Where to stay in the Dolomites | DETAILED On a budget and first timers guide!

Nestled in the heart of the Italian Alps, the Dolomites offer a picturesque backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, and nature lovers. With its rugged peaks, pristine lakes, and winding valleys, the Dolomites offer a myriad of adventures and experiences to explore. 

But with so many dramatic towns and villages lodged within the valleys of South Tyrol, Trento, Bolzano and Belluno, it can be challenging to choose where to stay in the Dolomites. In this guide, we will share our personal experiences and tips to help you find the best base for your Dolomites Itinerary.

Whether you are on a budget or looking for a luxury resort, the Dolomites have an option for everyone. But, first, you need just the right direction where to look for. The best Dolomites Accommodations are often in remote villages, other than towns near the airports.

Where to Stay in the Dolomites | 4 Areas to consider

The Dolomites are a vast mountain range that stretches across several regions in Northern Italy. Some of the most popular areas to stay in include Cortina d’Ampezzo, Bolzano, Val Gardena, and Alta Badia. Each of these towns offers something unique, so the best one for you will depend on your interests.

Cortina D’Ampezzo

We include Cortina d’Ampezzo among the top destinations to stay in the Dolomites, as the alpine town is the major resort village in the Dolomites. It is for sure one of the most popular towns in the Dolomites, the perfect base for skiers and snowboarders. You can reach Cortina from Venice airport easily within a 2-hour drive or shuttle bus (Cortina Express).

However, keep in mind that Cortina is one of the most expensive towns in the region, so it might not be the best choice if you’re on a budget.

Where to stay in Cortina

Budget | Hotel Ciasa Lorenzi is a highly-recommended farm stay in Cortina d’Ampezzo. The fantastic hotel is right in the centre of Cortina d’Ampezzo and 16 km of Sorapiss Lake. All around, you can take advantage of the fine restaurants, cosy eateries and chalets. The Hotel has a high score of 9.4, which makes it one of the most appealing in Cortina and also perfect for a budget stay in the Dolomites. BOOK YOUR STAY HERE

Midrange | Hotel Columbia & Spa is a fantastic alternative to a luxury resort at an affordable price. The Hotel Columbia boasts a panoramic terrace to enjoy hot chocolate and also a complete spa, including a sauna, Turkish bath, hot tub and massage treatments.
Booking here, you will stay at the centre of the action, with the Tofana Col Druscié ski slopes just 300 mt away. You can arrive here by bus and just enjoy the free shuttle bus taking you to ski. The Tyrolean Style hotel offers a fantastic buffet to start your day in a cosy alpine-style accommodation.

Luxury | Hotel de Len is a splurge-worthy hotel in Cortina d’Ampezzo, one of the best in the Dolomites. The complex features high-standard facilities and a quick connection to the slopes. The hotel is perfect for celebrations, and the staff is highly rated as one of the most accommodating for guests.

BOLZANO

Bolzano is the charming South Tyrol iconic city, split in two souls and beat at once, the Italian and Austrian. The city is perfect for staying within the Dolomites. Bolzano offers the best budget-friendly accommodations.

Among the usual activities, Bolzano has more to do; also at night. One of the best things to do in Bolzano is to visit the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, which houses the famous Ötzi the Iceman, a mummified body of a man who lived more than 5,000 years ago. Bolzano has a unique historic centre with its beautiful Gothic and Renaissance architecture.

You will love walking around the charming cafes and restaurants, enjoying your little retreat through the Italian mountains. For hiking enthusiasts, Bolzano is an excellent base for exploring the nearby mountain trails, including the famous Rosengarten Massif and the Schlern. There are also several beautiful lakes in proximity to Bolzano, including Lake Caldaro and Lake Monticolo, which are perfect for swimming and boating.

Bolzano is easily accessible from several nearby airports, including Innsbruck, Verona, and Venice. It’s an ideal destination for visitors looking to experience the beauty and culture of the Dolomites while enjoying the comforts of a vibrant city.

