Where to Stay in the Dolomites, Italy: Best Hotels & Areas

From iconic alpine villages to design-led mountain retreats, this guide covers exactly where to stay in the Dolomites, Italy, and the hotels that make each base worth choosing.

The Dolomites are vast, dramatic, and wildly diverse, one of those destinations that looks deceptively compact on a map and then quickly proves otherwise once you start planning.

Between soaring limestone peaks, deep valleys, high alpine plateaus, and villages that feel worlds apart, figuring out where to stay in the Dolomites can feel overwhelming at first. Do you want ski access or hiking trails? A lively town or total seclusion? A design-led spa retreat or a classic alpine hotel with history?

On my recent visit, it became clear that choosing the right base (or bases) is everything. The Dolomites aren’t one single destination but a collection of distinct areas—Cortina d’Ampezzo, Val Gardena, Alta Badia, Alpe di Siusi, Val di Funes, and the Upper Puster Valley, among others—each offering a different experience depending on the season and how you like to travel.

This guide breaks it all down, area by area, to help you decide where to stay in the Dolomites, Italy, whether you’re planning a ski-focused winter trip or a hiking-heavy summer itinerary.

I’ve also included my curated recommendations for the best hotels in the Dolomites, from iconic five-star resorts to design-forward alpine stays worth traveling for in their own right.

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How to Decide Where to Stay in the Dolomites

The Dolomites cover a large and varied area, so choosing the right base (or bases) is key. If you plan to explore multiple valleys, lakes, and mountain ranges on a longer road trip in the area, I recommend staying in two or three different locations over the course of your trip.

This allows for manageable day trips and minimizes long driving days, especially when moving between regions like Alta Badia, Val Gardena, Cortina, and Alpe di Siusi.

Alternatively, if your travels tend to revolve around exceptional hotels, you can choose a standout property as your primary base and explore from there. Many of the Dolomites’ most iconic hotels are well-positioned for scenic drives and hiking access, making day trips entirely feasible.

Below, you’ll find destination-worthy properties that work just as well as a strategic base for discovering the wider region.

The Best Hotels in the Dolomites, Italy

If your idea of a great Dolomites trip starts (and possibly ends) with an exceptional hotel, this is the section for you. In the Dolomites, where jaw-dropping scenery is a given, the real differentiator is where you lay your head at night.

Below, I’ve rounded up the best luxury hotels in the Dolomites, properties so beautifully designed, so deeply rooted in their landscapes, that the hotel itself becomes the destination.

With world-class spas, architecture that feels carved from the mountains, and service that somehow anticipates what you want before you do, these are the ultimate splurge stays in the Dolomites.

Forestis Dolomites

Perched high on the southern slopes of Mount Plose above Bressanone (Brixen) in South Tyrol, Forestis Dolomites is one of those rare hotels that makes you forget the outside world exists—and you won’t miss it.

Minimalist yet deeply warm, the design leans into nature: floor-to-ceiling windows, pale woods, and uninterrupted views of the jagged Dolomite peaks that feel almost unreal, especially at sunrise.

The spa is the real showstopper, built around forest rituals, mountain air, and serious quiet—think indoor-outdoor pools and saunas where time simply stops. Add refined, locally rooted cuisine and a blissfully secluded setting, and Forestis becomes less a place to sleep and more a reason to come to the Dolomites in the first place.

Aman Rosa Alpina

Aman recently took over this beautiful historic property in San Cassiano, Alta Badia, transforming a much-loved family-run hotel into a quietly luxurious Dolomites icon.

The redesign leans into Aman’s signature restraint with warm wood, stone, and clean-lined interiors that let the mountains do the talking. Rooms are serene and spacious, the spa is an all-seasons alpine retreat, and dining ranges from refined to relaxed, always with a view.

It’s polished without being precious, and perfectly placed for both skiing and summer hiking—classic Dolomites but upgraded.

COMO Alpina Dolomites

Set high on the Alpe di Siusi in South Tyrol — Europe’s largest high-altitude meadow and a UNESCO-listed slice of the Dolomites — COMO Alpina Dolomites is where contemporary design meets classic alpine adventure.

