the 2026 Olympics!
Get a free 19-page guide with all the venues in Milan, how to get around, where to stay, what to eat, and what to do between events.
Cortina d’Ampezzo
Known as the “Queen of the Dolomites,” Cortina d’Ampezzo will host alpine skiing, bobsleigh, and curling during the Games.
It’s elegant, lively, and surrounded by some of the Alps’s most breathtaking mountains — if you’ve read my guide to visiting the Dolomites in winter, you already know how magical this place is.
Cortina is also one of the hardest places to find accommodation for the Olympics, hotels sell out early and prices skyrocket fast.
If you’re thinking about staying here, book as soon as possible or look for nearby towns like San Vito di Cadore, which are quieter and cheaper but still pretty close.
Hotel Tofana Cortina ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
from 3000€/night, 7-night minimum
Luxurious and modern with the kind of Dolomite views that make you stop mid-conversation. It’s slightly outside the town center, so you can really relax and enjoy the mountain vibes.
There’s also a spa, an indoor pool, yoga sessions, direct ski access, mini club for kids, activities like wine tastings and private parking with EV charging. It’s pricey, yes, but it’s one of those stays you’ll never forget!
Hotel Natale ⭐️⭐️⭐️
from 2500€/night, 7-night minimum
A cozy, wood decorated retreat right on Cortina’s main street. Good location, friendly staff, and a small spa with sauna and steam bath for post-slope relaxation. The ski bus stops right outside, which makes it super convenient.
If you can’t find availability in Cortina, don’t worry. Nearby towns like San Vito di Cadore are a great alternative, just a 30 minutes drive away. Two examples are FIORI Dolomites Experience Hotel ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (from 1300€ / 7-night minimum) and Residence Peniè ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (from 500€ / 7-night minimum).
Bormio and Livigno
Bormio will host all men’s alpine skiing events. Known for its world-class slopes and thermal baths, it’s ideal if you want to mix sport with relaxation. Livigno will host freestyle skiing and snowboarding events. It’s lively, scenic, and full of energy — a true snow-lover’s paradise.
I used to ski in Bormio and Livigno often as a kid, the slopes are wide, the towns are super cute and nothing beats soaking in the iconic QC Terme’s spa in Bormio with mountains all around you.
If you’re planning to attend competitions here, book early because hotel demand will be sky-high during the Games. Bormio and reach Livigno are about 1 hour by bus.
QC Grand Hotel Bagni Nuovi ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📍 Bormio, from 700€/night, 2-night minimum
An elegant 1836 art-nouveau hotel with direct access to the QC Terme spa (one of my personal favorites!). Expect incredible views, cozy rooms, total relaxation and a bit of luxury.
Ostello Alpino ⭐️
📍 Bormio, from 500€/night, 5-night minimum
Forget the name, this is no basic hostel. It’s stylish, family-friendly, and full of design touches. Private rooms, a restaurant with great food (with vegan options!), and a warm, social vibe make it a great choice for travelers who love nature and good company. Just keep in mind there’s no spa, but you can offer QC Terme without staying at the hotel.
Park Chalet Village ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📍 Livigno, from 1200€/night, 6-night minimum
A dreamy chalet complex with private saunas, jacuzzis, and kitchens in every unit. Perfect if you want privacy, space, and a touch of mountain romance after a day on the slopes.
Eco & Wellness Boutique Hotel Sonne ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📍 Livigno, from 3500€/night, 7-night minimum
Featured in the MICHELIN Guide, this eco-chic hotel pairs sustainable design with cozy alpine luxury. Expect spotless rooms, an intimate spa, and the slopes just a few steps away. Because of its zero carbon emissions and use of geothermal energy, it was also awarded a Casa Klima Class A certificate.
Anterselva (Antholz)
A peaceful valley in South Tyrol framed by forests and peaks, Anterselva will host the biathlon. It’s the perfect escape for anyone wanting to enjoy alpine serenity and snow-covered landscapes.
Berghotel Johanneshof ⭐️⭐️⭐️
from 600€/night, 7-night minimum
Cozy and welcoming with panoramic mountain views (most rooms have a balcony), a small spa, a children’s playground and a sauna.
Mountain Exzelent Residence ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
from 1000€/night, 7-night minimum
Spacious alpine apartments with private kitchens and balconies overlooking the valley. A great option if you want independence and a bit of extra comfort.
Val di Fiemme (Predazzo & Tesero)
This Dolomite valley will host cross-country skiing and ski jumping. It’s a calm and beautiful area known for its spa culture and alpine charm.
