Where to Stay in the Dolomites 2026: Top Areas & Best Hotels

Choosing where to stay in the Dolomites is less about the towns themselves and more about which hikes and attractions you want to prioritize. The region is huge, and many of the most famous places — like Seceda, Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Lago di Braies, or Alpe di Siusi — sit in completely different valleys.

When we were planning our first trip, we quickly realized that picking the right base can save you hours of driving. What looks close on the map often means crossing mountain passes and winding roads, which takes longer than expected.

What works best for most trips is splitting the stay in 2 or 3 areas and spending at least 2 to 4 nights at each. Most hotels also have a minimum stay of 2 or 3 nights.

It might be more convenient to focus on exploring a few areas, rather than trying to see all the highlights scattered around the vast area.

We’ve been to Dolomites twice and spent almost 2 months exploring the region. On our trips we learned which areas are the most convenient for the most famous hikes.

In this guide, we’ll break down the best areas to stay in the Dolomites and the hotels we’d personally choose, based on our own trips around the region.

If you’re still deciding which places to visit, you can also check our guide to the most scenic hikes in the Dolomites.

Where to stay in the Dolomites: Our experience

We’ve visited the Dolomites twice and stayed in several different areas, which gave us a good sense of how much your base can shape your trip.

On our first visit, we focused on the main highlights and split our stay into two different areas. Seceda and Alpe di Siusi were high on our list, so staying in Val Gardena made perfect sense. Cable cars and trailheads were close, which made exploring really easy.

We also spent time in Cortina d’Ampezzo, which worked well as a base for visiting Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Cinque Torri, and Lago di Sorapis. It’s a lively mountain town with plenty of hotels and restaurants, though it can feel busier than smaller villages.

On our second trip, we stayed in four different areas. First we stayed near Lago di Dobbiaco in San Candido, and it turned out to be a great base. From here, it was easy to reach Lago di Braies, Val Fiscalina, and Tre Cime, and planning our days was simple.

We stayed at Naturhotel Leitlhof, which we’d happily recommend for its quiet setting and beautiful views.

We also spent a few nights near the Sexten area at Hotel Passo Monte Croce, which felt much more remote and surrounded by nature.

Later, we moved to Corvara in Alta Badia, close to Sassolungo and Passo Gardena, where there are endless hiking options and some of the most dramatic scenery in the region.

We also visited Brixen and stayed at Boutique Hotel Pachers, which felt like a great opportunity to explore some other not so well-known spots.

One thing we learned quickly is that the Dolomites are much bigger than they look on the map, so choosing the right base can save you a lot of driving.

Below, we’ll break down the best areas to stay in the Dolomites and the hotels we’d personally consider booking again.

Best areas to stay in the Dolomites

The Dolomites cover a huge area, and many of the most famous attractions sit in completely different valleys. That’s why choosing the right base can make exploring the region much easier and save you a lot of driving time.

On the map below, you can also see where each area is located, which helps make sense of the distances between valleys and the main attractions.

Val Gardena (Ortisei, Selva & Santa Cristina)

Val Gardena is one of the most famous valleys in the western Dolomites, sitting below the dramatic peaks of Sassolungo and the Odle mountains. It’s also one of the easiest places to base yourself if you want quick access to Seceda, Alpe di Siusi, and Passo Gardena.

The valley feels lively and well set up for travelers. Villages like Ortisei and Selva are full of wooden chalets, cozy cafés, bakeries, and mountain restaurants where you can stop for lunch or coffee.

There’s always a bit of energy in the air — people heading to cable cars early in the morning or relaxing on terraces after a long hike.

We stayed here on our first trip because, and it turned out to be one of the most convenient bases we tried. Having cable cars right in the villages makes exploring really easy, especially if you want to start hikes early.

Insider tip: Selva sits higher in the valley and closer to Passo Gardena, so it’s a great choice.

