Are you planning a trip to the Dolomites and wondering where to stay? I completely understand – because the Dolomites aren’t just one place. It’s a vast mountain region in northern Italy, spanning three regions and 26 mountain ranges. It can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry – it doesn’t have to be.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best areas to stay, whether you’re dreaming of epic hikes, charming alpine villages or simply want to wake up to a view that makes your jaw hit the floor.
I also recommend hotels in each area across three different price ranges, so there’s something for every travel budget.
Where to stay in the Dolomites? Let’s get started.
Best Areas in the Dolomites
Here’s a quick overview of the best areas to stay in the Dolomites:
- Val Gardena (Ortisei) – Best base for first-time visitors ⭐️
- Cortina d’Ampezzo – Glamorous mountain town with Olympic prestige 💎
- Alta Badia (Corvara) – Gastronomy and luxury in the Alps 🍽️
- Alta Pusteria (Dobbiaco) – Family-friendly with access to Tre Cime 👨👩👧👦
Click on the area name to see the best hotels in the area.
Before You Book: Important Things to Know About the Dolomites
Before we dive into the individual areas, there are a few things you should know about planning a trip to the Dolomites.
You need a car. Yes, it’s possible to get around by public transport in some areas (Val Gardena is excellent for this), but generally a hire car will give you far more freedom. The mountain roads are narrow and winding, but also some of the most beautiful stretches of road in Europe. Just be prepared for the fact that 50 km can take an hour and a half in the mountains.
Check prices on car hire here.
Book well in advance. The Dolomites are extremely popular in summer (July-August) and during ski season (December-March). Many hotels require a minimum stay of 3-4 nights, and the best places are booked out months ahead. Start your search early.
Choose 1-2 bases. Although it’s tempting to hop around, I recommend choosing one base and exploring from there. The distances are longer than they look on the map. If you have a week, you can combine two bases – for example Val Gardena and Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Summer is best from mid-June to mid-October. The hiking trails typically open in June, and cable cars run from mid-June to mid-October. September and early October are fantastic with fewer tourists, stable temperatures and the most beautiful autumn colours.
1. Val Gardena (Ortisei) – Best Base for First-Time Visitors ⭐️
Val Gardena is the area most people start with – and for good reason. The valley, stretching from the Gardena Pass to the Sella Pass, is simply the Dolomites’ most stunning postcard motif with dramatic peaks, green meadows and charming villages.
Quick Facts: Val Gardena 📍
- Distance to nearest airport: 45 min to Bolzano, 2 hours to Verona
- Public transport: Excellent – free Val Gardena Mobil Card included with all hotels
- Nearest airports: Bolzano (BZO), Verona (VRN), Innsbruck (INN)
- Supermarket: Several in Ortisei centre
- Price level: 💰💰💰💰 (4/5)
- Safety: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Val Gardena is the best-connected valley in the Dolomites, and that’s a huge advantage. All hotels in the area give you a free Val Gardena Mobil Card, which covers buses throughout the region and to the neighbouring valley of Alta Badia. This means you can actually manage without a car here – something quite unique in the Dolomites.
The valley has three main towns: Ortisei (St. Ulrich), Santa Cristina and Selva. Of the three, Ortisei is the most versatile base. The town has the best infrastructure with restaurants, shops and a cosy pedestrian area. From here you can take the gondola up to Seceda, which offers one of the most iconic views in the entire Dolomites – the jagged Odle peaks against a sky so blue it almost looks unreal. Trust me, you’ve seen the photo on Instagram.
See the best hotels in Val Gardena here.
From Ortisei you can also take a cable car to Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm) – Europe’s largest high-altitude plateau. Imagine miles of rolling green meadows with the Dolomite peaks as a backdrop. It’s perfect for easier hikes and is one of those places where you truly understand why the Dolomites are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The atmosphere in Val Gardena is a fascinating blend of Italian and Austrian culture. The area belongs to South Tyrol, and most locals speak German AND Italian. So you get the best Italian food combined with Tyrolean cosiness – Apfelstrudel and espresso in the same bite, if you will.
