The Dolomites are a group of mountains in Northern Italy, part of the Italian Alps. It’s one of the most beautiful places in Italy, and even Europe. In winter, famous ski resorts operate here, while in summer, thousands of hikers explore the breathtaking beauty of the Dolomites.
Imagine spending your summer vacation in an Alpine setting, surrounded by stunning green lakes and unique rocky peaks. You can hike on well-maintained hiking trails, enjoy the excitement of mountain serpentine roads, and marvel at Europe’s most breathtaking views everywhere you go. That’s the Dolomites.
We’ve written several articles about the Dolomites in the past, as it’s one of our favorite hiking destinations in the Alps. We try to go back year after year, but due to the increasing prices, limited availability, and high demand, it’s becoming more expensive and challenging.
So we know it’s not easy to plan a great Dolomites itinerary or find the right accommodations. Our next article will help you with your accommodation search if you’re planning a trip to the Dolomites.
In the following, you can read about the best hotels in the Dolomites, categorized by areas and price ranges. We list the best parts of the Dolomites where it might be worth booking accommodation, and in three price categories, we show the best hotels in each area.
We primarily focus on hotels, but in our article, you will also find some guesthouses and campsites as well.
Regarding the price categories, we roughly set them as follows, considering this year’s extremely high prices:
- Budget: Up to 250€
- Mid-range: 250-450€
- Luxury: From 450€
First, let’s take a look at our personal experiences and favorites that we’ve gathered over the years of traveling to the Dolomites. We’ll provide some useful information on how to plan your itinerary and where to book accommodation, as well as what criteria to consider. Then, we’ll show you our top accommodation choices.
Afterward, we’ll go through a longer list of the most visited areas in the Dolomites, and for each, we’ll recommend some accommodation options if you’re looking for a place to stay in that area.
Finally, we’ll provide detailed information on what you should know about the Dolomites if you’re really planning to travel there, and if you still have any questions. While our Dolomites guide offers comprehensive descriptions, we’ve also selected a few frequently asked questions for you.
So, returning to the point, let’s start with our travel tips and top choices.
Best places to stay in the Dolomites – Our picks
Practical tips for finding accommodation in the Dolomites
- If you want to make your trip to the Dolomites more affordable, then travel in the shoulder season.
Peak season in the Dolomites is July and August, when the weather is warmest and there’s the least rainfall. The rest of the year is a bit riskier to travel due to rain and cold, which can easily disrupt hiking plans.
However, September and the first half of October are still worth considering if you want to save money. The landscape in autumn shifts from summer green to more yellowish tones, but it’s equally beautiful. You may need an extra layer of clothing, but the crowds are smaller, and finding accommodation is easier, which we think is a big advantage.
- Don’t hesitate to look for accommodation in multiple places.
The area of the Dolomites is huge, but what makes finding accommodation even more challenging is the long travel times. It takes two to three times longer to travel distances in the Dolomites compared to other average places.
So, we recommend booking accommodation in multiple locations, even changing daily or every few days. For example, if you’re traveling to the Dolomites for five days, book at least two hotels in two different areas. Spend three days in one area and two days in another, reducing travel times.
- You should expect more of an Austrian style and culture rather than Italian.
The Dolomites are located near the Austrian border, and since part of it was previously Austrian territory, now called South Tyrol, you can experience a strong Austrian influence in the area. Many town names are written in German (and sometimes in the local Ladin language), and it’s not uncommon to hear people speaking German instead of Italian.
This influence is also reflected in the local cuisine, as alongside Italian dishes like pasta, pizza, and risotto, you can often find Tyrolean or South Tyrolean dishes such as Käsespätzle, Apfelstrudel, or Tiroler Gröstl.
- Don’t hesitate to rent a camper van if you feel like it.
We think one of the best ways to explore the Alps is by camper van. Big companies like RoadSurfer offer camper van rental options in many major cities. The advantage of a camper van is not only its price, as you can rent one for about half or a third of the cost of a hotel room in the Dolomites, but it also offers flexibility.
However, be aware that wild camping is prohibited in Italy, and unfortunately, sleeping in the car is treated as such! So you can only spend the night in designated camping areas with the camper van. We still think it’s a great option.