WHERE TO STAY IN BOLZANO

Budget | Capri B&B is the ideal accommodation in Bolzano to enjoy the mountain and the city. The B&B is on a budget solution, the lowest price you can find within the Dolomites, with the perfect balance of comfort. You will have walking distance from the centre, and to the bus station to catch the first shuttle to the slopes.

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Apartment | Argentieri city loft

The Argentieri city loft in Bolzano is perfect if you are looking for a central location within walking distance from the main sights, restaurants and bars. You will have the entire apartment for you, which makes your stay comfortable.

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Luxury | Hotel Greif

Fine interiors, a gorgeous piano, and a view over the Dolomites and Piazza Walther. What do you want more for a relaxing holiday in the mountains? Wake up in the morning enjoy a fantastic buffet breakfast with a panoramic view and go for a day hike.

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VAL GARDENA AND ALTA BADIA

Val Gardena and Alta Badia are two of the most beautiful areas in the Dolomites, and they’re both great options for outdoor enthusiasts. Val Gardena is known for its stunning landscapes, while Alta Badia is home to some of the best skiing and hiking trails in the region. 

Both of these areas are also home to charming towns and villages where you can enjoy traditional Italian hospitality. One of the main reasons you should consider staying in Val Gardena and Alta Badia is that staying at any hotel, guesthouse or general accommodation within the valleys will provide you with a transport card.

This special concession helps the valleys to have fewer tourists cars around and makes the trip to the hikes easy. The card also is useful for getting around the South Tyrol and Bolzano area. Among the places we suggest checking out there are Ortisei, Santa Cristina and Selva di Val Gardena.

VAL DI FASSA | SOUTH TYROL

Choosing accommodation in Val di Fassa is perfect. The valley is strategically located at a short distance from Cortina d’Ampezzo and Alpe di Siusi. Planning your hiking, lake visits and other activities is easy staying in Val di Fassa.

The fantastic place is home to several traditional villages, and the local culture is a mix of Italian and Ladin influences. This area is also known for its local cuisine, with many restaurants serving traditional dishes.

If you are into hiking or biking and want to explore more of the Dolomites in Summer, you can’t go wrong staying in Val di Fassa.

Where to stay in Val di Fassa

TRENTO | TRENTINO

Trento is a charming city in the Dolomites that is known for its beautiful historic centre and rich cultural heritage. The city is located in the Adige River valley and is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery.

Visiting this place you will find narrow streets and historic buildings of the old town, which is home to several museums and art galleries.

The city is also known for its excellent restaurants and cafes, which offer local cuisine and wines. Trento is a great base for exploring the surrounding mountains and valleys, including the nearby Adamello Brenta Nature Park.

If you enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and skiing, this is the perfect place, especially in winter. The city is also well-connected to other destinations in the Dolomites by public transport, making it a convenient place to stay for those looking to explore the region.

VAL D’EGA | SOUTH TYROL

Val d’Ega is a beautiful valley in the Dolomites that is known for its stunning mountain scenery and outdoor activities like skiing and hiking. Among the best hikes we must include the Latemar massif. Visiting Val D’Ega you will see that the valley is home to several charming villages like Nova Levante, Carezza, and Nova Ponente, each offering a unique atmosphere and plenty of amenities for visitors.

One of the best things to do in Val d’Ega is to explore the nearby lakes, such as Lake Carezza and Lake Costalunga. These stunning alpine lakes are known for their crystal-clear waters and are a popular spot for swimming, fishing, and other water sports.

The Val D’Ega is well-connected to other destinations in the Dolomites, such as Cortina d’Ampezzo and Val Gardena, making it a convenient base for exploring the region.

ALPE DI SIUSI | SOUTH TYROL

Famous among travellers because of one of the most stunning high-altitude plateaus located in South Tyrol, Italy. The Alpe di Siusi is home to several charming villages like Castelrotto, Siusi, and Fiè allo Sciliar, each offering a unique atmosphere and plenty of amenities.

In addition to skiing and hiking, you can also explore the several nearby lakes that are perfect for swimming, fishing, or simply enjoying the scenery.

