Best towns & hotels for summer, winter & all visits.
Discover accommodations with breathtaking views in all the best locations.
Thao Vo
May 16 2025
10m
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So, you're dreaming of an epic trip to the Dolomites – fantastic choice! But now you're probably wondering exactly where to stay in Dolomites Italy to make it absolutely perfect, right? You're not alone in asking that. This incredible UNESCO World Heritage area is just packed with jaw-dropping mountains, super charming villages, and stunning valleys that look incredible no matter the season.
With so many amazing spots, picking your home base can feel a bit like trying to choose your favorite ice cream flavor. It's a fun thought, but it can also be a little overwhelming. That's exactly why TravelThru has put together this guide. We're here to walk you through all the best options, highlighting great areas for first-timers, families, ski fans, and everyone in between. Let's find that perfect spot for your unforgettable Dolomites adventure!
Val Gardena is often considered the ideal base for first-time visitors, and for good reason. It strikes an excellent balance between accessibility, breathtaking scenery, and a huge range of activities.
The valley is relatively easy to reach and boasts an efficient public bus system connecting its main villages. Crucially, its extensive network of cable cars, gondolas, and chairlifts (many operating in both summer and winter) provides simple access to high-altitude viewpoints, famous trailheads (like Seceda), and the Alpe di Siusi meadow without needing strenuous climbs. This makes Val Gardena a fantastic option if you prefer not to rent a car.
Whether you're keen on gentle panoramic walks, challenging hikes, via ferratas, world-class skiing (with direct access to the famous Sellaronda circuit), or simply soaking up the alpine atmosphere, Val Gardena delivers. It provides easy access to iconic Dolomite landscapes like the jagged Seceda ridgeline and the rolling hills of Alpe di Siusi.
Val Gardena consists of three main villages:
Ortisei: For a blend of village charm and easy mountain access, this largest village is ideal. It offers a welcoming vibe for families, a lovely pedestrian zone, and the convenience of direct cable cars to the Seceda and Alpe di Siusi.
Selva: The highest village, offering the most direct access to the Sellaronda ski circuit and high-altitude hiking, with a slightly sportier feel.
Here are our top picks to stay in Val Gardena:
Gardena Grödnerhof Hotel & Spa: An upscale 5-star option in Ortisei, known for its restaurants, spa, and access to Alpe di Siusi.
Hotel Wolkenstein: A 3-star hotel in Selva with mountain views and a cozy bar.
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Known as the "Queen of the Dolomites," Cortina offers a glamorous and historically rich experience surrounded by some of the most dramatic peaks in the range.
Choosing Cortina offers an experience of the Dolomites' most iconic and classic scenery. The town itself is bustling and chic, set against the stunning backdrop of mountains like Tofane and Cristallo.
It's an excellent starting point if your primary interest lies in exploring renowned eastern Dolomites hikes and sights such as Tre Cime di Lavaredo (requires a drive), Lago di Sorapis hike, Cinque Torri rock formations, and the Falzarego Pass.
As a larger resort town (and host of the 1956 & upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics), Cortina has extensive shopping, dining, and hotel options, particularly at the higher end.
Cortina is generally one of the most expensive areas in the Dolomites.
While the town itself is walkable, a car is highly recommended for flexibility in reaching the trailheads for many of the best hikes in the surrounding area, as public transport connections to specific starting points can be less convenient than in Val Gardena.
We have some accommodation recommendations tailored for first-timers:
Faloria Mountain Spa Resort: Located in the quieter village of Zuel di Sopra just outside Cortina, offering stunning views, extensive spa facilities, and a peaceful atmosphere.
HOTEL de LEN: A stylish hotel in the heart of Cortina, known for its modern wooden design (reflecting its name), rooftop wellness area, and focus on regional food. The ski bus stops right outside.
Hotel Villa Gaia: Situated about a 10-minute walk from the center, this hotel gets great reviews for its comfort, warm decor, good breakfast, and free parking/Wi-Fi.
Alta Badia seamlessly blends incredible Dolomite scenery with a renowned culinary scene, featuring numerous excellent mountain huts (rifugi and malghe) serving delicious local food along the trails. The hiking here is fantastic, offering access to areas like the Puez-Odle Nature Park and stunning views of the Sella group, often feeling slightly less crowded than the absolute hotspots. It's also a haven for road cyclists tackling the famous Dolomite passes.
