Planning a trip to the Dolomites, Italy and wondering where to stay? You’re in the right place. As someone who has hiked in the Dolomites more than 20 times, I can tell you that where you stay can totally shape your experience. Whether you’re looking for jaw-dropping views, charming alpine villages, or easy access to some of the best hiking trails in Europe, the Dolomites deliver.
This guide gives you the best villages and towns for hiking, sightseeing, and those long alpine lunches with a view. It’s especially geared for summer travel and ideal if you’re not doing a hut-to-hut trek like the Alta Via 1 (though you totally should—more on that later).
We’ve also included three handpicked hotel options per place: one 3-star, one 4-star, and one 5-star/luxury stay. That way you’ve got choices, no matter your budget or travel style. Let’s get you closer to those peaks.
Cortina d’Ampezzo
Cortina d’Ampezzo is often dubbed the “Queen of the Dolomites”—and it’s not just hype. If you’re looking for an all-around base that combines iconic hikes, gorgeous mountain backdrops, and a lively village vibe, this is your spot. It’s in the eastern Dolomites, and you’re within easy reach of Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Lago di Sorapiss, Lago di Braies, Cinque Torri, and the Lagazuoi tunnels. A cable car takes you right up to Cima Tofana for panoramic views. After the trails, unwind in town with great food, shops, and even Michelin-starred dining.
Best Places to Stay in Cortina d’Ampezzo
Grand Hotel Savoia (5★)
Historic luxury icon with panoramic mountain views. This refined 5-star hotel has a prime location in town, walking distance to Cortina’s shops and restaurants. It features elegant rooms and a wellness center with an indoor pool and spa. The excellent breakfast and top-notch service earn raves. Best For: Luxury travelers and couples seeking a high-end Dolomites stay with full amenities.
Hotel de LEN (4★)
Stylish eco-conscious hotel in the heart of Cortina. A newer 4-star property known for its chic modern alpine design. It offers plush rooms (some accommodating families) and a rooftop spa with mountain views. Guests love its central location and sustainability focus. Best For: Design-conscious couples, wellness lovers, and families.
Hotel Villa Alpina (3★)
Charming Alpine-style B&B with a cozy vibe. This family-run hotel offers traditional yet updated décor and warm hospitality. It’s a 5-minute walk from the center of Cortina, in a quiet spot with mountain views. Rooms are clean and comfy, and the breakfast buffet is plentiful. Best For: Budget-conscious travelers and couples.
Val Gardena (Ortisei & Selva)
Val Gardena is a postcard-perfect valley in South Tyrol, and honestly, one of my favorite places for hiking in the Dolomites. You’ve got three charming villages—Ortisei, Santa Cristina, and Selva—all with direct access to iconic trails. Take a cable car up to Seceda’s epic ridgeline or Alpe di Siusi’s wildflower-strewn plateau. Selva puts you near Sella Pass and the Puez-Odle plateau. This is one of the best options if you’re asking yourself, “Hiking in the Dolomites where to stay?”
Best Places to Stay in Val Gardena (Ortisei & Selva)
Granbaita Dolomites (5★)
Ultra-luxe alpine resort with world-class spa. This modern hotel in Selva features an expansive wellness center with indoor/outdoor pools and sauna areas. Rooms include large suites and a gourmet restaurant. Breakfast is outstanding and service is impeccable. Best For: Luxury seekers, spa lovers, and couples celebrating a special occasion.
La Cort My Dollhouse (4★)
Adults-only boutique hotel with quirky style and infinity pool. Located just above Ortisei, this stylish hotel boasts an infinity pool overlooking Val Gardena and three different saunas. Rooms are modern and some have balconies with views. A car is helpful as it’s a short drive to town. Best For: Couples and solo travelers looking for a hip, wellness-focused retreat.
Garni Crepaz (3★)
Family-run B&B with a personal touch. Located in Selva, this hotel receives exceptional reviews for its welcoming hosts and great value. The rooms are simple and many have balconies. Breakfast is included and it’s a short walk from Selva’s center. Best For: Budget travelers, families, or anyone who values warm hospitality.
Alta Badia (Corvara & La Villa)
Alta Badia is a cluster of peaceful Ladin villages nestled in the heart of the Dolomites, surrounded by massive limestone peaks. If you’re into quieter alpine charm with easy access to big mountain passes like Gardena, Sella, and Falzarego, this area is gold. It’s also perfect for those who want stunning hikes without the crowds. Definitely one of the Dolomites best places to stay.
Best Places to Stay in Alta Badia (Corvara & La Villa)
Hotel La Perla (5★)
Iconic alpine luxury in the center of Corvara. La Perla is a mountain retreat known for cozy elegance. Many rooms have balconies with Dolomite views. There’s a superb in-house restaurant, spa with pool, and wine cellar. Best For: Discerning travelers and couples who want adventure and pampering.