✅ Pros: Easy access to major hikes, great cable car network, plenty of restaurants and hotels
❌ Cons: One of the busier areas in summer, accommodation can be expensive
⭐️ Best for: First-time visitors and hikers wanting easy access to famous Dolomites viewpoints

Cortina d’Ampezzo

Cortina d’Ampezzo sits in the eastern Dolomites and feels more like a busy alpine town than a quiet mountain village. It’s surrounded by dramatic peaks and is a great base if you want to explore famous places like Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Cinque Torri, Lago di Sorapis, and Lago di Braies.

The town has a lively atmosphere with busy streets, boutiques, cafés, and plenty of restaurants. It feels a bit more upscale than most Dolomites villages.

In the evenings, people gather along the main street for aperitivo or gelato, which gives the place a nice social vibe. But if you’re after a quiet nature-focused stay, you might want to skip the town’s center.

We stayed here on our first trip and found it a very convenient base for exploring the eastern part of the Dolomites. It’s bigger than most towns in the region, which means you’ll find lots of accommodation options and places to eat.

Insider tip: choose a hotel slightly outside the very center if you want a quieter stay and easier parking.

✅ Pros: Great access to iconic sights, lively town atmosphere, lots of hotels and restaurants
❌ Cons: One of the most expensive areas in the Dolomites, can feel busy in peak season, very touristy
⭐️ Best for: First-time visitors and travelers wanting easy access to famous Dolomites landmarks

Alta Badia (Corvara & Colfosco)

Alta Badia sits in the central part of the Dolomites, surrounded by some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the region.

Villages like Corvara and Colfosco are located right below massive peaks and close to mountain passes such as Passo Gardena and Passo Campolongo, which makes exploring different valleys surprisingly easy.

Compared to some of the busier towns, Alta Badia feels peaceful and scenic. The villages are smaller and quieter, with wooden chalets, cozy cafés, and traditional mountain huts where hikers stop for lunch.

It’s also known for its excellent food scene, so it’s a great place if you enjoy good dinners after long days in the mountains.

We stayed in Corvara and really liked how many hikes started nearby. From here, it was easy to reach areas around Sassolungo, Passo Gardena, and the Pralongià plateau, which meant we didn’t have to drive far most days.

Insider tip: Colfosco sits slightly higher than Corvara and offers incredible mountain views right from the village.

✅ Pros: Stunning scenery, great hiking access, quieter atmosphere than larger towns
❌ Cons: Smaller villages with fewer shops and nightlife
⭐️ Best for: Couples, hikers, and travelers looking for a scenic and relaxed base

Sexten / Dobbiaco Area (Alta Pusteria)

The Sexten and Dobbiaco area, often called Alta Pusteria, sits in the eastern Dolomites near the Austrian border. It’s one of the best bases if you want to explore famous places like Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Lago di Braies and Val Fiscalina.

Compared to Cortina, this part of the Dolomites feels quieter and more relaxed. Villages like San Candido, Dobbiaco, and Sexten have a very traditional alpine feel, with wooden houses, small cafés, bakeries, and beautiful mountain views almost everywhere you look.

It’s the kind of place where mornings start slow with coffee and fresh pastries before heading into the mountains. It feels much more local than some other areas.

On our second trip, we stayed in Naturhotel Leitlhof in San Candido, and it turned out to be one of the most practical bases we tried. Many of the hikes and viewpoints we wanted to visit were within a short drive, which made planning our days much easier.

Insider tip: if you want to be closest to the famous Tre Cime trails and Val Fiscalina, look for accommodation around Sexten or Moso.

✅ Pros: Close to Tre Cime and Lago di Braies, quieter atmosphere, beautiful scenery everywhere
❌ Cons: Slightly farther from western Dolomites highlights like Seceda or Alpe di Siusi
⭐️ Best for: Nature lovers and travelers focusing on the eastern Dolomites

Best hotels in the Dolomites

This list brings together our favorite places to stay around the Dolomites — spots we’ve either stayed in ourselves or would happily book after exploring this place from end to end.

