Castlerotto is just on the other side of the Alpe di Siusi from the cable car to Ortisei, so its access to this vast and beautiful alpine plateau is second to none. Sitting right in amongst the spires of the Dolomites, the Alpe di Siusi is a glorious green meadow in summer, and a perfect white ski field come winter, ideal for beginners and families. Easy access to Ortisei also means great access to the rest of the Seceda ski area and the Dolomite Superski region. Not that Castelrotto has no charms of its own! As well as the picturesque location, Castelrotto is the largest town around the Alpe di Suisi, with a charming pedestrianised centre with rows of shops and cafes, and pretty houses, plus a beautiful church to build a town square around. For our Gurus, the best places to stay in Castelrotto are those with plenty of alpine charm, and breathtaking views, and within those parameters are hotels in all shapes and sizes, from traditional chalets and ski lodges, to boutique hotels.

There are plenty of reasons to recommend Castelrotto to families. It’s not just the ski fields with their wide, smooth and sunny nursery slopes, Castelrotto also has a great collection of restaurants and cafes, easy public transport links to other local towns and ski areas, and plenty of fun winter activities to try — ever been sledging, tobogganing, snowshoeing or been pulled in a sleigh like Santa? In summer the cross country skiing trails turn into walking trails, which leave right from the centre of town. If your family thrives on lots of space you might find the best accommodation options on the outskirts of town. Here there are lots of hotels with grounds and gardens, many with play equipment too. In summer these are great picks for hikers and bikers too.

Castelrotto’s atmosphere is warm and friendly, with a German edge that comes from hundreds of years of shifting borders — Castelrotto is close enough to the German border to have a German name too: Kastelruth. You can see it in the architecture, and in the cuisine.

Don't forget that this is a popular destination both during the peak winter and summer months. So if you want to guarantee a room in one of the best places to stay in Castelrotto, do your research and book well ahead.