Hotel Erica ⭐️⭐️⭐️
from 300€/night, 5-night minimum
A charming stay with a spa, yoga lessons, a sauna, and mountain-view pool. The restaurant serves traditional food with vegetarian and vegan options.
Aparthotel Majestic ⭐️⭐️⭐️
from 400€/night, 3-night minimum
Spacious apartments with fully equipped kitchenettes, as well as a small wellness area and indoor pool — ideal if you want flexibility but still enjoy hotel-style comfort. They also offer a free car park and a gym.
Verona
Romantic and historic, Verona will host the closing ceremony inside the Arena di Verona — a Roman amphitheater that is now an iconic concert venue.
As much as I love Verona, I would only stay here if you’re visiting for the closing ceremony… All other venues are pretty far away, so it’s not an ideal base other than for attending the closing ceremony.
VISTA Verona ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
from 1300€/night
Luxury at its finest: elegant rooms, spa, indoor pool, and a restaurant with views of the city rooftops. Just five minutes walking from the Arena.
Hotel Gabbia D’Oro ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
from 500€
An 18th-century gem in Piazza delle Erbe with frescoed ceilings, antique decor, and a cozy old-world feel. It’s just 10 minutes from the Arena and it’s located in one of the most important squares in the city, Piazza delle Erbe. Ideal if you’re looking for something more traditional.
FAQs
Can you visit more than one Olympic venue?
Yes, you can visit multiple Olympic venues, but it takes a bit of planning. If you want to experience both the city energy and alpine events, combine Milan (for the ceremonies) with Cortina or Bormio for skiing. Add Verona at the end for the closing ceremony. For a smooth multi-stop itinerary, I can help you design a personalized Olympic trip.
Where should I stay if I want to see the opening ceremony?
The opening ceremony will take place at San Siro Stadium in Milan, so it’s best to stay in or near the city center of Milan. You’ll have easy metro access to the venue and be close to Milan’s main attractions, restaurants, and nightlife. Booking early is key — hotels will fill up fast.
Is it better to stay in Cortina or Bormio?
Both are great, but it depends on the events you’re attending. Cortina is perfect for alpine skiing and Dolomites scenery, while Bormio offers amazing slopes, thermal spas, and a more relaxed vibe. If you’re unsure, think about what you want most — luxury and views, or skiing and wellness.
How far are the Olympic venues from Milan?
The main alpine venues are spread across Northern Italy. Expect about 5 hours to Cortina, 3.5 hours to Bormio, and 4 hours to Livigno by car. It’s best to stay overnight if you plan to attend events outside Milan — day trips would be too long during winter conditions.
When should I book my hotel for the Olympics?
As soon as possible! Olympic dates mean high demand, and hotels in popular areas like Milan and Cortina are already filling up.
💡 More information about planning your Olympic trip
For ticket updates, detailed logistics, and travel tips to make the most of your time in Northern Italy, check out my Milan–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics Travel Guide. It covers everything from transport between venues to practical planning advice!
Get your free Milan guide for the 2026 Olympics!
Get a free 19-page guide with all the venues in Milan, how to get around, where to stay, what to eat, and what to do between events.
Ready to plan your Olympic stay?
Each Olympic destination offers something unique — Milan’s energy, Bormio’s spa bliss and Cortina is the perfect base for exploring the Dolomites in winter.
Wherever you choose to stay, Northern Italy will be at its best in 2026.
If you’re still deciding, you’ll love my Milan–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics Travel Guide for extra inspiration.
And if you’re planning to hit the slopes, don’t miss my favorite ski resorts near Milan and in the Dolomites.
If all the logistics sound overwhelming, I can help you put it all together!
I live here in Milan and I’m a travel planner. I can create a personalized Italy itinerary that matches your time, budget, and travel style — whether it’s a full Olympic trip or just a weekend around the Games.
👉 Explore my travel planning services and let’s make your 2026 Olympic adventure unforgettable.
Read more about the Olympics here:
- Milan–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics guide: destinations, venues, and how to plan your trip
- Visiting Milan in winter: ultimate guide from a local (2025)
- Dolomites in winter: a complete guide (2026)
- Best ski resorts in the Dolomites
Need help planning your Italy trip? 🇮🇹
I offer custom itineraries designed around your travel style, starting with a 1:1 call where we’ll go over the places you want to visit, your interests, and any questions you have. Then, I’ll create a detailed itinerary just for you!
If you just need quick advice, you can also book a call on its own for itinerary feedback and travel tips from a local.
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