The hotel’s modern aesthetic with panoramic glass façades feels like a chic mountain observatory, perfectly framing mornings with misty peaks and evenings with fiery sunsets.

Whether you’re here for skiing with historic ski-in/ski-out convenience in winter or for hiking and biking the trail network in summer, this is a base that celebrates activity without sacrificing comfort.

Rooms and suites are spacious with balcony views that practically beg you to stay all day; the spa, grounded in the COMO Shambhala wellness ethos, is seriously inviting after a day outdoors. Dining leans regional with international elegance, and the staff’s service keeps everything feeling effortless.

If you want a hotel that lives as large as the landscape around it, this is one of the Dolomites’ standout stays.

Hotel La Perla

Nestled in the heart of Corvara in Badia in South Tyrol, this family-run classic is one of the Dolomites’ most beloved luxury retreats. Its 50-odd rooms and suites mix cozy alpine wood with thoughtful design details, and most open onto balconies framing the surrounding UNESCO-listed peaks.

La Perla has that rare blend of warm hospitality and timeless style with fireplaces, alpine textiles, and a spa that’s the perfect après-ski (or après-hike) haven complete with pool, sauna and Turkish bath.

But the real draw here is the vibe: you’re literally steps from the Col Alto lift and connected to the famed Dolomiti Superski slopes in winter, yet just as close to village life, cafés and mountain trails in summer.

At the Michelin-starred La Stüa de Michil and in the hotel’s wine-rich cellar, local Ladin flavours meet refined technique, making La Perla not just a base for adventure, but a destination for foodies and design lovers alike.

Hotel Petrus

Sleek, design-and-wellness-forward, and quietly confident, Hotel Petrus sits just above Brunico/Bruneck, blending contemporary alpine style with serious comfort. Rooms are calm and beautifully considered, with warm woods, soft neutrals, and balconies that frame the Dolomites like a living postcard.

The wellness area is a standout with a panoramic indoor/outdoor pool, saunas, and deep-relaxation spaces that make après-hike (or après-ski) feel like a ritual.

This is where I stayed on my last visit to the Dolomites, and it struck the perfect balance between polished and personal. Refined but down-to-earth, and perfectly positioned for exploring Kronplatz, it’s the kind of family-run hotel that quietly wins you over and has you plotting your next stay.

Read more: Checking In: Hotel Petrus, Dolomites, Italy

Lefay Resort and Spa Dolomiti

If wellness were a resort, Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti would be its manifesto. Tucked into the sweeping forests above Pinzolo in Trentino, this is the wellness mountain escape.

Less chalet-cosy and more contemporary sanctuary, every detail nudges you toward calm. Architecture here cleverly frames the surrounding peaks and woods, while interiors, clean lines, natural materials, and expansive glass keep you visually rooted in the landscape.

The spa is the beating heart of Lefay’s identity: expansive thermal pools, saunas with views that give new meaning to “panoramic,” and a slate of holistic treatments grounded in Alpine botanicals and Mediterranean wellness philosophies.

It’s the go-to for travellers who want their Dolomites stay to be as much about resetting as it is about skiing or hiking. Dining follows suit with thoughtful, locally inspired cuisine that feels fresh and nourishing after a day outdoors.

Fink 1896

Set right in the center of Brixen (Bressanone), Fink is proof that you don’t need to be perched on a mountain slope to feel deeply connected to the Dolomites. This historic inn—family-run since, yes, 1896—blends old-world Tyrolean character with a clean, contemporary sensibility.

Rooms are calm and very minimalist, mixing natural materials with modern lines, while the atmosphere feels effortlessly local rather than hotel-y.

There’s a small but well-considered wellness area for post-hike decompression, and the restaurant is a standout, celebrating South Tyrolean cuisine with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.

If you like being able to step outside into a lively town with cafés, wine bars, and architecture at your doorstep, Fink 1896 is a smart, soulful choice.