- See all my Germany travel guides here.
If you want more action, head to Selva at the eastern end of the valley. Selva is closer to the mountain passes and is the starting point for the Sella Ronda – the famous route around the Sella Group, which is fantastic both in summer (hiking or cycling) and winter (skiing). From here there’s direct access to lifts connecting you with Alta Badia, Arabba and the rest of Dolomiti Superski.
A downside? The price level. Val Gardena isn’t cheap, especially in peak season. An average 3-star hotel costs around 300 EUR per night in summer, and 4-star hotels are often above 500 EUR. But the quality is generally exceptional – even budget places in the Dolomites have a standard that would be mid-range elsewhere.
Hotels in Val Gardena
Gardena Grodnerhof – Hotel & Spa ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is the creme de la creme in Ortisei. Gardena Grodnerhof is located in the centre of town with panoramic views of the Dolomites and offers an award-winning restaurant, a spa area with indoor pool and rooms decorated with the perfect blend of alpine charm and modern luxury. The staff remember your name, and the breakfast is an experience in itself.
Previous guests particularly highlight: “We loved everything about this hotel. Excellent restaurants, spacious and renovated rooms, fantastic spa and friendly, professional staff. Located in the centre of Ortisei, close to all attractions.”
Hotel Ronce ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Hotel Ronce is one of the best mid-range hotels in Ortisei. Located on the hillside above town with a view that’s hard to beat – you can see the entire Val Gardena valley from the balcony. The hotel has a sauna, large garden and a breakfast buffet that’ll make you skip lunch. It’s a 10-minute walk down to the centre (uphill is a bit more demanding, but that’s exercise!). All rooms have a balcony with a view.
A recent guest wrote: “Fantastic location above Ortisei with the most beautiful view. The staff are incredibly helpful and suggested the best hiking routes. The breakfast was exceptional.”
B&B Lavi Ortisei ⭐⭐⭐
Looking for something more intimate and personal? B&B Lavi is a small bed & breakfast with just three rooms, run by a charming local family. It feels more like staying with friends than at a hotel. Rita, the host, makes homemade breakfast every morning and happily shares tips about the area. There’s an indoor pool, hot tub and a terrace. Located within walking distance of Ortisei centre.
Guests especially love: “Rita was the most hospitable host! She made sure we had an amazing stay and gave us the best tips about Ortisei. It felt like staying with a local family.”
2. Cortina d’Ampezzo – Glamorous Mountain Town with Olympic Prestige 💎
Cortina d’Ampezzo is the Dolomites’ most famous town and has been the playground for the rich and famous since the 1950s. The 1956 Winter Olympics put Cortina on the world map, and the town has now hosted the 2026 Winter Olympics. This means the infrastructure has just received a massive upgrade.
Quick Facts: Cortina d’Ampezzo 📍
- Distance to Venice: Approx. 2 hours by car
- Public transport: Buses to Dobbiaco (train station), but car recommended
- Nearest airports: Venice Marco Polo (VCE), Treviso (TSF), Innsbruck (INN)
- Supermarket: Several in centre
- Price level: 💰💰💰💰💰 (5/5)
- Safety: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Cortina is the Dolomites’ answer to St. Moritz or Chamonix. The town has a glamour about it that’s hard to find elsewhere in the mountains. Corso Italia, the car-free main street, is filled with designer shops, elegant cafes and restaurants serving everything from pizza to gourmet cuisine.
In the evening, locals and tourists take “la passeggiata” – the Italian evening stroll – and the atmosphere is unforgettable.
But Cortina is far more than shopping and espresso.
See the best hotels in Cortina d’Ampezzo here.