We’ve done the hard research so you can easily decide which of the best hotels fit your needs and preferences.

Best Hotels in Val Gardena

Val Gardena is one of the most convenient bases in the Dolomites, especially if you want easy access to famous places like Seceda, Alpe di Siusi, and Passo Gardena.

The valley has a lively alpine atmosphere with plenty of cable cars, restaurants, and hiking options right on your doorstep, which makes planning your days very simple.

• Linder Cycling Hotel $$$
• Hotel Scherlin $$ (Our Top Pick)
• Hotel Wolf $

Linder Cycling Hotel $$$

Linder Cycling Hotel is a modern alpine hotel located right in Selva in Val Gardena, within walking distance of cable cars and some of the best hiking areas in the Dolomites. The design feels comfy and stylish, combining warm wooden elements with a clean, modern look that still fits perfectly into the mountain setting.

What really makes this place stand out is the relaxed atmosphere and excellent wellness area. After a long day in the mountains, the rooftop pool with mountain views, sauna, and steam bath feel like a reward.

Breakfast is another highlight, with a large selection and freshly prepared options, which many guests mention as one of the best parts of their stay. 

The location in Selva is very practical — you’re close to lifts leading towards Seceda, Passo Gardena, and the Sella Group, so it’s easy to plan hikes without long drives. Despite being centrally located, the hotel still feels calm and comfortable.

If you want a stylish mountain stay with great facilities and easy access to some of the most famous hikes in Val Gardena, this is a very solid choice.

⭐️ Hotel’s highlights: rooftop pool with mountain views, modern alpine design, excellent breakfast, walking distance to cable cars
👉 Check availability and current prices →

Hotel Scherlin $$ (Our Top Pick)

Hotel Scherlin is a cozy, family-run hotel set on a hillside above Ortisei in Val Gardena, surrounded by forest and open mountain views.

The location feels peaceful and slightly away from the busy center, which gives it a more relaxed, retreat-like atmosphere while still being within a short drive of the main cable cars.

The style is classic alpine, with warm wooden interiors and spacious rooms, many with balconies overlooking the valley.

One of the standout features is the wellness area, including indoor and outdoor pools, sauna, and panoramic relaxation spaces. Guests often highlight the friendly atmosphere and excellent food, particularly the generous breakfast and dinner options. 

Because the hotel sits slightly above Ortisei, the views are beautiful and the surroundings feel quiet, but you’ll likely want a car to move around easily.

If you’re looking for a comfortable alpine stay with great views and relaxing spa facilities after long days in the mountains, this hotel offers very good value for Val Gardena.

⭐️ Hotel’s highlights: peaceful hillside setting, indoor & outdoor pools, traditional alpine atmosphere, beautiful valley views
👉 Check availability and current prices →

Hotel Wolf $

Hotel Wolf is a small, family-run hotel located in a quiet area near Selva in Val Gardena, right below the impressive Sassolungo and Sella Group mountains. The setting feels peaceful and surrounded by nature, yet still close to major hiking areas and mountain passes like Passo Gardena.

It’s slightly outside the busy village center, which makes it a nice choice if you prefer a calm mountain atmosphere.

The hotel has a cozy alpine style with wooden interiors and simple but comfortable rooms, many with balconies overlooking the surrounding peaks. One of the biggest advantages is the location — the Piz Sella lift is just a short walk away.

Guests often highlight the friendly, personal service and very good breakfast, which includes local products and homemade options. The overall feel is relaxed and authentic rather than luxurious, which fits perfectly with the mountain setting.

If you’re looking for a peaceful base close to some of the most scenic hikes in Val Gardena, this hotel offers great value in a beautiful location.

⭐️ Hotel’s highlights: quiet mountain setting, close to Passo Gardena hikes, very good breakfast, great value for Val Gardena
👉 Check availability and current prices →

Best Hotels in Cortina d’Ampezzo

Cortina d’Ampezzo is one of the most iconic bases in the Dolomites, combining dramatic mountain scenery with a lively alpine town atmosphere.