Ancora Cortina

Right in the center of Cortina d’Ampezzo, Ancora Cortina is a classic Dolomites stay with front-row access to the town’s buzz. The style is warm and traditional—wood beams, alpine details—balanced with modern comforts, while many rooms look out over Cortina’s pedestrian streets or toward the Tofane peaks.

A small wellness area and a lively bar round things out, making it an easy, well-located choice if you want to be in the heart of the action rather than tucked away in the mountains.

Where to Stay in the Dolomites by Season

Just a little side note before deciding on where to stay in the Dolomites Italy. The Dolomites are a year-round destination, but where you stay can absolutely shift with the seasons.

In winter, proximity is everything. If skiing is on the agenda, you’ll want to be near the Dolomiti Superski areas like Alta Badia, Val Gardena, or Cortina d’Ampezzo, where ski-in/ski-out access (or at least a very short walk to the lifts) can make or break your day.

Towns like Corvara, San Cassiano, and Selva di Val Gardena shine this time of year, buzzing with après-ski energy and perfectly set up for snow season logistics.

Come summer, the priorities shift a little. Hiking, biking, and scenic drives take center stage, making areas near Alpe di Siusi, Val di Funes, and Mount Plose ideal for trail access and jaw-dropping landscapes.

This is when more secluded mountain hotels open up and really come into their own, trading ski boots for hiking poles and crowded lifts for quiet paths and long, lazy lunches with a view.

Where to Stay in the Dolomites

The Dolomites are made up of several distinct areas, each offering a different experience depending on the season, scenery, and activities you’re after. Some are best known for world-class skiing, others for dramatic hiking trails, alpine meadows, or lively village life.

Below are the main areas of the Dolomites worth considering as bases during your trip, places that make the most sense geographically and logistically.

Choosing the right base (or combination of bases) will shape how you experience the Dolomites, from how much time you spend in the car to how easily you access trails, lifts, and viewpoints.

Cortina d’Ampezzo

Cortina d’Ampezzo is the Dolomites’ most cosmopolitan and exclusive base—polished, energetic, and very much alive in both winter and summer. Unlike smaller mountain villages that hibernate between seasons, Cortina keeps its rhythm year-round, balancing alpine adventure with Italian flair, designer boutiques, excellent dining, and a lively après scene.

In winter, Cortina comes into its own as a major ski destination, with access to the Dolomiti Superski network and slopes spread across the Tofane, Cristallo, and Faloria areas. The town buzzes with skiers, events, and long lunches that stretch into aperitivo, making it one of the most animated places to stay during snow season.

Come summer, Cortina shifts gears without losing momentum. Hiking, via ferrata, cycling, and scenic drives take over, and the surrounding landscapes are among the most dramatic in the Dolomites.

From here, you have easy access to some of the region’s most iconic sights, including Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Lago di Sorapis, Cinque Torri, and the trails around the Tofane peaks. It’s also a convenient base for day trips deeper into the eastern Dolomites.

If you want a base that combines scenery, access, and a true sense of place, Cortina d’Ampezzo is the obvious choice, especially for access to the eastern Dolomites.

Best Hotels in Cortina

Cortina has no shortage of excellent places to stay, from heritage hotels in the town center to design-forward alpine retreats just outside it. I’ve already published a dedicated guide to the best hotels in Cortina d’Ampezzo, where you’ll find the full list and deeper reviews.

In the meantime, here are my favorite stays:

Ancora Cortina – A classic, centrally located hotel right on Corso Italia. Traditional alpine style, a lively atmosphere, and unbeatable access to Cortina’s shops, cafés, and nightlife.

Hotel de LEN – Modern, eco-conscious, and design-led, with a strong focus on wellness. Ideal if you want something contemporary and calm, still within walking distance of the town center.

Rosapetra Spa Resort – Set just outside Cortina, this is the most resort-like option of the three, with a standout spa, polished interiors, and easy access to skiing and hiking trails.

Read more: The Best Hotels in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy

Val di Funes

Val di Funes is one of the Dolomites’ most photogenic valleys and one of its most peaceful. Known for rolling alpine meadows, dramatic spires of the Odle/Geisler peaks, and postcard-perfect churches like Santa Maddalena and San Giovanni in Ranui, this is the Dolomites at its most storybook.