- Expect booking restrictions.
Many hotels in the Dolomites require a minimum stay of 2, 4, or even 7 nights. This means that in many places, you cannot book just one night, even if that would be ideal for your travel plans. In such cases, if you don’t want to stay for many nights in one place, we recommend looking for another hotel.
Additionally, many hotels do not allow cancellations, and those that do often require them to be made 2–4 weeks before arrival. In the winter season, this is less of an issue because the ski slopes are generally usable, but in the summer months, the weather can easily cause problems.
- Book very early or book at the last minute.
We recommend booking months in advance if you want a wide selection. Most accommodations fill up very quickly for the short hiking season, so it’s worth planning your trip in the spring and booking 3–4 months in advance.
However, it can be a problem that in the Dolomites, many places have a practice of non-refundable hotel bookings. No one wants to sit in average €300-400 hotels watching the rain for days.
We don’t like this custom, and since the weather in the Dolomites is extremely unpredictable and rainy, we don’t like to book months in advance.
So, we usually leave the booking until the end and choose from what’s left, especially if it’s the shoulder season. We haven’t experienced higher prices this way, and a few days before the trip, we can already see the weather forecast. Of course, this is also risky because they may take all the accommodations, but fortunately, we have experienced this only in a few cases so far.
Best areas to stay in the Dolomites
Now, let’s explore our personal favorite areas in the Dolomites, known for their stunning beauty, and where we recommend booking a hotel.
We’ve listed some of the best hotels according to our preferences too, with more options provided further down.
For those seeking the most beautiful landscapes: Alta Pusteria
Alta Pusteria is located in the eastern part of the Dolomites, and here you’ll find the most unique and special attractions close to each other. Most of the most stunning mountain lakes and unique rock formations are located here, such as Lake di Braies, Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Lake di Misurina, Lake di Landro, Cadini di Misurina.
Our choices in this area are the following:
The Hotel Cristof is located in Monguelfo, halfway between Bruneck and Toblach. The closest attraction is Lake Braies, which is a short drive from the hotel. The hotel itself does not have a star rating, but it offers a mid-range level of comfort and prices. It underwent renovations a few years ago, featuring modern furnishings and a unique style. It has received excellent reviews on Booking.com and Google Maps. Considering its value for money, we believe it’s one of the best choices in the area.
Skyview Chalets at Camping Toblacher See offers individual small wooden cabins on the shores of Lago di Dobbiaco, featuring modern furnishings and fantastic views. Although it officially does not belong to the higher categories, we would still include it there because of its unique charm. Booking here is not easy, and typically requires stays of multiple nights. Nonetheless, we believe it’s a top choice.
For hiking: Val Gardena
Val Gardena is an extremely popular ski area in winter and equally popular for hiking in summer. It offers attractions such as Seceda, one of the most beautiful places in the Dolomites. It’s worth spending a few days in this area, as Val Gardena can be an ideal starting point for day trips to the western part of the Dolomites.
Our hotel choice in Val Gardena is:
The Hotel Chalet S – Dolomites Design is a four-star hotel located in Selva di Val Gardena. It is primarily recommended for adults. In terms of price, it is a bit on the higher side, located in the upper range of the mid-category. It is a modern hotel with great views and a wide range of facilities. It has excellent reviews and is one of the best choices in the area.
For families and those looking to relax: Alpe di Siusi
The Alpe di Siusi or Seiser Alm is a plateau in the western part of the Dolomites, near Val Gardena.
As Alpe di Siusi is one of the most picturesque parts of the Dolomites, it’s definitely worth adding to your bucket list. You won’t be disappointed, as it offers stunning views, gentle alpine landscapes adorned with flowers, and breathtaking mountains all around. All of this guarantees relaxation, whether you’re walking, hiking, cycling, or just relaxing. Ideal for families as well, as it’s quite secluded, peaceful area, with well-equipped hotels where children can also have a great time.
