Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Guide – Accomodation

Making your hotel reservation far in advance is advised. Short-term rentals, including those offered through websites like Airbnb and Booking, are among the options, as are hotels and bed & breakfasts. These platforms do not, however, necessarily have the most affordable costs. After choosing your lodging, we advise getting in touch with the establishment directly since this could lead to a lower cost.

It’s crucial to finish the entire booking process—including payment—on the platform itself if you decide to make your reservation via an online listing site or platform. Properties that ask you to complete payment outside of the site through bank transfers or prepaid card top-ups should be avoided as frauds, especially those run by private individuals. Regrettably, new types of fraud appear as technology advances. Even when using a platform to complete the full procedure, frauds can still occur. In these situations, you might be eligible for a refund if the platform did not take the necessary precautions to protect your data. Additionally, keep in mind that internet platforms serve only as a middleman between you and the hotelier or property owner. 

Any differences between the accommodations that were reserved, and the listing’s description are not their responsibility. Any promise made by the platform to help you locate other accommodations is subject to its policies and is not required by law. 

Carefully review the terms and conditions before confirming your reservation, paying special attention to your rights in the event of cancellations or changes. Verify the property’s legitimacy and make sure it is officially registered by looking up the manager’s address, phone number, email, and tax information using tools like the VIES website.

Keep an eye out for “hidden additional costs.” Unexpected expenses for things like breakfast, parking, late check-in, and final room cleaning are common for travellers. Therefore, it’s crucial to confirm which services are included before making a reservation.
Important: If the accommodations do not match the description that was given at the time of booking, take pictures to prove the difference and try to work out a solution with the property owner or, if the booking platform allows it, with the platform itself. Ask the owner if there is another property available with the same terms as your original contract if there is no way to resolve the issue. Request a price reduction or the chance to end the contract and get your money back if this isn’t possible. 

Always check with the hotel directly for information like the rate’s inclusions, cancellation policies, and price.
Finally, unlike other sorts of purchases, you are not entitled to a 14-day withdrawal period even if you reserve the accommodation online or remotely. The hotel’s cancellation policies or those specified in the rental agreement will apply if you choose to cancel your reservation. There are various booking options. If you’re not ready to commit completely, choose a rate that offers free cancellation near your departure date or one that is refundable. To be aware of your rights, you should always read the property’s exact terms and conditions. 

You won’t be immediately eligible for a refund if your reservation is non-refundable, even in the event of unanticipated events (such illness, revoked leave, or aircraft cancellations). Negotiating a refund, a rescheduled stay, or a future use voucher with the hotel or property owner will be your burden.

Travellers may be asked to pay the tourist tax, a mandated cost, for each night they stay in a lodging establishment in the city they are visiting. The kind and classification of the lodging affect the price. While some platforms or properties offer online payment, the tax is typically paid directly to the lodging provider at check-out. The receipt should be kept as evidence of payment. Some traveller groups, such children or people with disabilities and the carers they accompany, might not be required to pay the tourist tax. It is advised to visit the official website of the place where the lodging is reserved for comprehensive details on pricing or specific questions.

In Italy, every accommodation—whether it’s a hotel or a non-hotel property—must be officially registered with the relevant authorities, such as the local municipality or region. Registration requires a license that ensures compliance with safety, hygiene, and quality standards.  To promote transparency and safety in tourism, it is mandatory for every accommodation to have a National Identification Code (CIN). This code must be clearly displayed outside the property and included in all online and offline advertisements. The CIN is an important safeguard for travellers. It helps avoid scams involving fake listings or unauthorized accommodations and provides useful information to protect your rights in case of issues. Before booking a stay, always check for the CIN. You can look up this information in the Database of Accommodation Facilities and Properties Intended. If the CIN is missing or does not match the database, consider reviewing your booking options to ensure a safe and secure stay. By checking for the CIN, you can enjoy a stress-free and safe travel experience.

• Book early to secure the best value for money.
• Check for the National Identification Code (CIN) and verify that the accommodation is listed in the official database.
• Read booking terms carefully, including refund policies and extra charges, and make sure included services are clearly stated.
• Review traveller feedback but approach online reviews critically to assess reliability.
• Contact the accommodation before booking to confirm key details like price, availability, services, and the existence of the property.

Pay close attention to your luggage’s safety in common hotel areas. Avoid leaving bags unattended in lobbies while waiting for check-in or check-out, or in dining areas. Even if these spaces are monitored by cameras, they are not always secure, and hotels are generally not liable for theft if they did not take possession of your belongings.

Many hotels offer extra security measures like in-room safes or baggage storage services—be sure to ask about them and use these options when available. Your vigilance plays a key role in protecting your valuables.

Here are a few additional tips:

• Label your luggage with your name and contact information but avoid using your home address for privacy reasons.
• Keep a list or take photos of valuable items before traveling.
• Use TSA-approved locks for extra protection when leaving luggage in public spaces or during transport.
• Store valuables like passports, cash, and electronics in a safe if available, or deposit your bags at the reception if secure storage is offered.
• Avoid leaving tempting items visible inside your bags.

Remember, claiming compensation for stolen belongings can be complex, even if the hotel has insurance. You would need to prove both the hotel’s liability and your ownership of the items.

First, report the nonconformities you found to the relevant lodging facility’s management, ideally in writing, so they have a chance to resolve the matter. If they don’t provide support for noncompliant services, you can also get in touch with the platform through which you find the lodging. Don’t forget to save documentation of your correspondence. You can contact the European Consumer Centre (ECC) in your own country if you reside in an EU Member State, Iceland, Norway, or the United Kingdom and your attempt to resolve the issue fails. As an alternative, if you live outside of the EU, get in touch with your nation’s embassy or consulate in Italy, or bring up your disagreement with the tourism division of the municipality where the lodging is located.

Useful tips for keeping your luggage safe during your stay

• Even when security cameras are in place, don’t leave backpacks or suitcases unattended in lobbies or other public spaces.
• Make use of the luggage storage facility. Ask the reception desk for a safe place to store your bags if you must leave them there,
• Don’t leave valuables on display within your baggage. 
• Ask the receptionist about extra services offered for luggage protection to learn more about the hotel’s security protocols.