The valley is best experienced in late spring through early autumn, when hiking trails weave through flower-filled pastures and along panoramic ridgelines in Puez–Odle Nature Park.

Trails here range from gentle walks to more demanding routes, all with consistently spectacular views. Winter is quieter and more limited in terms of skiing, making Val di Funes far more appealing for summer-focused itineraries.

If you’re after a serene base with direct access to some of the Dolomites’ most iconic landscapes and don’t mind trading nightlife for early mornings and golden-hour views, Val di Funes is a beautiful choice.

Best Hotels in Val di Funes

Val di Funes itself is charming and peaceful, but if you’re chasing true five-star luxury you’ll often be combining stays in the valley with nearby higher-end properties elsewhere in the Dolomites (like those in Bressanone or the Alpe di Siusi).

Still, here are some of the most noteworthy places in and around Val di Funes to consider alongside destination-worthy hotels like Forestis:

Forestis Dolomites – The stunning 5-star wellness retreat perched above Bressanone, renowned for its spa, design, and views—one of the most luxurious hotel experiences in the broader Dolomites and a great base for exploring Val di Funes on day trips.

Hotel Tyrol – A well-regarded property in Santa Maddalena with warm service, cosy rooms and scenic valley views, perfect for walks right from your doorstep.

Viel Nois Guest House – A highly rated guesthouse with a relaxed, stylish feel and great location for exploring the classic Odle/Geisler panoramas.

Brunico

Brunico—known as Bruneck in German—is one of the Dolomites’ most practical and well-rounded bases, especially if you want excellent access without feeling tucked away in a remote village. Set in the Puster Valley in South Tyrol, it blends a lively historic center with strong transport links, good dining, and year-round appeal.

The big draw here is Kronplatz (Plan de Corones), one of the Dolomites’ top ski areas, just minutes away. In winter, Brunico works perfectly as a ski base, with fast gondola access, wide slopes, and reliable snow.

In summer, Kronplatz transforms into a hub for hiking and mountain biking, with panoramic trails and standout cultural attractions like the Messner Mountain Museum at the summit.

Beyond Kronplatz, Brunico is well positioned for exploring the northern Dolomites, including day trips toward Lake Braies, Val Pusteria, Val Badia, and even Cortina. If you’re looking for a base that’s lively, well-connected, and functional in both seasons—without the resort gloss—Brunico is a smart choice.

The Best Hotels in Brunico

Here are some of my favorite places to stay around Brunico/Bruneck—luxury and character-rich properties that pair perfectly with ski days on Kronplatz or summer exploration of the Puster Valley.

Hotel Petrus – A design-forward boutique hotel with warm service, excellent spa facilities, and easy access to Kronplatz lifts and trails, making it a balanced choice for both winter and summer adventures.

Falkensteiner Hotel Kronplatz – A standout five-star resort at the foot of Plan de Corones with refined contemporary style, a panoramic spa (including rooftop pool), and direct access to skiing, hiking, and biking.

Castel Badia – A newly restored 11th-century castle retreat just outside Brunico in San Lorenzo di Sebato, offering 28 unique rooms and suites that blend historic stonework with contemporary comfort, plus spa amenities and scenic valley views. A truly bucket-list property.

Val Gardena

Val Gardena is one of the Dolomites’ most complete bases, combining high-impact scenery with excellent lift access and three well-defined villages, each with its own appeal. The valley is anchored by Ortisei, Santa Cristina, and Selva di Val Gardena, and choosing between them often comes down to whether you prioritize village life, lift proximity, or easy access to major hikes.

In winter, Val Gardena is a standout ski base with direct access to the Sella Ronda, linking you to one of the largest and most scenic ski circuits in the Alps. Selva and Santa Cristina are especially convenient for ski-in, ski-out stays, while Ortisei offers a slightly more polished town atmosphere with shops and restaurants.

In summer, Val Gardena truly shines for hiking. Cable cars from all three villages quickly deliver you to high alpine terrain, opening up some of the Dolomites’ most iconic routes.

