Where to Stay in the Dolomites?

It's impossible to visit the Dolomites without considering where to settle down! This mountainous region in Northern Italy, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is breathtakingly beautiful yet vast, sometimes confusing for first-time visitors. With picturesque valleys, charming villages, and stunning panoramas, the Dolomites offer a variety of environments that can make choosing a place to stay difficult. Before booking your accommodation, it is essential to think about the area where you want to stay based on the activities and landscapes you wish to explore. Whether it's to admire the crystal-clear waters of Lake Braies, hike around the legendary Tre Cime di Lavaredo, or venture into the Val Gardena valley, each sector offers unique experiences. In this article, I guide you to find the best places to stay in the Dolomites and ensure you have an unforgettable vacation!

Before reserving a hotel in the Dolomites, it is essential to understand the layout of this mountainous region! The Dolomites stretch approximately 150 kilometers from north to south and cover several Italian provinces: primarily Trentino-Alto Adige, Veneto, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia.

In other words, it is not a small area easily accessible from a single point, so it all depends on what you want to see or do while there! Some major sites are quite far from each other, so it's best to avoid randomly choosing accommodation, as you risk spending a lot of time on the road To organize your road trip in Northern Italy, I recommend checking my article on this topic.

If you are here to hike in the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, for example, it is better to stay in the northeast area of the Dolomites near Canazei. Budget also plays a crucial role. Tourist areas like Cortina d'Ampezzo and Ortisei have high rates, while other more remote villages remain affordable, all while offering splendid surroundings: this is true for the areas around San Martino di Castrozza and even Dobbiaco!

Therefore, take the time to determine the best area to unpack your bags without racking up the kilometers

Don't have time to read the entire article? Here's a selection of my favorite accommodations to stay in the Dolomites:

Often regarded as the chic capital of the Dolomites, Cortina d'Ampezzo is undoubtedly the perfect base and a classic choice! Located at an altitude of 1,224 meters in the province of Belluno, this resort is surrounded by iconic mountains such as the Tofane, Cristallo, and Cinque Torri! ⛰️

In winter, visitors come for its ski slopes, but it's especially in summer that Cortina becomes a great base for exploring the trails of the Dolomites of Ampezzo. The accommodation options are varied: luxury hotels, small B&Bs, and apartments! You'll also find numerous restaurants, shops, and a bit of nightlife if you visit the area with family. To access the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Lake Sorapis, and Lake Misurina, Cortina is one of the best-located towns in the Dolomites.

Hotel Serena Cortina is a pleasant 3-star establishment that offers spacious and comfortable rooms starting at €267 per night with breakfast included! It is very well located just steps from the center, the staff are attentive, and you'll enjoy stunning views of the mountains ️ Free parking is available!

Hotel da Beppe Sello is located just 300 meters from the city center! The establishment features a truly typical and local decor, the staff are attentive and everything is of good quality! The offered rooms are superb and comfortable, available starting at €173 per night! A restaurant is also available.

Nestled in the Val Gardena valley, Ortisei is also an interesting place to stay both for its typically South Tyrolean ambiance and its central location! This village is a starting point for exploring the Alpe di Siusi, accessible by cable car from the center, the peaks of Seceda, and the Puez-Odle Nature Park. In winter, the resort transforms into a ski area connected to the expansive Dolomiti Superski network.

If you're looking for where to stay in the Dolomites, Ortisei ticks all the boxes! The accommodations are comfortable, with lovely traditional hotels, family-run guesthouses, and a few vacation apartments. Prices can be on the high side, but here you pay for the quality of service and the ideal location to explore Val Gardena.

B&B Villa Angelino is a fantastic establishment available starting from €228/night with breakfast included. You will enjoy beautiful, modern, and elegant rooms! The property is in a peaceful and well-exposed location just a few minutes' walk from the pedestrian area and a bus stop.

Hotel Pinei is another ideal hotel for comfortable budgets! It has two pools, a spa, a restaurant, a bar, and free parking. For a night, count on €220 per night with breakfast included. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable; it's a lovely place to enjoy comfort with some sports!

