Are you heading to Cortina d’Ampezzo (or thinking about it) and aren’t sure where to stay? If you’ve checked out hotels already, you know that Cortina is expensive. And, not all areas in Cortina are great spots to base yourself if you’ve visiting with kids.
I’m a mamma of three living in central Italy and I’ve been visiting the Dolomites (including Cortina d’Ampezzo) for over two decades – as a hiking and cycling guide, solo traveler, with friends, with my husband, and now with my three children.
I’ve stayed in hotels (of all levels) and B&Bs in and around Cortina, and I’ve got a good feel for where I’d stay with my kids – both areas and specific hotels and B&Bs.
This information is based on my first-hand experience in Cortina d’Ampezzo as well as input from my kids! We visit during the summer, so these recommendations are best for summer trips. However, you’ll still find plenty of helpful information for winter stays.
Let’s take a look at:
- Things to keep in mind when booking your accommodation in Cortina
- Which areas are best for a family stay in Cortina d’Ampezzo
- Family-friendly hotels in Cortina d’Ampezzo
- Where you could stay with kids near Cortina (I recommend seriously considering these nearby areas for better value)
Be sure to read check out
Cortina d’Ampezzo with Kids
Dolomites with Kids
Where to Stay in the Dolomites with Kids
7-Day Dolomites Itinerary for Families
Accommodation Options in Italy
Andiamo – let’s go!
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Things to Keep in Mind When Booking Accommodation in Cortina with Kids
- ZTLs and Parking – Cortina d’Ampezzo, like cities and many towns and villages in Italy, has a ZTL – zona traffico limitato (limited traffic zone). For example, the main pedestrian zone, Corso Italia, is in the ZTL. If you’re staying in a hotel, you can enter, but parking isn’t available on-site. After dropping off your luggage, you’ll need to park in a nearby lot or garage. If you’re visiting with kids, it can be a pain to not have on-site parking.
Read my guides to
ZTLs in Italy
Parking in Italy
- Cortina’s Walking & Cycling Path – Cortina has an excellent paved path that runs right through town. Even if you’re not staying right in the center, you can stay on the walking path and make your way into town on foot (instead of having to drive in and park). Staying a little further from the center (but still walkable) can save you €€€ in Cortina.
- One-Way Loop Around Town – The main road that loops around Cortina d’Ampezzo is one-way.
- Accommodation in Cortina d’Ampezzo is Expensive. You’re not going to feel like you’re getting great value for your money. So, you’ll need to pay more for your standard of accommodation, or pay your normal amount but how lower expectations for your hotel, apartment or B&B. Or, stay in a nearby town or village for a lower price and drive to Cortina to visit, hike, etc. (more on that below)
- Cortina has Nice Sidewalks – If you’re coming from places like Florence or Rome that have broken, narrow, or nonexistent sidewalks in places, Cortina will be a pleasant surprise. There are plenty of sidewalks leading into town, so you don’t have to stress about walking in the road or having trouble maneuvering a stroller on your way into town.
- Pay Attention to Reviews – There are some dismal hotel and apartment reviews in Cortina, especially with a couple of rental agencies. Avoid hassles and disappointment and look elsewhere, even though the rates are so much better.
- Not all Apartments Provide Linens – Be sure to confirm that sheets and towels are included in the rental fee (or are even available).
- Minimum Stays – During peak visitor periods in Cortina (summer and winter ski season), some hotels have minimum stays (often up to a week).
Areas to Stay in Cortina d’Ampezzo with Kids
My preferred places to stay in Cortina d’Ampezzo with kids are:
- In the town center with direct access to the pedestrian center around Corso Italia
- Near the Olympic Ice Stadium but preferably on the east side of the SS51. You can use the paved walking path to walk into town or cross the SS51 to use the playground and facilities at the Olympic Ice Stadium.
Areas To Think Twice About (But That Are Still Doable)
Around the bus station – If I’m in town with little kids, I tend to avoid the area around the bus station and its big parking lot because the traffic moves quickly on the straight stretch of the one-way ring road. There are also a lot of cars moving in and out of the parking lot. If you’ll be walking in and out of town, it can be stressful with small kids (but definitely not a deal-breaker if you find a good deal on a hotel or apartment).