Highlights include the panoramic ridgelines of Seceda, the dramatic loops around the Sassolungo and Sasso Piatto, and access to the wide-open trails of Alpe di Siusi. Whether you’re after gentle meadow walks or demanding full-day hikes, the variety here is hard to beat.

As for the villages themselves: Ortisei is the most lively and walkable, with a strong dining and shopping scene; Santa Cristina is quieter and more residential, ideal if you want a calm base with great lift access; and Selva di Val Gardena sits highest in the valley, closest to major trailheads and ski connections.

Together, they make Val Gardena one of the most flexible and rewarding places to stay in the Dolomites. In terms of hotels, there are also a few standout gems here.

The Best Hotels in Val Gardena

These picks span the range from wellness-focused to design-forward, giving you excellent luxury options no matter which village you choose as your Val Gardena base.

Adler Spa Resort Dolomiti – A standout five-star resort in Ortisei, Adler feels like a wellness destination first and foremost. Elegant yet relaxed, it pairs a world-class spa with spacious rooms and excellent gastronomy, all wrapped in design that feels both contemporary and locally rooted. It’s ideal if rejuvenation and style are as high on your priority list as access to the lifts and hiking trails.

Hotel Tyrol – Also in Ortisei, Hotel Tyrol is a classic choice that blends traditional Alpine charm with refined comfort. Think warm wood interiors, a generous wellness area, and a location that makes it easy to walk into town or catch the cable cars for hiking or skiing.

Alpenroyal Grand Hotel – A standout five-star option in Selva di Val Gardena, Alpenroyal pairs bold modern design with outstanding service, gourmet dining, and a spa that rivals the best in the region. Its location makes it a perfect base for both the Sella Ronda circuit in winter and summer access to trails around the Sassolungo massif.

Alta Badia

Alta Badia is one of the Dolomites’ most refined bases, known for its polished villages, exceptional dining, and easy access to both skiing and hiking. Made up of small Ladin-speaking villages like Corvara, Colfosco, La Villa, and San Cassiano, the area feels quietly upscale but not quite as flashy as Cortina. Luxury here is understated and deeply tied to the landscape.

In winter, Alta Badia is a prime ski destination with direct access to the Dolomiti Superski network and the Sella Ronda, making it ideal for skiers who value seamless lift connections and beautifully groomed slopes.

In summer, it becomes a hiking and biking hub, with trails leading into the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park, around the Sella massif, and up to panoramic viewpoints above Colfosco and San Cassiano.

Alta Badia is also one of the Dolomites’ culinary capitals, home to an unusually high concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants and a strong food culture rooted in Ladin traditions. If you’re looking for a base that balances scenery, outdoor access, and consistently high-quality hotels and dining, Alta Badia is one of the region’s strongest choices.

Best Hotels in Alta Badia

Alta Badia’s villages offer a stellar lineup of luxury hotels that match this area’s dramatic landscapes and refined cultural vibe. From classic alpine charm to contemporary sophistication, here are some of the standout five-star stays:

Hotel La Perla – A long-established favorite in Corvara in Badia, La Perla blends traditional alpine warmth with polished service, refined rooms (many with mountain views) and a well-regarded spa—perfectly placed for both winter slopes and summer trails.

Aman Rosa Alpina – The newly reimagined historic property in San Cassiano is now part of the Aman family, combining heritage with minimalist luxury and an excellent spa, all set for year-round access to Dolomiti Superski and summer hiking.

Hotel Cappella – In Colfosco, this elegant boutique five-star property balances contemporary design with authentic Alpine hospitality, making it a great choice for those who want both style and proximity to the Sellaronda loop.

Hotel Sassongher – A stylish luxury option in Corvara, known for its refined interiors, excellent gastronomy, and terrific location just steps from the lifts and village center.

Alpe di Siusi

Alpe di Siusi is a vast high-altitude plateau just south of Val Gardena of rolling meadows backed by jagged limestone peaks, and is the largest alpine meadow in Europe. Staying here is less about village life and more about being immersed in open space, big skies, and immediate access to nature.