Hotel Cristallo – Wellness Mountain Living (4★)
Modern alpine hotel with fantastic spa facilities. Located in La Villa, this 4-star blends contemporary design with alpine touches. Rooms are stylish, and the wellness center includes saunas and pools. Shuttle services are available for guests. Best For: Couples and wellness enthusiasts.
Sportony Mountain Lodge (3★)
Charming chalet-style lodge with apartments. This boutique lodge in La Villa offers cozy double rooms and spacious apartments. Decor is warm and woodsy, and there’s an on-site sauna. Guests love the friendly hosts and fresh breakfast pastries. Best For: Families and travelers wanting a homely, authentic stay.
Val di Fassa (Canazei)
Located on the south side of the Sella massif, Val di Fassa makes a fantastic base for accessing some of the Dolomites’ tallest and most dramatic peaks. Canazei is the most popular town here, and it’s perfectly positioned for hikes up to Piz Boè, Sassolungo, and even the Marmolada Glacier. If you’re looking for Dolomites stay ideas close to big adventures, this one ticks the boxes.
Best Places to Stay in Val di Fassa (Canazei)
Croce Bianca Leisure & Spa Hotel (4★)
Historic hotel with fantastic spa facilities. This 4-star in Canazei’s center features classically furnished rooms and a large wellness area with seasonal outdoor pool, saunas, and hot tubs. The restaurant serves Fassa Valley specialties. Best For: Couples and adults seeking a relaxing wellness stay.
Locanda degli Artisti Art Hotel (4★)
Boutique art-themed hotel with creative flair. This stylish hotel in Canazei feels like a gallery meets chalet. Each room is decorated with unique art pieces. There’s a wine bar, restaurant, and small spa. Best For: Couples and design enthusiasts.
Hotel Italia (3★)
Welcoming, family-run hotel with great location. Located in Canazei’s center, Hotel Italia has clean, comfortable rooms and a popular restaurant. The vibe is cozy and unpretentious. Best For: Families and budget travelers.
Alta Pusteria (Dobbiaco & Three Peaks)
Alta Pusteria is your launchpad for exploring Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Lago di Braies, and the rugged Sexten Dolomites. This area blends Italian and Austrian alpine culture and is a smart choice if you’re traveling by public transport. If you’ve ever Googled “Dolomites Italy where to stay near Tre Cime,” this is your answer.
Best Places to Stay in Alta Pusteria (Dobbiaco & Three Peaks)
Bad Moos – Dolomites Spa Resort (5★)
Luxury spa resort at the foot of Tre Cime Natural Park. Located in Sesto, this resort offers thermal spa waters, indoor/outdoor pools, and on-site restaurants. Rooms feature refined alpine style with peak views. Best For: Spa enthusiasts, honeymooners, and families.
Post Hotel – Tradition & Lifestyle (4★)
Elegant adults-only boutique hotel in San Candido. This hotel blends chic design with Alpine touches. There’s a rooftop spa, balconies with mountain views, and a central location close to transport. Best For: Couples and adults on a romantic getaway.
Hotel Savoia (3★)
Friendly hotel in Dobbiaco with fantastic access to sights. Hotel Savoia offers comfy rooms, great breakfast, and a wellness area. Located near the bus/train station for easy access to top sights. Best For: Families and public transit travelers.
Val di Funes (Villnöß)
Val di Funes is a serene and scenic valley known for its peaceful hiking and postcard-perfect churches like Santa Maddalena and St. Johann. The views of the Odle peaks are unbeatable. If you’re looking for Dolomites best places to stay that offer quiet beauty and easy trails, look no further.
Best Places to Stay in Val di Funes (Villnöß)
Forestis Dolomites (5★)
Secluded treehouse-style luxury retreat. Located above Brixen, Forestis features floor-to-ceiling windows, private terraces, and a panoramic spa. It’s about 30 minutes from Funes. Best For: Luxury travelers and couples seeking seclusion and views.
Viel Nois Guest House (4★)
Trendy alpine guesthouse with local flair. This boutique stay in San Pietro offers modern design, cozy rooms, a pizzeria, and wine bar. It’s a quick drive to Santa Maddalena and hiking trails. Best For: Young couples and design lovers.
Hotel Tyrol (3★)
Traditional inn with spa in Santa Maddalena. Hotel Tyrol is a classic 3-star stay with wood-accented rooms, a Slow Food restaurant, and small wellness area. Walking distance to iconic photo spots and trailheads. Best For: Couples and families wanting a romantic alpine atmosphere.
Want to Really Experience the Dolomites? Go Hut-to-Hut
To truly experience the Dolomites like a mountaineer, consider joining one of our hut-to-hut hiking tours, like the Alta Via 1 (choice of 8 or 11 days), Seiser Alm to Rosengarten (5 days) or Val Gardena and Alpe di Siusi (5 days). Spend your days trekking among the peaks and your nights in cozy rifugi, enjoying hearty meals and starry skies. It’s an unforgettable way to connect with the mountains and see areas unreachable by car.
When a hut-to-hut trek isn’t possible – or if you prefer a base for day hikes – any of the places above are excellent choices for your Dolomites adventure.