It’s a great choice if you want easy access to highlights like Tre Cime, Cinque Torri, and Lago di Sorapis, while still having plenty of restaurants and cafés in the evening.

• HOTEL de LEN $$$
• Hotel Corona $$
• Hotel Ciasa Lorenzi $ (Our Top Pick)

HOTEL de LEN $$$

HOTEL de LEN is a beautifully designed boutique hotel right in the center of Cortina d’Ampezzo, combining modern alpine architecture with natural materials like wood, stone, and soft fabrics.

The whole place feels calm and beautifully styled, creating a cozy atmosphere that still feels high-end and unique.

One of the highlights is the rooftop wellness area, where you can relax in the sauna or quiet spaces while enjoying views of the surrounding peaks. Rooms feel warm and comfortable, with large windows and minimalist design that keeps the focus on the mountain scenery.

The central location also makes it easy to walk to restaurants, cafés, and shops in the evening, without needing to move the car.

If you’re looking for a stay that feels special, stylish, and very in tune with the Dolomites landscape, this is easily one of the best options in Cortina.

⭐️ Hotel’s Highlights: beautiful modern alpine design, rooftop wellness with mountain views, central location, calm boutique atmosphere
👉 Check availability and current prices →

Hotel Corona $$

Hotel Corona is a traditional alpine hotel located right in the center of Cortina d’Ampezzo, just a short walk from restaurants, cafés, and shops. The atmosphere feels warm and classic, with wooden interiors and cozy spaces that fit perfectly with the mountain setting.

Rooms are simple but well maintained, many with views of the surrounding peaks. The biggest advantage here is the location — staying in the center makes evenings very easy, whether you want dinner, a quick stroll, or just enjoy the lively town atmosphere without needing to drive.

It’s a reliable mid-range option that balances comfort, location, and price.

⭐️ Hotel’s Highlights: central location, traditional alpine atmosphere, walkable to restaurants and cafés
👉 Check availability and current prices →

Hotel Ciasa Lorenzi $ (Our Top Pick)

Hotel Ciasa Lorenzi is a small, family-run alpine hotel located in a quieter part of Cortina d’Ampezzo, surrounded by mountains and nature. The atmosphere feels simple and welcoming, with traditional wooden interiors that give the place a cozy mountain feel.

Rooms are comfortable and practical, many with balconies overlooking the surrounding peaks.

The setting is peaceful but still close enough to reach the town center and nearby hiking areas within a few minutes by car. It’s a good choice if you want a relaxed base focused more on spending time outdoors than on luxury extras.

The overall experience feels authentic. If you’re looking for an affordable stay in Cortina that still feels warm and local, this is a solid option.

⭐️ Hotel’s Highlights: quiet setting, traditional alpine style, good value for Cortina
👉 Check availability and current prices →

Best Hotels in Alta Badia

Alta Badia feels more peaceful and scenic than many other Dolomites bases, with smaller villages surrounded by dramatic peaks in every direction.

It’s a great choice if you want a relaxed alpine atmosphere, excellent hiking access, and some of the best mountain huts and food in the region.

• Kolfuschgerhof Mountain Resort $$$ (Our Top Pick)
• Hotel Gran Fanes $$
• Mountain B&B – La Scalira $

Kolfuschgerhof Mountain Resort $$$ (Our Top Pick)

Kolfuschgerhof Mountain Resort is a beautiful mountain hotel located above Colfosco, surrounded by panoramic views of the Dolomites in almost every direction. The setting feels peaceful and very scenic, with dramatic peaks right outside the windows, which makes the whole stay feel special from the moment you arrive.

The hotel combines traditional alpine style with modern comfort, featuring spacious rooms, large windows, and cozy wooden interiors. One of the biggest highlights is the wellness area with indoor pool and panoramic saunas, perfect for relaxing after a full day of hiking. Many trails start nearby, so it’s easy to head straight into the mountains without much driving.

