Milan Cortina 2026 Olympics: Budget Accommodation Guide

17/02/2026

⬛ QUICK ANSWER (READ FIRST)
For Milan Cortina 2026 Olympics, affordable stays will be limited near peak dates.
Think hostels, guesthouses, B&Bs, shared rooms, and stays in nearby towns with good transit links.
Book early, set alerts, and consider buses or trains from Milan to save money.

Why finding budget stays will be challenging

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo will be huge — and visitors know it.

Hotels sell out fast. Prices climb. Even simple rooms in small towns get booked early.

But with planning, flexibility, and smart choices, you can still find budget accommodation options that don’t break the bank.

This guide shows you how to do it right.

1) Understand the geography first

The Olympic events are spread out.

Milan – a major city with more hotels, hostels, and transit options.
Cortina d’Ampezzo – an alpine resort town with more limited and expensive options.
Nearby towns – places like Bolzano, Verona, Bergamo, and Trento may offer lower prices if you don’t mind transit.

Staying slightly farther from the venues and using trains or shuttles often saves money.

2) Book as early as possible

This cannot be said enough.

For major events like the Olympics:

Affordable rooms disappear first.
Rates climb weeks or months before the games.
Popular dates fill faster than you expect.

Set booking alerts and lock in any reasonable price you find early — waiting too long costs more.

3) Consider hostels and budget hotels

Yes — they’re worth it.

Hostels in Milan and bigger towns will be your best bet for cheap beds:

Dorm beds (shared) are cheapest.
Smaller family-run hotels often price lower than big chains.
Some hostels offer private rooms at lower rates than hotels.

If you’re okay without luxury, these options help you stretch your budget.

4) Look for guesthouses and B&Bs

Away from big hotel brands, local guesthouses and B&Bs can be great value.

These often:

Include breakfast
Are run by locals who know the area
Stay reasonably priced
Offer authentic Italian charm

Nearby towns outside Cortina often have many such places.

5) Use public transportation strategically

Milan has excellent trains and buses.

If you stay in Milan and travel to events elsewhere:

Trains to the Alps run frequently
Coaches connect smaller towns
Regional tickets can be inexpensive

Planning your travel route first helps you choose the best location for budget stays.

6) Shared rentals and home stays

Platforms that list shared rooms, apartments, or guest rooms are worth exploring.

Benefits include:

Splitting costs with travel buddies
Cooking your own meals (big savings)
Better rates for longer stays

Always read reviews and check cancellation policies.

7) Smaller towns around Cortina are gold mines

Places like:

San Vito di Cadore
Calalzo di Cadore
Dobbiaco/Toblach
Brunico/Bruneck

These towns are often cheaper than Cortina itself. They’re connected by bus or train, making them realistic budget bases.

8) Booking tips to save money

Some practical tactics:

Use flexible dates — even a day earlier/later can change prices.
Filter for free cancellation — in case plans shift.
Book refundable transit tickets.
Bundle stays with transport passes if possible.

These small choices save money and stress.

9) Be ready for peak pricing and limited rooms

During the Olympics:

Prices double or triple near venues.
Small hotels book months in advance.
Holiday rentals are scooped up fast.

Manage expectations — affordability often means compromise on location, comfort, or timing.

10) Local transport and last-mile connections

If staying outside main towns:

Check bus links to Milan and Cortina venues
Trains run to many Alpine towns
Some shuttle services may be added for Olympics events

Good transit means cheap stays don’t feel remote.

FAQ – Budget Stays for Milan Cortina 2026

Question	Answer
Will cheap rooms be available during the Olympics?	Some, but they sell out quickly.
Is Milan a better budget base than Cortina?	Yes, due to more options.
Can nearby towns be cheaper?	Almost always.
Are hostels safe for solo travelers?	Yes, if they have good reviews.
Should I book now?	Yes, as early as possible.
Can Italian trains reduce costs?	Yes, trains are often affordable.

Final takeaway from real travel experience

Budget accommodation for the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympics is possible — but it takes early planning, flexibility, and a bit of compromise.
Whether you choose hostels, guesthouses, shared rentals, or nearby towns, the key is to secure something early, think about transport, and be ready to adapt.

With the right approach, you can enjoy the Olympics without overpaying for a room.