Anyone have recommended places to stay in the Dolomites/Italian Alps area? Considering staying in Castelrotto or Bolzano...was also thinking of renting a car from Venice and heading to Dolomites, and then on to Lake Como region. Anyone have a suggestion as far as this idea? Thanks.

Hi, I often go skiing in Selva di Cadore. It's a beautiful area above Belluno. I think you should see Venice, instead of Como, it's beautiful and so romantic! ciao

Hi there. I stayed in Molveno, which was possibly the most beautiful little town I've ever seen. It's on a lake surrounded by mountains. There's lots of great hiking, as well as many other readily available outdoor sports. I think there's a Molveno website that will tell you everything about the town and has many pictures. All that being said, when I was there (2 years ago) the population of the town was about 2/3 over 65. There was no nightlife, and I don't think I ever saw anyone else (aside from my travel companion) my own age - 18 at the time. But if you're going with friends for only a couple days, and love hiking, Molveno is perfect.

http://www.molveno.it/indexuk.htm

JoshP: last May, we were in the Dolomites in Castelrotto. Gasthof Zum Turm - Albergo Alle Torre is the hotel we used in the center of town Tel 04 71 706346 e-mail: [email protected] They have a web page you should be able to find on a google search. It is a small, friendly, reasonably priced hotel. However, there are plenty of places to stay to choose from there. It is a lovely town -- with little to do in the evenings (most places close early) But there is plenty of nice hiking you can do during the day (if it is summer, or skiing in winter) Balzano would be the better choice if you want a night-life experience. You don't need a car if you really don't want one, as the bus system is very good.

Several years ago, we stayed in Bolzano at Hotel Citta Stadtt-sp? Right on the little main square, very charming, with great views of the mountains. We were driving from Germany to Venice, and only stayed overnight, but I would stay there again. Helaine

Josh, Either Castelrotto or Ortisei will be your best home base. We have stayed in both. The www.hotelwolf.it is the best value. Enroute to Como consider a stop in Riva del Garda.

BobTN...what is Ortisei like? Is is bigger or smaller than Castelrotto? I was thinking of going from Venice to Castelrotto to Como/Varenna via rental car...do you know if I can drop a rental car in Como area, or should I drop it in Bolzano? We are really excited to see the Dolomites...so I thought by car would give us a lot more freedom. Is the Como area a good place to have a car as well? Thanks.

Josh, Ortisei is very nice and bigger than Castelrotto with more going on. They are only :15 apart. Do a search and find the site for Val Gardena.<BR>Yes, you want a car. After the Dolomites, drive down the west side of Lago Garda if you have time. You can drop the car in the city of Como either before or after Varenna. If you drop before, you can hydrofoil to Varenna--a nice ride. If after, you can then train to Milan and wherever. Good luck !

BTN, Do you have a car company you recommend? Know of any places to stay in Como region that you like?

I always use autoeurope.com, but I call them at 800-223-5555. I suggest a compact with stick shift. Since you are coming from the east I would stay in Varenna. Look at Hotel Milano and Albergo Olivedo. From there you can boat the Lake--Bellagio and Mennagio.

BTN, I checked autoeurope.com (online) and they require a min of 3 days for car rental...do you know of another car company that would work for just 2 days?

I just returned from a weekend in Canazei - beautiful skiing, easy on and off the slopes, great town with lots of bars and restaurants - only problem is that it can be difficult to get a room. <BR><BR>Bolzano is beautiful but not as much skiing as some other areas.