In our opinion, one of the best hotel choices in Alpe di Siusi is:
Sporthotel Floralpina is a four-star hotel in Alpe di Siusi, offering a peaceful environment and a wide range of amenities. It falls into the upper range of the mid-category in terms of price, so it’s not cheap. However, it offers a more flexible booking system than many other hotels in the Dolomites. They do not require a minimum number of nights, and the reservation can be canceled within a certain period. It has excellent reviews and is a truly great hotel, which we personally recommend after choosing it ourselves.
After highlighting a few hotels, let’s see the detailed list, where you can find even more accommodation options.
Where to stay in the Dolomites – Detailed list
In the detailed list, we’ll go through the best areas and towns to stay in the Dolomites. So we’ll list the most famous areas and highlight the main towns within them, if any. For each area, we’ll provide affordable, mid-range, and luxury accommodation options.
Val Pusteria and Alta Pusteria
Val Pusteria, also known as Pustertal in German, is a scenic valley located in the eastern part of the Dolomites. It offers breathtaking alpine landscapes, charming villages, and a wide range of outdoor activities throughout the year.
Alta Pusteria, or Hochpustertal in German, is the upper part of Val Pusteria, known for its idyllic lakes and mountains. It’s an ideal destination for hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers who want to explore the most picturesque parts of the Dolomites in just a few days.
Best places to visit in Val Pusteria and Alta Pusteria:
- Tre Cime di Lavaredo
- Cadini di Misurina
- Lago Antorno
- Lago di Misurina
- Lago di Braies (Lake Braies)
- Lago di Landro
- Lago di Dobbiaco
Best towns in Val Pusteria:
- Bruneck/Brunico
- Toblach/Dobbiaco
- Innichen/San Candido
Best accommodations in Val Pusteria:
Budget:Hotel Rosengarten
Hotel Rosengarten is a three-star hotel located in Dobbiaco, offering affordable rates and renovated interior spaces.
Mid-range:Majestic Hotel & Spa Resort
Majestic Hotel & Spa Resort is a four-star hotel located in Brunico, featuring an extensive spa area and regular events. With modern interior spaces and extremely positive reviews.
Luxury:Falkensteiner Hotel Kronplatz – The Leading Hotels of the World
Falkensteiner Hotel Kronplatz – The Leading Hotels of the World is five-star luxury hotel in Riscone, near Brunico. With excellent ratings, a rooftop pool, wellness area, and beautiful interiors, it’s one of the best choices in the area.
Cortina d’Ampezzo
Cortina d’Ampezzo is a beautiful town nestled in the Italian Dolomites. Renowned as a ski paradise in winter, it also boasts stunning hiking trails and breathtaking landscapes in summer. With its charming shops, restaurants, and the backdrop of majestic mountains, Cortina is a worthwhile place to stay in the eastern part of the Dolomites.
Best places to visit near Cortina d’Ampezzo:
- Lago di Sorapis
- Passo Giau
- Lago Federa
- Cinque Torri
- Lago di Limides
Best accommodations in Cortina d’Ampezzo
Since hotels in Cortina are quite expensive, we can’t recommend a budget option in this case. There are some cheaper hotels in the area, but unfortunately, none of them we could recommend wholeheartedly due to their poor reviews.
Mid-range: FIORI Dolomites Experience Hotel
The FIORI Dolomites Experience Hotel is a mid-range, three-star hotel located in San Vito di Cadore, a short drive from Cortina d’Ampezzo. We personally chose this hotel at one time, so we recommend it to you as well.
Luxury: Grand Hotel Savoia Cortina d’Ampezzo, A Radisson Collection Hotel
The Grand Hotel Savoia Cortina d’Ampezzo, A Radisson Collection Hotel is a renowned five-star luxury hotel of a famous hotel chain located in Cortina. It’s one of the top choices in the area, although it’s quite expensive. Featuring stylish interiors, a wide range of amenities, and stunning views, it offers a luxurious experience for guests visiting the area.
Val Gardena
Val Gardena is a beautiful valley in the western part of the Dolomites, popular for skiing in winter and hiking in summer. It offers stunning landscapes and charming towns. It’s a perfect spot to explore the western Dolomites and serves as a great base for day trips in the area. Plus, there are plenty of nearby attractions to discover.
