We will be in the Dolomites in late October (21-24) and are uncertain if hotels will be open and we can find availability or should we have reservations in place?
Would you recommend both the Val Venosta as well as The Val Gardena. Would you go to both?
We are planning on renting a car in Bolzano. Any recommendations or observations? Car rentals are easy here?
Thank you very much for any opinions you may offer.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
16144 posts
You will be fine just winging it in October. Many of the smaller, family-run places will be closed for a break, but you should be able to find something, especially in Ortesei. I am not familiar with Val Venosta; only Val Gardena and Val Badia, and the area near Tiers. You could decide based on weather.
We rented our car at Bolzano ( from Hertz) but had to go out to the airport to pick it up. We took a taxi from the train station but I don't remember the exact cost.
Posted by
53 posts
Many places are closed until the ski season starts so I suggest doing some leg work online rather than going door-to-door. ;-)
Renting a car in Bolzano, airport or not, is probably more expensive than at a bigger city so it is probably worth going out to
the airport to save some money.
Posted by
Long Beach, California, USA
3391 posts
We wing it in the Dolomites even in the height of summer and have never had a problem finding a place to stay. I've never been to Val Venosta but have spent a lot of time in Val Gardena...stunning! Nowhere like it on Earth in my opinion!
Bolzano is a fair sized town. We have rented form Maggiore car rental and have also used public transportation. It is much easier to get around with a car so good call on that...some of the more remote, beautiful areas are difficult to reach otherwise. Roads can be extremely winding, high, and exciting but that's where the best views are!