Also, consider that the stunning scenery makes it the cover page of the biggest travel magazines, as it has fantastic plateaus and unique landscapes. The iconic church of St. Giovanni in Ranui, the little church in the middle of the meadow with the dolomites in the background, is here.

You can explore this area by walking on the famous Adolf Munkel Trail. Apart from that you can also explore fantastic lakes, among all Lake Braies and Lake Dobbiaco.

VAL DI SOLE AND VAL DI NON

You will not find suggestions for Val di Sole and Val di Non anywhere else because people often think that the Dolomites area is just around Belluno and Bolzano. However, the Adamello-Brenta mountain range is part of the Dolomites that belong to Trentino Alto Adige. Not so far from Trento, the Capital of the region, two valleys offer some of the best retreats. In fact, the Val di Sole is often overbooked in summer, and mostly by locals, as one of the most beautiful places in the Dolomites.

The Val di Non, instead is famous for the production of apples that export everywhere in the world. Both valleys offer incredible activities, thanks to the beautiful lakes, hiking paths and little villages. It is one of the most budget-friendly locations in the Dolomites, and you should consider it for your next stay in the Dolomites. Check the best things to do in Trentino for some inspiration on the planning.

What is the best town to stay in near the Dolomites?

If you are looking for a town that is close to the heart of the Dolomites, we recommend staying in the town of Cortina d’Ampezzo. This charming town is situated in the heart of the Dolomites and offers easy access to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the area.

 It’s also a great place for skiing and winter sports, with its renowned ski resort, the Dolomiti Superski.

Another excellent option is the town of Selva di Val Gardena, located in the Val Gardena valley. This charming town is surrounded by the Dolomites and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It’s also a great base for hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities.

San Martino di Castrozza

San Martino di Castrozza is a charming village in the Dolomites that is known for its stunning mountain scenery and outdoor activities like skiing and hiking. The village is surrounded by towering peaks and is the perfect base for exploring the nearby mountains.

Visitors can also enjoy a stroll through the pedestrian-friendly streets lined with shops and restaurants.

ARABBA | BELLUNO

Arabba is a small town located in the heart of the Dolomites. This town is known for its ski resorts, but it’s also a great place to stay in the summer. Arabba is located at the foot of the Sella Ronda, a popular ski circuit, but in the summer, you can hike and cycle in the surrounding mountains.

As it is a location known just around ski travellers, Arabba is perfect for a layback atmosphere.

SAN CASSIANO | ALTA BADIA

San Cassiano is a charming village located in the Alta Badia region. This area is known for its ski resorts, but it’s also a great place to stay in the summer. San Cassiano is located in the heart of the Dolomites, and there are many hiking and mountain biking trails to explore. This village is known for its traditional architecture and local culture, and there are many festivals and events throughout the year.

ORTISEI | VAL GARDENA

Ortisei is another charming town, and we suggest this place if you want to enjoy the Val Gardena. This town is known for its traditional architecture and woodcarving. Ortisei is a great place to stay for skiing in the winter, with easy access to several ski resorts in the area. However, we must say that summer is the best time of the year to enjoy the Dolomites.

In the summer, you can have the best hikes and explore the surrounding hills. Since May is easy to reach the top of the mountains surrounding Ortisei. However, the village itself is perfect for a quiet retreat in the Dolomites. In fact you can walk around, breathe fresh mountain air and take it slow chatting with locals in the main square outdoor bar area.

CORVARA | ALTA BADIA

With towering peaks and pristine forests surrounding the village, Corvara is next on our guide to the best places to stay in the Dolomites. One of the best things to do in Corvara is to explore the nearby hiking trails, which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The Puez-Odle Nature Park is a popular hiking destination with several trails of varying difficulty levels.

Aside from hiking, you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding in the winter months. The nearby Sella Ronda ski circuit is a must-do for experienced skiers.

Corvara is located approximately 65 kilometres from Bolzano Airport and 145 kilometres from Venice Marco Polo Airport. The village is also well-connected to nearby cities, with Bolzano and Innsbruck (Austria) both located within a two-hour drive.