Best places to visit near Val Gardena:
- Passo Gardena including Brunecker Turm
- Seceda
- Passo Sella
Towns in Val Gardena:
- Ortisei
- Selva di Val Gardena
- Santa Cristina Valgardena
Best places to stay in Val Gardena:
Budget: Hotel Chalet Dlaces
Hotel Chalet Dlaces is a three-star, affordable hotel with good value for money. Located in Selva di Val Gardena. It has received very good reviews.
Mid-range: Hotel Sun Valley
Hotel Sun Valley is a four-star hotel located in Selva di Val Gardena, offering mid-range prices. One drawback is that reservations are non-refundable, but this might be worth considering for a better price. It’s a modern hotel with a wide range of spa and wellness facilities. A good choice for families as well.
Luxury: Gardena Grödnerhof – Hotel & Spa
Gardena Grödnerhof – Hotel & Spa is a five-star luxury hotel located in Ortisei. The hotel boasts elegant interiors, excellent spa facilities, and an award-winning restaurant. It’s one of the best choices in the area.
Alpe di Siusi/Seiser Alm
Alpe di Siusi is a stunning plateau located near Val Gardena. Known for its breathtaking alpine landscapes, including the popular Sassolungo and Sassopiatto mountains. It offers a perfect setting for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and simply enjoying the picturesque surroundings.
You can reach Alpe di Siusi by cable car or by car. However, it’s important to note that access by car is restricted to certain areas unless you have a hotel reservation.
Therefore, if you want to explore Alpe di Siusi in more detail, we recommend booking a hotel at one of the area’s hotels. If you’re only interested in a few places, you can reach them on foot from the cable car mountain station or from the paid parking areas.
Best accommodations on Alpe di Siusi:
Since hotels on Alpe di Siusi are quite expensive, we can’t recommend a budget option in this case.
Mid-range: Dolmites Nature Hotel Vigilerhof
The Dolmites Nature Hotel Vigilerhof is a four-star hotel in Siusi, a short drive from the plateau. While not ideally located, it still falls among the more affordable accommodations in the Alpe di Siusi area. It offers good amenities and has received positive reviews.
Luxury: Sporthotel Sonne
Sporthotel Sonne is officially rated as a four-star hotel, but due to its pricing and offerings, we would classify it in a higher category. Undoubtedly, this hotel offers the best views of the plateau and the mountains. It’s a modern, comfortable hotel. One drawback is that reservations are only accepted for multiple nights, not for 1 or 2 nights.
Val di Fassa
Val di Fassa is a valley in the central-western part of the Dolomites, near the Marmolada and the Gruppo del Catinaccio. It’s less known compared to other places, but the hotels here provide a great starting point for exploring the central and western parts of the Dolomites. In addition, the accommodations in this area are less overpriced than elsewhere in the Dolomites.
Best towns in Val di Fassa:
- Canazei
- Pozza di Fassa
- Vigo di Fassa
- Moena
Best places to visit near Val di Fassa:
- Lago di Fedaia
- Marmolada
- Passo Pordoi
- Lago di Carezza
- Torri del Vajolet
- Lago di Antermoia
Best hotels in Val di Fassa:
Budget: Hotel Faloria
Hotel Faloria is a three-star renovated hotel located in Moena. It’s a bit further away from the main attractions, but it’s generally available at very reasonable prices, making it a worthwhile option to consider.
Mid-range: Hotel Ladinia Dolomites View
Hotel Ladinia Dolomites View is a four-star hotel located in Pozza di Fassa, offering modern rooms and a spa area.
Luxury: Ciampedie Luxury Alpine Spa Hotel
The Ciampedie Luxury Alpine Spa Hotel is a five-star hotel located in Vigo di Fassa. It offers pleasant interior spaces, excellent amenities, and relatively good prices for its category.
Val di Funes
Val di Funes is a beautiful valley in South Tyrol, close to Val Gardena. It’s famous for its picturesque Odle Mountains with their distinctive needle-like peaks. The area offers a tranquil environment, charming villages, and stunning natural beauty, making it perfect for exploring the enchanting landscapes of the Dolomites.
Best places to visit in Val di Funes:
- Church of St. John
- Panorama of Santa Magdalena
- Geisler Alm
Best accommodations in Val di Funes:
Since the valley is less populated, it’s challenging to find accommodation here. Therefore, we recommend staying a bit farther away and traveling by car to your destinations in Val di Funes.