The town is surrounded by some of the Dolomites’ most spectacular peaks. Tofana di Mezzo (3,244 m) rises dramatically above the town, and the Freccia nel Cielo cable car (“Arrow in the Sky”) takes you up to 2,828 metres with a view that literally takes your breath away. Cinque Torri – five free-standing rock formations – is one of the most popular hikes and can be reached by lift from Cortina.
The great thing about Cortina compared to Val Gardena is that you’re closer to the eastern Dolomites’ major attractions. Tre Cime di Lavaredo (the Dolomites’ most iconic mountain formation), Lago di Braies and Lago di Sorapis are all within an hour’s drive. Lago di Sorapis in particular – a lake with almost unrealistically turquoise water – is a hike you mustn’t miss (but arrive early, it’s popular).
The downsides? Cortina is expensive. It’s simply the most expensive place to stay in the Dolomites.
Furthermore, Cortina isn’t as well connected by public transport as Val Gardena – you really need a car here.
Hotels in Cortina d’Ampezzo
HOTEL de LEN ⭐⭐⭐⭐
One of the highest-rated 4-star hotels in Cortina. HOTEL de LEN is located in the heart of town with a modern, warm design that blends alpine style with contemporary elegance. The ski bus stop is right outside the door (handy in winter), and in summer you’re within walking distance of all hiking routes and lifts. The breakfast is excellent and the staff are friendly and helpful. A solid mid-range choice.
A recent guest wrote: “Such a cosy place to stay in Cortina. The staff are super friendly, the rooms are beautiful, and the location is perfect. The breakfast was lovely. Highly recommended.”
A charming 3-star hotel in a good location in Cortina with a terrace, restaurant and bar. Ciasa Lorenzi is a family-run hotel offering good, clean rooms at a reasonable price (at least by Cortina standards). The staff are incredibly helpful and can give tips on hiking routes and local experiences. Perfect if you want to experience Cortina without blowing the budget.
Guests especially love: “A fantastic hotel. The staff were wonderful! Great location and cosy atmosphere. Definitely worth recommending for a stay in Cortina.”
Considering a road trip through Italy? Also check out my guides to where to stay at Lake Garda and the best places to stay at Lake Como.
3. Alta Badia (Corvara) – Gastronomy and Luxury in the Alps 🍽️
If Val Gardena is for first-time visitors and Cortina for glamour seekers, then Alta Badia is for foodies and those seeking authentic alpine luxury.
The area boasts an extraordinary concentration of gourmet restaurants – including Michelin-starred establishments – combined with a relaxed, unspoilt atmosphere.
Quick Facts: Alta Badia (Corvara) 📍
- Distance to Bolzano: Approx. 1 hour 20 min
- Public transport: Free ski buses, summer buses between villages
- Nearest airports: Bolzano (BZO), Innsbruck (INN), Verona (VRN)
- Supermarket: Conad City in Corvara centre
- Price level: 💰💰💰💰 (4/5)
- Safety: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Alta Badia is one of those regions in the Dolomites that has managed to hold on to its authenticity. The area is home to the Ladin culture – a small people with their own language, traditions and a culinary culture that’s completely unique. The Ladin “stua” restaurants (cosy rooms with wooden panelling) serve dishes you won’t find anywhere else.
See the best hotels in Alta Badia here.
Corvara is the region’s main town and sits in a sunny valley at the foot of the impressive Sassongher mountain. From here you can take the Col Alto gondola up to the Pralongià plateau – a wonderful, flat high-mountain area with easy hiking trails, world-class mountain food at the many rifugios (mountain huts) and panoramic views in every direction. It’s the Dolomites’ answer to a walk in the park – just 2,000 metres above sea level.
Alta Badia is also the centre of the Sella Ronda route, and from Corvara you have direct access to the lift system. In summer the lifts are used by hikers and mountain bikers, and many places you can hire an e-bike and explore the mountain passes without too much effort.
One of the great advantages of Alta Badia is the value for money. Compared to Cortina you get significantly more for your money here, and the quality is at least as high. It’s not cheap – we’re still in the Dolomites – but you notice the difference.