In summer, Alpe di Siusi is exceptional for hiking and cycling, with gentle meadow walks, panoramic ridge trails, and dramatic routes toward the Sciliar massif and Sassolungo. Trails are easily accessible straight from hotels, making it ideal if you want to step outside and start walking without logistics.

In winter, the plateau transforms into a sunny, wide-open ski area that’s particularly well suited to intermediate skiers and those who prefer scenic cruising over high-octane après.

Access is regulated, meaning traffic is limited during peak hours—something that preserves the area’s calm and makes staying overnight especially appealing. If you’re looking for a base that feels expansive, peaceful, and deeply connected to the Dolomites’ natural beauty, Alpe di Siusi is hard to beat.

Best Hotels in Alpe di Siusi

Alpe di Siusi may be known for its sweeping high-alpine plateau, but it also delivers on luxury stays that feel as remarkable as the landscape itself. Here are some of the standout luxury properties to consider when basing yourself here.

COMO Alpina Dolomites – The headline luxury stay on the plateau, this modern five-star hotel is an architectural standout with panoramic views, a generous spa, and direct access to hiking in summer and skiing in winter.

Hotel Seiser Alm Urthaler – A refined five-star classic right on Seiser Alm with elegant rooms, excellent cuisine, and relaxed sophistication. It’s a space that feels as intrinsically tied to the meadow as the trails themselves.

ADLER Lodge ALPE – Part of the respected Adler collection, this lodge-style retreat blends chic alpine design with a focus on wellness and outdoor access, perfect if you want spa and nature in equal measure.

Upper Puster Valley (Alta Pusteria)

The Upper Puster Valley, also known as Alta Pusteria, sits in the far northeastern corner of the Dolomites and feels subtly different from the rest of the region. Closer to the Austrian border, this area blends Italian Alpine culture with a more Central European feel, and it’s one of the most strategic bases if iconic landscapes are high on your list.

The valley is made up of several well-placed villages, each offering easy access to trails, lakes, and cross-border routes: Villabassa (Niederdorf), Dobbiaco (Toblach), San Candido (Innichen), Braies (Prags), and Sesto (Sexten). Together, they form a compact hub that’s ideal for both short stays and slower, multi-day exploration.

Staying here puts you within close reach of some of the Dolomites’ most famous sights, including Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Lago di Braies, and the Sesto Dolomites, with trailheads and scenic drives easily accessible.

It’s also an excellent base if you plan to dip into Austria—Innsbruck and East Tyrol are well within reach, making this area especially appealing if you’re combining regions.

Alta Pusteria works particularly well in summer, when hiking, cycling, and lake hopping dominate, but it’s also a strong winter base thanks to well-connected ski areas and a quieter, more local feel than some of the larger resorts.

Best Hotels in the Upper Puster Valley

The Upper Puster Valley (Alta Pusteria) may not have the same concentration of 5-star classics you find in other Dolomites hubs, but it does offer a handful of highly regarded, design-minded, and luxurious hotels that make excellent bases for exploring the area.

Naturhotel Leitlhof – A standout 4-star-superior wellness retreat in San Candido that’s often considered one of the best places to stay in the Dolomites and Alta Pusteria. Set slightly above the village with sweeping views of the Haunold and Sexten ranges, the hotel blends modern design with natural materials, seasonal local cuisine, and an immersive spa.

Romantik Hotel Santer – A beautifully appointed wellness hotel in Dobbiaco (Toblach) with classic alpine style and contemporary comfort. With a great spa, mountain-facing rooms and easy access to nearby hikes (including those circling the Tre Cime area), this is a strong pick.

Boutique & Gourmet Hotel Orso Grigio – In San Candido, this boutique hotel blends stylish interiors with personalized service and excellent food. It’s a refined stay that pairs perfectly with summer exploration of nearby lakes and trails or winter skiing at Kronplatz and the surrounding areas.

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Ready experience the best areas and hotels in the Dolomites? Have any questions or comments about your trip? Let me know in the box below.

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