CANAZEI | Val di Fassa

Canazei is located approximately 45 kilometres from Bolzano Airport and 150 kilometres from Venice Marco Polo Airport. The picturesque village is in a strategic location that makes it perfect for exploring the Marmolada, Sassolungo and Sella groups. The Val di Fassa Dolomites part is often overshadowed by other renowned destinations, but Canazei is definitely worth it. More layback village with a lot of charm and a fantastic church dedicated to Lady Snow. There are plenty of accommodations, and prices in Canazei tend to be cheaper than Cortina d’Ampezzo, especially if you book in advance.

Stay in the most beautiful area of Dolomites?

Even though it is difficult to locate the most beautiful area of the Dolomites, there are a few locations that are worth more than others. Val di Funes is the most stunning area of the Dolomites and the one we want to recommend for the best holidays in this part of Italy.

This stunning valley is located in the heart of the Dolomites and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. You might have seen photos of the gorgeous scenery, and in particular of the little church surrounded by the meadow of St. Johann in Ranui, which is a popular spot for photographers.

Another beautiful area to explore is the Alpe di Siusi, which is Europe’s largest high-altitude alpine meadow. This stunning area is located in the heart of the Dolomites and offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

WHERE TO STAY IN VAL DI FUNES

Val di Funes is among our favourite places because it is more secluded, less touristy and more intimate. This part of the Dolomites is ideal for travellers looking for quiet places to enjoy hikings, walking and sports.

It is often seen as the hidden gem of the Dolomites with breathtaking scenery and cinematic places. One of the best places to look in Val di Funes is the traditional Malga. These Alpine Pasture Huts are peculiar to the area and are more than just Rifugios.

The huts provide shelters for hikers and are totally surrounded by nature. Not every Malga offers overnight lodging, so it is good to check it before embracing the hike. One thing is for sure, they produce the best fresh products. Just to cut short and give you some suggestions on where to stay in Val di Funes, check out Santa Maddalena and San Martino di Badia.

WHERE TO STAY IN ALPE DI SIUSI

Another underrated place to stay in the Dolomites is Alpe di Siusi. The fantastic landscape is popular among photographers attracted by the unique lights at sunrise. Be aware that sunset in summer in the Dolomites is very early, with the sun rising at 5:10 am.

Having the largest plateau of meadow in Europe, gives you the idea of the position in front of the mountain, perfect to enjoy the landscape.

Apart from that the Alpe di Siusi also offers an outstanding list of accommodations for every budget. Some of the accommodations we are suggesting below also have a Spa, which makes your stay even more comfortable.

Where is the best base to explore the Dolomites?

If you want to explore the entire Dolomite region, we recommend staying in a central location such as Bolzano or Trento. These two cities are located in the heart of the Dolomites and offer easy access to all the major attractions in the area. Bolzano is known for its stunning architecture, charming streets, and delicious food. 

However, we love Trento, and spent so much time there. The biggest city in Trentino, is the most popular place to base yourself and explore the mountains. From Trento, you can reach the main locations within minutes, and there is a big network of public transport that can take you to the slopes or nearby towns. Trento offers a more relaxed atmosphere and is known for its history and culture.

Things to know before visiting the Dolomites

Best time to visit the Dolomites?

The best time to visit the Dolomites depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re a winter sports enthusiast, then the best time to visit is between December and March. This is when the ski resorts are open, and the slopes are covered in snow. However, if you prefer warmer weather and hiking, then the summer months of June to September are perfect. During this time, the mountains are alive with blooming wildflowers, and the trails are open for hiking and mountain biking.

How to Get Around the Dolomites

The Dolomites are spread over a large area, so getting around can be challenging. However, there are several options available. If you’re flying into Italy, the closest airports to the Dolomites are Venice, Verona, and Innsbruck.

From there, you can rent a car and drive to your destination. Alternatively, you can take a train or bus to one of the many towns in the Dolomites. Once you’re there, the best way to get around is by car. However, if you prefer not to drive, there are also bus services available, and some areas can be explored on foot.

Q&A Where to Stay in the Dolomites