For groups of four or more, an apartment is the cheapest way to stay on a ski holiday. Compared with a hotel you save a lot on meals, you get more space and the atmosphere is more relaxed. Choosing the right apartment takes some care, though: this guide covers the pros, the cons and everything you need to know.
Hotel or apartment: the full comparison
The choice between a hotel and an apartment depends on several things: the size of your group, your budget, how long you are staying and the kind of holiday you want. Here is an honest comparison.
Hotel vs apartment at a glance
| Feature | 3-star hotel | Apartment |
|---|---|---|
| Price per person (one week) | €600-1,200 | €350-700 |
| Breakfast included | Yes | No (kitchen available) |
| Dinner included | Half board available | No |
| Daily cleaning | Yes | Often weekly only |
| Ski room | Usually | Rarely |
| Shared spaces | Lobby, breakfast room | Private living room and kitchen |
| Privacy | Moderate | High |
| Freedom over meals | Limited | Total |
| Food savings (one week) | - | €300-600 per person |
| Best for | Couples, 2-3 people | Families, groups of 4+ |
When an apartment makes sense
An apartment almost always pays off for groups of four or more staying five nights or longer. Most of the saving comes from food: cooking just breakfast and 3-4 dinners out of 7 can save €200-400 per person compared with always eating out.
For couples or short stays (2-3 nights), a hotel is often still better value once you factor in convenience and the services included.
Where to find apartments
Mainstream booking sites
The big booking sites are not just for hotels: they often list apartments, residences and holiday homes, with reviews, filters for facilities and clear cancellation terms.
Browse the Funivie.it accommodation guides
Why use a mainstream booking site:
- Verified reviews (only guests who stayed can review)
- Secure payment through the platform
- Detailed filters (kitchen, parking, ski room, pets)
- Free cancellation at many properties
Airbnb
Airbnb has a wide choice of private homes, chalets and apartments in ski resorts. You often find places with something special (a chalet with a sauna, a great view, a spot right by the slopes) that are not listed elsewhere.
Tips for Airbnb in the mountains:
- Check the real distance to the lifts carefully
- Read winter reviews in particular (icy paths or driveways, heating)
- Ask the host about parking and access in snow
- Check whether the final clean is included or extra
Local websites and agencies
Many ski resorts have local estate agencies or dedicated holiday rental websites. They often have the best local options, and their staff know the area.
Reliable local websites and agencies:
- ValdiFassa.com: apartments in Val di Fassa
- ValGardena.com: apartments in Val Gardena
- Livigno.eu: apartments in Livigno
- Local agencies: search Google for ‘appartamenti vacanza’ plus the name of the resort
Apartment prices by resort
| Resort | One-bedroom, sleeps 4 (per week) | Two-bedroom, sleeps 6 (per week) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cortina d’Ampezzo | €1,800-4,000 | €2,500-6,000 | Very expensive, book early |
| Madonna di Campiglio | €1,400-3,000 | €2,000-4,500 | Limited supply |
| Val di Fassa (Canazei) | €900-2,000 | €1,300-3,000 | Good value |
| Livigno | €1,000-2,200 | €1,400-3,200 | Duty-free shopping offsets the cost |
| Sestriere | €700-1,600 | €1,000-2,400 | Among the most affordable |
| Bormio | €800-1,800 | €1,100-2,600 | Plenty of choice |
| Val Gardena (Selva) | €1,100-2,500 | €1,500-3,500 | Dolomiti Superski on the doorstep |
Prices for 7 nights in high season (January-February). Summer and low season: 40-60% less.
What a holiday apartment includes
What you get varies a lot from place to place. Always check.
Usually included
- Use of the apartment and its rooms
- Kitchen equipment (pans, plates, cutlery, coffee maker)
- Beds with pillows and duvets
- Heating
- Wi-Fi
- Parking space (often)
Often NOT included
- Bed linen and towels: sometimes included, often for hire (€20-40 per set)
- Final cleaning: almost always extra (€50-120 depending on size)
- Service charges and energy: sometimes billed separately for winter stays with heavy heating use
- Covered parking: can cost an extra €8-15 a night
- Ski room: not always available in private apartments
Booking tips
Deposit and contract
If you book outside the big platforms (through an agency or directly with the owner), it is normal to receive a holiday rental contract and to pay a deposit (caparra) of 30-50% when you book.
Before you pay the deposit, check that:
- The apartment really exists (ask for recent photos or a video call)
- The contract clearly sets out all the terms (check-in and check-out, cleaning, linen)
- There is an insurance policy or refund guarantee if you are forced to cancel
- You pay through a traceable channel (bank transfer, card), never in cash or with anonymous prepaid top-ups
Security deposit
Many apartments ask for a security deposit (€100-500) at check-in, refunded when you leave once the apartment has been checked. Always take photos when you arrive to record the condition of the apartment.
FAQ
What is included in the price of a holiday apartment?
It depends on the property. Usually the price covers use of the apartment, furniture, an equipped kitchen, heating and Wi-Fi. Often NOT included: bed linen and towels (to hire or bring), the final clean (paid separately, €50-120), covered parking and high electricity use. Always read the listing and the terms carefully before you book: security deposit, final cleaning, linen and cancellation rules vary a lot from one property to another.
Is bed linen always included?
No. In many Alpine apartments bed linen (sheets, pillowcases, towels) is for hire or you bring your own. Hire usually costs €15-30 per full set per person. Some places include it in the price, others charge separately. Always check before you book. For short stays, many guests bring linen from home to save money.
How much is a typical security deposit?
A typical security deposit for a mountain apartment is between €100 and €500, depending on the size and the value of the furnishings. You pay it at check-in (usually in cash or as a credit card pre-authorisation) and get it back within 24-48 hours of leaving, once the apartment has been checked. If there is damage, the owner keeps what is needed to cover the repairs.
What are the usual check-in and check-out times?
Holiday apartments usually have stricter times than hotels for practical reasons: check-in is usually from 15:00 or 16:00 and check-out by 10:00 or 11:00. These times leave room for cleaning between guests. For early check-in or late check-out, contact the owner or agency in advance: it can often be arranged, especially when there are no arrivals or departures close together.
Related articles
Plan your stay
Choose where to stay in the mountains
Accommodation guides near the lifts, with areas and practical selection criteria.