Best for: Foodies who love hiking, scenery lovers, cyclists, and those seeking high-quality hotels.
Here are places for your trip across different villages and styles:
Hotel La Perla: A renowned 5-star, family-run hotel known for its charm, multiple restaurants (including Michelin-starred), spa, and excellent service.
Hotel Cristallo - Wellness Mountain Living: Highly-rated 4-star hotel with outstanding views (especially from the pool), excellent food, and professional staff.
Consider Alta Pusteria your key entry point for exploring the majestic northern side of Tre Cime di Lavaredo and the iconic, much-photographed Lago di Braies. Beyond these highlights, it's a hub for fantastic hiking adventures within the Tre Cime Nature Park (Sexten Dolomites) and offers simple routes to discover other picturesque lakes like Lago di Dobbiaco.
Best for: Visitors prioritizing Tre Cime and Lago di Braies, exploring the Sexten Dolomites.
Alta Pusteria offers a fantastic range of lodging. The following are some places you can consider:
Naturhotel Leitlhof: A highly-rated 4-star superior, climate-neutral hotel focused on wellness, with indoor/outdoor pools, excellent food, and great views over the town.
Hotel Alpenblick: Well-located 4-star hotel near the ski lifts in Sesto, offering spacious rooms with Dolomite views, a Tyrolean restaurant, spa, and praised for its friendly service.
If capturing that perfect Dolomites postcard photo is high on your list, Val di Funes is unparalleled. It offers direct access to the breathtaking views of the Odle/Geisler peaks rising behind the charming St. Magdalena church. While the hiking is generally gentler here (like the wonderful Adolf Munkel Trail beneath the peaks), it's incredibly scenic and provides a tranquil escape focused on iconic landscapes.
Best for: Photographers, those seeking peace and quiet, gentle hiking with world-class views.
Unlike some other Dolomite valleys filled with large resorts, Val di Funes primarily offers smaller, family-run accommodations:
Pension Garni Raschötzhof: Well-reviewed B&B/apartments just a short walk from the center of San Pietro, offering panoramic views and a quiet setting. Known for friendly hosts and a great breakfast.
Families and those seeking easy, picturesque hikes will love Alpe di Siusi, Europe's largest high-alpine pasture. Miles of relatively flat trails wind through rolling meadows filled with wildflowers, offering constant panoramic views of the surrounding peaks like Sassolungo and Sciliar. Staying directly on the Alm (in one of the hotels) offers a unique, peaceful escape with traffic restrictions ensuring tranquility.
Best for: Families with young children, leisurely walkers, stunning 360-degree views, a car-restricted environment (on the Alm itself).
Here are some highly-regarded options for your vacation here:
Sporthotel Sonne (Saltria area): Boasts one of the best locations on the Alm with incredible panoramic views and direct access to hiking and skiing.
Hotel Villa Kastelruth: A charming and highly-rated boutique hotel known for its personal service, beautiful setting, and wonderful food.
Ortisei truly shines in winter, retaining its alpine charm with festive decorations and often hosting a delightful Christmas market ('Nadel Urtijëi') in its pedestrian zone. It's an excellent base for non-skiers, offering easy access via lifts (like the Resciesa funicular or the gondola to Alpe di Siusi) to well-maintained winter walking trails with stunning views.
You can also enjoy tobogganing, ice skating, or simply browse the shops and cafes. The village boasts numerous hotels with excellent wellness facilities, perfect for warming up after a day out. Good bus connections remain useful for exploring the valley.
Best for: Christmas market atmosphere (Dec), winter walking, wellness, families, charming village feel.
You might want to consider these places when looking to stay in Ortisei:
Hotel Genziana: A 4-star hotel very conveniently located just a short walk from the Alpe di Siusi ski slopes and the town center. It features a free wellness center with an indoor pool and sauna. Guests praise its location and accommodating staff.
Rainell Dolomites Retreat: Offers panoramic mountain views, a wellness center, and a heated outdoor pool. Situated in the Oltretorrente area, providing a traditional Alpine hotel experience.
Casa al Sole: A highly-rated guesthouse known for its warm hospitality, delicious breakfast, and convenient location.