The Ladin cuisine is in a class of its own. Stua de Michil at Hotel La Perla has a Michelin star, and even the simple mountain restaurants serve dishes that would cost twice as much in a city. Try “canederli” (bread dumplings) and “cajinci” (local ravioli filled with spinach and cheese). It’s comfort food on a completely different level.
The downsides? Alta Badia is quite isolated. You need a car, and the distances to the eastern Dolomite attractions (Tre Cime, Lago di Braies) are longer than from Cortina.
There’s also a bit less “town life” than in Cortina – Corvara is a village, not a town.
Hotels in Alta Badia
Hotel Sassongher ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The 5-star Hotel Sassongher is Alta Badia’s finest address. Located in Corvara with views of the Sassongher mountain, the hotel offers a fantastic spa with pool, large rooms with balcony and mountain panorama, and a restaurant that takes the South Tyrolean food tradition seriously. Free parking and ski bus make it easy to get around. This is the hotel you choose when you want to treat yourself.
Previous guests particularly highlight: “A fantastic place with incredible breakfast and dinner. The spa facilities are excellent. The staff are friendly and professional. The location in Corvara is perfect.”
Hotel Marmolada ⭐⭐⭐⭐
A solid and well-liked 4-star hotel in the alpine village of Corvara. Hotel Marmolada is just 100 metres from the ski slopes and has a wellness centre with pool, sauna and hot tub, a furnished terrace and free wifi. The rooms are comfortable with mountain views, and the half-board options make it easy (and delicious) to eat locally. A perfect base for those who want to be close to the lifts.
A recent guest wrote: “Everything was fantastic! The pool, the sauna, the dining facilities, the rooms and the friendly service. The location is perfect for both hiking and skiing.”
Hotel Italia ⭐⭐⭐
A charming family-run 3-star hotel in the heart of Corvara, run by the same family since the 1930s. Hotel Italia offers a pool, spa with Finnish sauna and Turkish bath, and rooms with mountain panorama and balcony. The breakfast is a wonderful buffet with homemade cakes and local produce. The location is perfect – you’re 300 metres from the Col Alto lift and right by the bus stop.
Guests especially love: “Fantastic hotel with fantastic staff. The food was excellent, and the spa facilities were clean and lovely. The location in the middle of Corvara is perfect for everything.”
4. Alta Pusteria (Dobbiaco) – Family-Friendly with Access to Tre Cime 👨👩👧👦
If you’re travelling with children, or if Tre Cime di Lavaredo and Lago di Braies are high on your bucket list, then Alta Pusteria is your area. This northern valley is more relaxed, more affordable and closer to the Dolomites’ most iconic sights than anywhere else.
Quick Facts: Alta Pusteria (Dobbiaco) 📍
- Distance to Cortina: Approx. 35 min by car
- Public transport: Train station in Dobbiaco (connections to Bolzano and Lienz in Austria)
- Nearest airports: Innsbruck (INN) 1.5 hours, Venice (VCE) 2.5 hours
- Supermarket: Eurospar and local shops
- Price level: 💰💰💰 (3/5)
- Safety: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Alta Pusteria has a completely different feel to the western Dolomites. It’s more Austrian than Italian here – German is the primary language, the architecture is more Tyrolean, and the cakes are even better (if that’s even possible). It feels like crossing the border into Austria without leaving Italy.
See the best hotels in Alta Pusteria here.
Dobbiaco (Toblach in German) is the ideal base. The town has a train station with connections to Bolzano and beyond, making it possible to get here without a car. From here it’s only 30 minutes to Tre Cime di Lavaredo – the three free-standing rock towers that are the Dolomites’ ultimate icon.
- The hike around Tre Cime (approx. 10 km, 3-4 hours) is surprisingly manageable and can be completed by most people with reasonable fitness.
Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee) – the emerald-green mountain lake that became famous via Instagram – is also just 25 minutes from Dobbiaco. Arrive early (before 9am) to avoid the crowds, or even better: book an overnight stay by the lake to experience the sunrise before the tourist coaches arrive. Note: in summer there’s traffic regulation, and you need to either arrive early, park and take the bus, or have a reserved parking space.
For families, Alta Pusteria is a dream scenario. The terrain is generally flatter and more accessible than in the western Dolomites, and there are plenty of easy hikes suitable for children. Val Fiscalina is a beautiful valley with easy trails, and along the old railway path between Dobbiaco and Cortina you can cycle with the whole family on a flat, paved path with spectacular views.
The price level in Alta Pusteria is the lowest of the four areas I recommend. You can find good 3-star hotels for under 180 EUR per night, and the quality is still high. Many hotels offer half-board, which is a fantastic deal – dinner is often a 3-course menu with local specialities.
The downsides? Alta Pusteria is more “traditional holiday” than “hipster mountain experience”. It’s not the place for nightlife or gourmet shopping. And the distance to the western Dolomites (Val Gardena, Alpe di Siusi, Seceda) is too far for day trips. But if Tre Cime, Lago di Braies and family-friendly experiences are what you’re after, this is where you should stay.
Hotels in Alta Pusteria
Hotel Moritz ⭐⭐⭐⭐
A family-friendly hotel in Dobbiaco with great facilities for children. Hotel Moritz has a large garden with playground, indoor pool and a wellness area that gives parents a well-deserved break. The rooms are spacious (important with kids!), the breakfast is hearty, and there’s the option of half-board with excellent food. Free parking and central location make it easy to get around.
A recent guest wrote: “Perfect family hotel. The children loved the pool and playground, and we enjoyed the fantastic food and spa facilities. Located close to everything in Dobbiaco – we could walk to restaurants and the supermarket.”
For budget-conscious travellers, Haus Greg is a perfect solution. These self-catering apartments in Dobbiaco give you the freedom to cook your own meals (there’s a Eurospar right across the road) and save money. The apartments are clean, spacious and modern with a fully equipped kitchen, bedroom and living room. The location is central with restaurants and cafes within walking distance. Perfect for families or couples who want their own “home” in the Dolomites.
Guests especially love: “Perfect location and fantastic apartment. The kitchen had everything we needed. Supermarket right across the road. We loved our stay and used it as a base to explore Tre Cime and the surrounding area.”
Where You Should NOT Stay in the Dolomites ❌
There are a few things you should avoid when choosing accommodation in the Dolomites.
Bolzano as a base: Bolzano is a nice town with a charming old quarter, but it sits in the valley floor and not in the Dolomites themselves. The drive up to the mountains is 45-60 minutes, and you’ll spend far too much time in the car. Use Bolzano as a stopover town, not a base.
Canazei and Val di Fassa: These areas are popular but generally offer less charm and more mass tourism than Val Gardena and Alta Badia. Hotel quality is often lower for the price. If you have the choice, go with Val Gardena instead.
Too small and remote villages: It can be tempting to book a cabin in the middle of nowhere for the ultimate peace and quiet. But many places in the Dolomites require 30-45 minutes of driving on narrow mountain roads just to reach the nearest restaurant or attraction. Choose one of the larger villages as a base instead, and enjoy the peace on your daily hikes.
Hotels without parking: If you’ve hired a car (and I recommend you do), always check that your hotel has free parking. Parking conditions in the small mountain towns can be chaotic, especially in peak season.
Whatever you choose, you really can’t go wrong. The Dolomites are simply one of the most breathtaking places in Europe – a place where nature surpasses anything you can imagine.
Enjoy your trip to the Dolomites! 🏔️
Travel ressources & websites I use all the time 👇
• Booking.com has the best offers on hotels and unique places to stay
• GetYourGuide is the best place to book tours & activities with free cancellation
• Welcome Pickups is the best & safest place to pre-book airport transfers
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