If you want a quiet stay with incredible views and direct access to nature, this is easily one of the most memorable hotels in Alta Badia.

⭐️ Hotel’s Highlights: panoramic mountain views, large wellness area, peaceful location, direct access to hiking
👉 Check availability and current prices →

Hotel Gran Fanes $$

Hotel Gran Fanes is a cozy alpine hotel located in San Cassiano in Alta Badia, surrounded by green meadows and dramatic Dolomites peaks. The setting feels peaceful and very close to nature, with beautiful mountain views in every direction.

It’s slightly away from busier villages, which makes the atmosphere calm and relaxed throughout the day.

The hotel has a traditional alpine style with warm wooden interiors and comfortable rooms, many with balconies overlooking the mountains. There’s also a small wellness area with sauna and relaxation spaces, which feels especially nice after a day of hiking.

The location works well if you want easy access to scenic drives and trails around Passo Falzarego, Lagazuoi, and the Alta Badia area.

If you’re looking for a quiet mountain stay with beautiful surroundings and good value for the area, this is a very solid choice.

⭐️ Hotel’s Highlights: peaceful alpine setting, beautiful mountain views, cozy traditional atmosphere, wellness area
👉 Check availability and current prices →

Mountain B&B – La Scalira $

Mountain B&B – La Scalira is a small, cozy stay located in Corvara in Alta Badia, surrounded by dramatic Dolomites peaks in every direction.

The atmosphere feels very personal and relaxed, more like staying in a traditional mountain home than in a large hotel. Interiors are simple but warm, with wooden details that create that classic alpine feel.

One of the nicest things about staying here is the peaceful setting combined with easy access to hiking trails and mountain passes like Passo Gardena. Mornings feel quiet and slow, with beautiful views right outside the window, while the village center with restaurants and cafés is still close enough to reach easily.

If you’re looking for a smaller, friendly place with a local feel and great mountain surroundings, this is a great value option in Alta Badia.

⭐️ Hotel’s Highlights: cozy alpine atmosphere, peaceful location, great value in Corvara, close to hiking areas
👉 Check availability and current prices →

Best Hotels in Alta Pusteria (Sexten / Dobbiaco)

Alta Pusteria feels quieter and more relaxed than many other parts of the Dolomites, with traditional alpine villages surrounded by dramatic peaks.

It’s a great base if you want easy access to Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Lago di Braies, and Val Fiscalina, while still enjoying a peaceful mountain atmosphere away from the busiest areas.

• Naturhotel Leitlhof $$$ (Our Top Pick)
• Boutique & Gourmet Hotel Orso Grigio – Grauer Bär $$
• B&B Hotel Heidi $

Naturhotel Leitlhof $$$ (Our Top Pick)

Naturhotel Leitlhof is one of the places we genuinely loved staying at in the Dolomites. The hotel sits above San Candido in Alta Pusteria, surrounded by forest and open mountain views, which gives it a very peaceful and secluded feel while still being close to the main attractions in the area.

What we loved most here was the huge wellness area. There are several saunas, relaxation rooms, and a beautiful onsen-style pool, all with panoramic views of the Dolomites. Being able to relax in warm water while looking at the mountains after a long hike felt incredibly rewarding.

Both breakfast and dinners were also excellent, with a strong focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients and local flavors.

For us, this was a perfect base for visiting places like Tre Cime, Lago di Braies, and Val Fiscalina, while still enjoying a calm mountain atmosphere in the evenings.

⭐️ Hotel’s Highlights: huge wellness area with mountain views, onsen-style pool, excellent breakfast and dinners, peaceful setting above San Candido
👉 Check availability and current prices →

Boutique & Gourmet Hotel Orso Grigio – Grauer Bär $$

Boutique & Gourmet Hotel Orso Grigio – Grauer Bär is a charming historic hotel located right in the center of San Candido, one of the prettiest villages in Alta Pusteria.