The hill leading out of town on the SR48 – If you want to be able to walk easily to/from town I’d avoid this area. It’s a little bit further and you have a hill on your ‘commute.’
Via Faloria – Unless your hotel or accommodation offers a shuttle (like Cristallo does, though it’s currently closed for renovations), you’ll be far from the center of Cortina and on an uphill. For me, it feels too far to walk to town with kids.
SS51 south of the town center – If you want to go to town from accommodation in this area, it’s best to drive. You can walk along the road – depending on how far south you are, there’s a sidewalk and the bike path. Hotel Mirage is in this area (family rooms, large grassy area with toys and trampoline) and of better value than some hotels in Cortina, but you’ll need to drive (10-15 min) or walk on sidewalks and the cycling path (40 min) to town.
Good To Know: I keep referring to Corso Italia as a pedestrian zone and it is… but know that vehicles with permission are allowed to enter… taxis, delivery vans, etc.
Family-Friendly Hotels in Cortina
Use this Google Map to look at the areas and hotels I recommend in Cortina d’Ampezzo:
Good To Know: I haven’t listed any apartments here because I haven’t found one in Cortina that I’m happy with yet. Let me know if your family has an enjoyable stay in one!
Sport Hotel Cortina (aka Hotel Barisetti, Barisetti Sport Hotel)
In a quiet location next to the Olympic Ice Stadium (and Cortina’s best playground), and about a 10-minute walk to town along a quiet road with a sidewalk. Renovated suites sleep up to four and one of them has a bathtub. There’s a big grassy area for kids (not fenced) with a trampoline and small slide and an indoor game room.
Check availability and rates – Sport Hotel Cortina.
Càmina Suite & Spa
Càmina Suite & Spa is a renewed version of one of Cortina’s older hotels (Hotel Myriam). It’s not in town, but its grassy backyard is right on the paved path that takes you into the center of Cortina. The front of the hotel is near the main road, so I wouldn’t stay here with early walkers or young kids.
One of Càmina’s rooms sleeps up to 5 people, while two others sleep up to 4. You can take the paved walking path into the center of Cortina (20 minutes). Breakfast available. Rooms have modern décor with light wood and rooms have gorgeous views (choose one in the back).
Check availability and rates – Càmina Suite & Spa.
Hotel Menardi
Hotel Menardi is just next door to Càmina Suite & Spa. I’ve stayed here and love the vintage Dolomites feel and the kind staff. The rooms and décor aren’t as updated as Càmina, but the prices are lower to reflect it, making this a better option if you’re on a budget. Still, remember that Cortina is expensive, so you still won’t feel like you’re getting your money’s worth.
Check availability and rates – Hotel Menardi.
Hotel Cortina
The creatively named Hotel Cortina is one of my top picks for a hotel in Cortina. It’s on the pedestrian Corso Italia and it’s ‘in the action.’
Rooms are decorated in traditional South Tyrolean style, and you can choose a suite for 4 people or connection rooms (2 in one room, 2 in another).
Hotel Cortina is a great option for older kids who don’t need a lot of space in the hotel to run around (there aren’t any common areas here for kids to play). However, there’s plenty of space just outside the hotel (the main piazza and the pedestrian street).
Check availability and rates – Hotel Cortina.
Hotel de la Poste
Like Hotel Cortina, this historic hotel is in a prime location in the pedestrian area of town. There are rooms up to triples and you can get connecting rooms for larger families. There aren’t any family-specific amenities but I’d stay here again, especially with older kids.
Check availability and rates – Hotel de la Poste.
Savoia Palace – Hotel & Residences
This hotel complex is made up of a 5-star hotel (connecting rooms available) and self-catering apartments that sleep up to 6. It’s set just outside the pedestrian center, a 2-minute walk away. It feels a bit like a big hotel chain… because it is (it’s owned by Radisson). But, there are plenty of family-friendly amenities like on-site parking, indoor swimming pool, and a kids club for ages 3-12.