Canazei is located in the Fassa Valley at the foot of the Pordoi Pass! This location makes this village one of the best choices if you want to explore the trails around the Sella massif and enjoy panoramic views from Sass Pordoi. Well-connected, this small town offers a large number of accommodations at more affordable prices than in Cortina and Ortisei: a more economical option.

You can access must-see spots: Lake Fedaia and the Sella Pass, which are on the border between Trentino and South Tyrol. It's also ideal for those looking to tour the Sellaronda, by mountain bike and on foot!

Concerning accommodations, there are 3-star hotels, rental chalets, and tourist residences. It's a town well-suited for families and travelers who want great value for location.

Chalet Margoni is the ideal compromise for staying in the Dolomites on a budget! From €96 per night with breakfast included, you'll stay in a comfortable and pleasant triple room. The property has been newly renovated, the staff is welcoming, there is free parking, and you will be close to restaurants.

B&B Family Accommodation may be of interest to groups of friends and families! This B&B can accommodate up to 6 people! However, it's also a good option for solo travelers as the price for a single room is €168 with breakfast included. The staff is very welcoming, the establishment is modern and tastefully decorated, and you'll be well positioned for hiking, shopping, and getting around!

If you're looking for a quieter base, Dobbiaco is a practical spot for those who want to avoid overly touristy towns while remaining in the heart of iconic landscapes. It is located close to the Tre Cime Nature Park with easy access to the region's most famous hike in the Dolomites!

Lake Dobbiaco, Lake Landro, and the numerous trails around San Candido are quickly accessible. The ambiance is peaceful and almost rural, with little traffic. If you're looking for accommodation in the Dolomites that allows for undisturbed stays, then Dobbiaco is a safe bet! Accommodations are simple, warm, and often family-run: hotels, mountain apartments, and some well-rated B&Bs. Prices are more affordable than in neighboring towns, so go ahead without hesitation!

Hotel Dolomiten offers a good compromise in terms of value for money. For about €162 per night, with breakfast included, the establishment provides a small double room that is comfortable and pleasant. This hotel is located a 20-minute walk from downtown and a 5-minute walk from the train station! On-site, there is a restaurant, a spa, free parking, and a bar... The staff is competent, welcoming, and very available.

B&B Hotel Heidi is another interesting option if you're traveling alone! For €112 per night with breakfast, this B&B offers a pleasant single room! Double rooms are available for €155 per night. For the price, breakfast is excellent, the staff are attentive, and the environment is charming!

Less well-known than northern towns, San Martino di Castrozza is an excellent solution for visiting the southern part of the Dolomites! You can discover the Pale di San Martino, an impressive mountain range classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The town itself is small but well-equipped with hotels, lodges, and restaurants.

The surrounding landscapes are spectacular: steep cliffs, dense forests, and well-marked trails to explore the southern Dolomites! This area is also less crowded than the vicinity of Cortina, which allows for a quieter stay while having access to beautiful routes.

Prices remain high here, as accommodations are somewhat limited! However, I recommend looking around, as prices become significantly more affordable. It's a smart choice if you're looking to stay in the Dolomites without spending too much while still being well-placed for hiking.

B&B Maso al Cervo offers a friendly and warm atmosphere in an incredible natural setting! For two people, expect to pay €148 per night with a hearty and substantial breakfast included. You will be welcomed by qualified and friendly staff; free parking is available, and the environment is worth the trip!

Hotel Primiero offers one of the best value for money for its price! For one night in a double room with breakfast: €144! This 3-star establishment features a restaurant, a bar, free parking, a spa, and charming and warm rooms! The staff is friendly and helpful, and the hotel has a bike rental service, a garden, a common lounge, and a terrace! A very good address to remember...

Now you know where to stay in the Dolomites and at what price! If you're planning a road trip in Northern Italy and wondering what to do in Venice and where to stay in Venice or even where to stay in Verona, I invite you to read my other articles to prepare your trip well!