The building dates back centuries, but the interiors feel elegant and carefully updated, It’s another perfect combination of the traditional alpine style with a more refined boutique atmosphere.

What makes this hotel special is the strong focus on gourmet dining, with beautifully presented dishes that turn dinner into a real experience after a day in the mountains.

Rooms feel stylish and comfortable, with warm wooden details. The central location also makes it easy to walk to cafés, bakeries, and restaurants, while still being close to major highlights like Tre Cime and Lago di Braies.

If you want a stay that feels a bit more unique and refined while still being in a practical location, this is a great option in San Candido.

⭐️ Hotel’s Highlights: historic boutique atmosphere, excellent gourmet restaurant, central location in San Candido
👉 Check availability and current prices →

B&B Hotel Heidi $

B&B Hotel Heidi is a cozy alpine-style stay located just outside Dobbiaco, surrounded by meadows and mountain views. The atmosphere feels simple and relaxed, with traditional wooden interiors that give the hotel a cozy feel.

It’s the kind of place that works well as a practical base if you plan to spend most of your time exploring nearby highlights like Tre Cime, Lago di Braies, and Val Fiscalina.

Rooms are spacious and comfortable, many with balconies overlooking the mountains, and there’s also a small garden where you can relax after a day of hiking.

Guests often highlight the very good breakfast and friendly atmosphere, which makes the stay feel welcoming and easy. 

If you’re looking for an affordable base in Alta Pusteria with a traditional alpine feel and good access to the main sights, this is a solid choice.

⭐️ Hotel’s Highlights: traditional alpine style, mountain views, good breakfast, good value near Dobbiaco
👉 Check availability and current prices →

FAQ about the best places to stay in

Where should first-time visitors stay in the Dolomites?

For most first-time visitors, Val Gardena or Cortina d’Ampezzo are the easiest bases. Both areas offer great access to some of the most famous Dolomites highlights, a wide range of hotels, and plenty of restaurants.

Val Gardena works especially well if places like Seceda or Alpe di Siusi are high on your list, while Cortina is ideal for visiting Tre Cime, Cinque Torri, and Lago di Sorapis.

What is the best place to stay for couples?

If you’re looking for a more scenic and relaxed atmosphere, we loved Alta Badia and its vibes. The villages feel peaceful and surrounded by dramatic mountain views in every direction, which creates a very romantic setting.

Many hotels here also focus on wellness, good food, and beautiful views, making it ideal for slower mornings and relaxing evenings after hiking.

The Sexten / Dobbiaco area is another great option for couples who prefer quieter surroundings and easy access to nature. Our stay in Naturhotel Leitlhof was just perfect!

Where to stay without a car?

If you’re not planning to rent a car, Val Gardena is usually the most practical base thanks to its good bus connections and cable cars leading directly into the mountains. Many accommodations in the valley offer free local transport passes, making it easier to move between villages and trailheads. 

Cortina d’Ampezzo is another good option, as it has strong bus connections and plenty of hikes accessible without needing to drive. 

While visiting the Dolomites without a car is definitely possible, choosing a well-connected base makes the experience much easier and saves a lot of time planning transport.

Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in the Dolomites

Choosing where to stay in the Dolomites really comes down to which hikes and attractions you want to prioritize. Even though the region may not look that big on the map, driving between valleys often takes longer than expected, so having the right base can make your trip much smoother.

If it’s your first visit, Val Gardena or Cortina d’Ampezzo are usually the easiest starting points thanks to their location and variety of hotels.

For a more peaceful and scenic atmosphere, Alta Badia or the Sexten / Dobbiaco area can feel more relaxed while still offering excellent access to some of the most beautiful places in the Dolomites.

From our experience, there’s no single perfect base for everyone — it really depends on your itinerary and travel style. The good news is that whichever area you choose, you’ll never be far from incredible mountain scenery, scenic drives, and unforgettable hikes.

If you’re still planning your itinerary, we also recommend checking our guide to the most scenic hikes in the Dolomites, which can help you decide which area fits your plans best.