Check availability and rates – Grand Hotel Savoia.
Check availability and rates – Radisson Residences Savoia.
Good To Know: If you’re looking for pure luxury, the Cristallo Resort & Spa (just south of town on the hillside) will re-open in time for the 2026 Winter Olympics as a Mandarin Oriental Resort. I’ve stayed at the Cristallo and appreciate the elegance and epic views, but I found it to be a pain to shuttle to/from the pedestrian center.
Franceschi Park Hotel
Franceschi Park Hotel has a small green area and is just on the edge of the pedestrian center. Décor feels a bit dated, but the location is great. You can also reach the Olympic Ice Stadium playground and mini golf in 5-10 minutes (walking).
Check availability and rates – Franceschi Park Hotel.
Where You Could Stay with Kids near Cortina d’Ampezzo
If you’ve got a car and don’t mind driving, you’ll find much better value accommodations outside of Cortina. I’ve stayed in Cortina d’Ampezzo many times for work and play, but I’ve stayed just as much nearby and usually feel much better about my choice. Here are my top areas to stay nearby and they all work well for Cortina day trips.
Armentarola
Armentarola is a 35-minute drive from Cortina d’Ampezzo. It’s not that far away, but you’ve got to go up and over Passo Valparola and Passo Falzarego. I’m including it because it has two great hotels for families and it’s near other family-friendly spots like the Möviment parks for kids. From Armentarola you’ve got access to flat-ish hiking routes and a lovely malga (taste fresh cheeses!).
Ciasa Salares – This stylish hotel is one of my favorite places to stay as an adult, and I’ve stayed here with kids too. It’s family run, has spacious and well-decorated rooms, choices for restaurants, an indoor pool, and a large grassy area out front. There aren’t kid-specific facilities, so if that’s what you want, it’s probably best for elementary-age and up.
Check availability and rates – Ciasa Salares.
Hotel Armentarola – Just across the street from Ciasa Salares is Hotel Armentarola. Décor in rooms and main areas are more simple and traditional, but it’s got more kid-focused amenities like indoor and outdoor play areas. This is the place where you can enjoy aperitivo on the terrace while you watch your kids play at the lawn playground. There’s also an indoor swimming pool and babysitting service available.
Check availability and rates – Hotel Armentarola.
Pocol
Pocol is a hamlet with a couple of hotels that’s a 10-minute drive from Cortina. It’s just a 12-minute drive to the Cinque Torri (in the other direction).
Hotel Villa Argentina – Deluxe rooms can sleep up to 5 and they’ve been renovated with new light wood interiors and new furniture. There’s a huge grassy area with a little playground (but not fenced and it’s on the road). My boys love running around and kicking a soccer ball here. It has a restaurant (main dishes and pizza) so you don’t have to go into Cortina for every meal. It’s also a family hotel and works hard to accommodate families (cribs, high chairs, kid-friendly menus, etc).
Check availability and rates – Hotel Village Argentina.
San Cassiano
If you want to be in a village near Cortina (Pocol and Armentarola are tiny), San Cassiano is an excellent choice. It’s one of our favorite spots in the area to stay with kids. You’re just a 40-minute drive from Cortina (perfect for a day trip), and you’re also within easy reach of Corvara (15 minutes). From San Cassiano, you can take a gondola up to Pralongià and the amazing Möviment children’s parks and gentle hikes.
Hotel Störes – This is my pick for a stay with kids in San Cassiano. Hotel Störes has a nice playground, there’s green space for running around (but it’s not fenced), and it’s close to the center of San Cassiano and the Piz Sorega lift.
Check availability and rates – Hotel Störes.
Read about what to do with kids and see my recommendations for family-friendly accommodation in San Cassiano in my Guide to San Cassiano with Kids.
Good To Know: There are also accommodations available in the ‘Cadore’ towns south of Cortina, but I prefer the charm and atmosphere of the towns east of Cortina (San Cassiano, Armentarola, etc.).
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I know this was long and full of a lot of information, but I hope it’s helped you make a decision on where to stay in (or around) Cortina d’Ampezzo with your family! Enjoy your stay in Cortina with kids!