Budget: Hotel Ansitz Gamp
Hotel Ansitz Gamp is a three-star hotel in Chiusa, a short drive from Val di Funes. It’s a simpler hotel with affordable prices, conveniently located near the highway, providing good connectivity to other destinations.
Mid-range: Viel Nois Guest House
Viel Nois Guest House is a four-star guest house in Funes, close to the attractions. It boasts modern interior spaces and stunning views. In terms of prices, it falls into the mid-range category. It tends to get booked up quickly, so it’s advisable to make reservations in advance.
Luxury: My Arbor – Plose Wellness Hotel
My Arbor – Plose Wellness Hotel is a five-star wellness hotel located in Bressanone, a bit further from Val di Funes, but still easily accessible by car. It’s a stylish, modern luxury hotel set in a beautiful Alpine environment, offering a wide range of amenities. If you can afford it, we highly recommend it.
Bolzano
Bolzano is one of the main cities in the Dolomites, located in the northern part of Italy’s Trentino-Alto Adige region. This city boasts significant cultural and historical heritage, with rich museums and architectural landmarks. The surrounding mountains and valleys offer breathtaking views around the city. Bolzano serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the Dolomites, so it’s worth considering looking for accommodation here in the Dolomites.
Best places to visit near Bolzano:
- Lago di Carezza
- Alpe di Siusi
- Prösels Castle
- Earth Pyramids Renon
Best hotels in Bolzano:
Budget: Eggentaler
Eggentaler is a three-star hotel located in the outskirts of Bolzano, close to the roads that lead to the main attractions of the Dolomites, such as Lake Carezza. It offers affordable rates and has good reviews.
Mid-range: Parkhotel Laurin
Parkhotel Laurin is a four-star hotel in the center of Bolzano, near the train station. It has rooms in the mid-price range with a classic style, perfect for those who like traditional decor.
Luxury: Castel Hörtenberg
Castel Hörtenberg is a unique five-star hotel in Bolzano. It features modern interior spaces while retaining the original castle-like exterior. Recommended for those seeking a special experience.
So, this was the list of the best accommodations in the Dolomites. We presented over 20 places to stay, including hotels and guesthouses in almost every price range, some tucked away in secluded spots, and others offering the best views of the Dolomites.
Wherever you go in the Dolomites, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable experience. Though the accommodations can be a bit pricey and finding the perfect place to stay can be challenging, we hope our list helped you in your search.
If you need more information, don’t hesitate to read our other articles about the Dolomites. Since it’s one of our favorite hiking destinations, we’ve tried to provide detailed and comprehensive descriptions so you can also enjoy the wonderful hikes and views in the Dolomites.
Finally, let’s look at some common questions that arise when you want to visit the Dolomites:
FAQ: What else to know about the Dolomites
What is the most beautiful part of the Dolomites?
It’s subjective, but we believe the most beautiful area is around Misurina with Tre Cime, Lake Misurina, Lake Antorno, Cadini di Misurina, and not far from Lago di Sorapis. Here you can find most of the unique landmarks of the Dolomites.
How to get to the Dolomites?
The easiest way to reach the Dolomites is by car. Whether you have your own car or opt for car rental, this is the most recommended option. Public transportation is quite limited in the area.
Can you do Dolomites without a car?
Yes, but it’s not easy without a car in the Dolomites. In this case, you would rely on local buses, which take much longer to get you from one place to another.
How many days do you need in the Dolomites?
We think at least 5–7 days are needed to explore the best spots, but if you also want to relax, plan for 1–2 weeks.
What is the best time to visit Dolomites?
If you want to ski, then December and January are recommended, if you want to hike, then the best months to visit the Dolomites are July and August.
Is visiting the Dolomites expensive?
Yes, unfortunately, in recent years, the Dolomites have become extremely expensive, especially accommodations. Therefore, it’s worth considering accommodation booking carefully.
Are the Dolomites cheaper than Switzerland?
Based on recent prices, not really. You can expect roughly similar prices for both destinations, whether it’s hotels, restaurants, or transportation.