These villages offer a blend of sophisticated ambiance and traditional Ladin culture. San Cassiano is particularly noted for its charming, upscale feel, while Corvara provides a more central hub. Both provide access to beautiful winter hiking paths, extensive cross-country ski trails, and the opportunity to reach mountain huts via lifts or walks for a cozy lunch with views. Alta Badia is renowned for its high-quality hotels, many featuring superb spas.
Best for: Upscale relaxation, gourmet experiences, winter walking, cross-country skiing, sophisticated atmosphere.
Accommodation recommendations :
Hotel Sassongher: A prestigious 5-star hotel slightly elevated above the village, providing stunning views, luxurious rooms, a free ski bus, an extensive spa, and fine dining.
Hotel Col Alto: A popular 4-star superior hotel with modern rooms, a large wellness complex with indoor and outdoor pools, excellent dining, and a very central location.
These charming villages offer a lovely traditional atmosphere (Castelrotto often has a Christmas market) and provide easy cable car access up to Alpe di Siusi for daytime snow activities. Staying here gives you more village amenities (shops, restaurants, wider range of accommodation) compared to staying directly on the Alm, while still being perfectly positioned to enjoy its winter offerings.
Best for: Traditional village atmosphere, easy access to Alpe di Siusi activities, and more amenities.
Some options for your stay in the Dolomites:
Hotel Lamm: A stylish hotel in the heart of Castelrotto offering modern comfort, a rooftop pool, comprehensive wellness facilities, and fine dining.
Alpine Boutique Villa Gabriela: Known for its personal service, beautiful garden, spa facilities, and excellent multi-course meals.
Hotels commonly offer Bed & Breakfast (B&B), but Half-Board (Mezza Pensione) – including both breakfast and dinner – is extremely popular and often represents great value, especially in areas with fewer evening dining options. Full-Board (Pensione Completa – all meals) is less common.
These are typically smaller, often family-run properties providing lodging with breakfast included. They usually don't have a full restaurant for lunch or dinner.
In South Tyrol's German-speaking regions, 'Pension' is a common alternative term. Garnis and B&Bs frequently offer a more intimate, local experience than larger hotels, with styles varying from traditional and basic to modern and charming.
If you like having your own space and the option to make your own food, check out self-catering apartments. They have kitchens or kitchenettes, so you can save some cash by cooking. You can find everything from a compact studio to a spacious apartment with several bedrooms. Often, you'll see these listed as a 'Residence,' which just means it's a building with lots of these apartments, and sometimes they offer handy shared things like a front desk, laundry, or even a pool.
Apartments offer independence, flexibility, and often more space than a standard hotel room. Cooking some meals yourself can significantly reduce dining costs.
A unique and essential part of the Dolomites hiking experience! Rifugios are high-altitude mountain lodges situated directly on hiking trails, often in spectacular, remote locations inaccessible by road. They provide indispensable shelter, food (usually hearty mountain fare), and lodging primarily for hikers and climbers.
Traditionally, many offered basic dormitory-style rooms with shared bathrooms. While this is still common, many popular rifugios now also offer smaller private rooms (often sleeping 2-4 people), sometimes even with private bathrooms. Half-board is often standard or even mandatory. The atmosphere is communal, friendly, and focused on mountain lovers.
Booking far in advance (often months ahead) is absolutely essential, especially for popular routes (like the Alta Vias) and peak season (July-August). You'll typically need to bring your own sleeping bag liner and a travel towel.
Accommodation is provided on a working farm. This can range from simple rooms within the farmhouse (often B&B style) to separate, fully-equipped apartments on the farm property.
Offers an authentic slice of rural Tyrolean life. Guests often enjoy delicious breakfasts or meals prepared with fresh, local farm products. It's a great way to connect with nature and local traditions, and often very family-friendly. Agriturismos frequently offer excellent value for money.
Standalone holiday homes or mountain cabins are available for private rental.
Chalets provide maximum privacy and space, typically featuring full kitchens, living areas, and multiple bedrooms. They range significantly in style and luxury, from rustic log cabins to modern, high-end architectural homes.
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As you plan your journey to this alpine wonderland, remember that where to stay in Dolomites Italy depends entirely on the experience you seek. Whatever your budget, season of travel, or preferred activities, the Dolomites reward visitors with spectacular vistas, warm hospitality, and memories that will call you back to these magnificent mountains time and again. Your perfect Italian mountain getaway begins with choosing not just a place to sleep, but a home among the clouds.