Where to Stay in the Dolomites | The Most Beautiful Mountain Towns and Places to Base Your Trip
Last Updated on February 24, 2026 by Charlotte
Choosing where to stay in the Dolomites can truly make or break your trip. This mountainous region is vast, with deep valleys and winding passes that connect dozens of small towns, each with its own distinct character, scenery, and pace. The right base can help you spend less time driving and more time soaking in those breathtaking alpine views. Whether you’re dreaming of a luxury ski resort, a cozy family-run guesthouse, or a quiet chalet surrounded by meadows, this guide breaks down the best towns and areas to stay in the Dolomites, plus recommended accommodations for every budget.
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Where to Stay in the Dolomites
Choosing where to stay in the Dolomites is one of the most important trip-planning decisions you’ll make. The region spans hundreds of kilometers across northern Italy, with deep valleys separating each mountain group, meaning even short drives can take over an hour, thanks to winding alpine roads. Picking the right base will help you spend more time hiking, photographing, and relaxing, and less time sitting in traffic behind camper vans or stuck behind logging trucks.
Most travelers split the Dolomites into two main regions:
- The Central Dolomites, home to famous peaks like Seceda and Sassolungo and picturesque meadows such as Alpe di Siusi.
- The Eastern Dolomites, known for Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Cadini di Misurina, and turquoise alpine lakes like Lago di Braies and Lago di Sorapis.
Each area has its own strengths and beauties. The central region offers iconic postcard scenery and easy access to multiple cable cars and trails from towns like Ortisei and Corvara. The eastern region, anchored by Cortina d’Ampezzo, is ideal for travelers chasing dramatic peaks, scenic lakes, and via ferrata routes.
If you have a week or more, consider splitting your stay between the two regions. Spending three to four nights in each is ideal for covering the highlights without rushing. You can read our 10-Day Dolomites Itinerary for more ideas on how to divide your trip across the region.
Central Dolomites: Best for Classic Hikes & Iconic Dolomites Landscapes
The Central Dolomites are what most people picture when they dream of this region: dramatic limestone peaks rising above grassy green meadows, wooden huts scattered across flower-filled hillsides, and trail networks that seem to go on forever. Staying here puts you close to the Dolomites’ most iconic hikes, photography spots, and cable car access points.
Val Gardena (Ortisei, Selva, Santa Cristina)
Val Gardena is one of the best all-around bases in the Dolomites, especially for hikers and photographers. The village of Ortisei is a standout, offering direct lift access to both Seceda and Alpe di Siusi, plus plenty of cozy restaurants and cafes for post-hike recovery. Selva and Santa Cristina sit slightly higher in the valley and are great choices if you prefer smaller, quieter stays with mountain views right out your window.
Nearby highlights: the Seceda ridgeline (one of the most photogenic spots in the Dolomites), Passo Sella, and the sweeping alpine meadows of Alpe di Siusi.
Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm)
If you dream of wide-open alpine meadows dotted with wooden huts, Alpe di Siusi is paradise. It’s the largest high-altitude plateau in Europe, with gentle walking paths, biking trails, and endless 360° mountain views. Cars are restricted during the day to preserve the tranquility, so most visitors access it via cable car from Ortisei or Siusi.
It’s ideal for families, first-time visitors, and travelers looking to unwind without sacrificing scenery. Lastly, Alpe di Siusi is especially beautiful at sunrise when the Sassolungo peaks glow pink in the early light.
Val di Funes
This quiet valley looks like something out of a storybook, with tiny alpine churches that are framed by jagged limestone peaks. In Val di Funes, the famous Santa Maddalena Church and San Giovanni Church are two of the most photographed scenes in the Dolomites. The hiking in the Puez-Odel Nature Park is gentler and less crowded, making Val di Funes a perfect base for slow mornings, golden larch forests in fall, and peaceful evenings far from the busier valleys.
Nearby highlight: the Adolf Munkel Trail, which passes directly beneath the towering Odle peaks.
Alta Badia (Corvara, La Villa, San Cassiano)
If you’re after refined mountain charm (think wine lists, spa hotels, and Michelin-starred dining), Alta Badia is the place for you! Towns like Corvara, La Villa, and San Cassiano blend luxury amenities with easy access to world-class hiking and skiing.
The region connects directly to the Sella Ronda ski circuit and a number of via ferrata routes in summer.
Alta Badia also makes a great midway base if you plan to explore both the central and eastern Dolomites, thanks to its location between Val Gardena and Cortina.
Eastern Dolomites: Best for Tre Cime, High-Altitude Adventures & Scenic Lakes
The Eastern Dolomites are where the mountains turn wild and cinematic. Jagged peaks slice into the sky, turquoise lakes shimmer beneath glaciers, and the hiking trails feel a little more remote and rugged. This region is anchored by Cortina d’Ampezzo, the Dolomites’ most famous resort town, but also includes smaller villages that offer a quieter base within easy reach of big adventures.
Cortina d’Ampezzo
Known as the “Queen of the Dolomites,” Cortina is the region’s most famous and well-connected town. It hosted the 1956 and 2026 winter Olympics. But, even outside of ski season, it’s an unbeatable base for exploring the area’s best hikes.
From here, you can easily reach Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Lago di Sorapis, Cinque Torri, and a host of via ferrata routes. Cortina offers a little bit of everything: high-end hotels and restaurants, casual pizzerias, lively mountain bars, and direct access to cable cars. Just be prepared for higher prices (and more traffic) in peak summer.
Dobbiaco & San Candido
Tucked into the Puster Valley, these two neighboring towns are peaceful alternatives to busy Cortina. Both have train connections, and also quick access to Lago di Braies, Tre Cime, and Lago di Dobbiaco, making them perfect for travelers who prefer a slower pace or don’t want to drive every day.
Dobbiaco is known for its calm, family-friendly vibe and proximity to scenic cycling routes, while San Candido offers a slightly livelier atmosphere with boutique shops and excellent restaurants.
Misurina
If you’re chasing early-morning reflections and a front-row seat to the peaks of Tre Cime, Misurina is an ideal base for you. This small lakeside village sits at the foot of the Sorapiss range, and just 20 minutes from the Tre Cime trailhead.
You can walk the easy loop trail around Lago di Misurina, rent a rowboat, or simply sip coffee on a terrace overlooking the water. It’s a quieter and more authentic alternative to Cortina, perfect for travelers who want sunrise access to Tre Cime without the crowds.
Budgeting for Accommodations in the Dolomites
The Dolomites offer a surprisingly wide range of places to stay, from cozy family-run guesthouses to high-end spa resorts with mountain views. Prices vary depending on the season and location, but here’s a general sense of what to expect, and what kind of experience each price tier delivers.
Budget Stays (€70-120/night)
Budget accommodations in the Dolomites are often simple but full of heart: small guesthouses, mountain huts (rifugios), and local B&Bs run by families who’ve lived here for generations. Rooms tend to be clean and comfortable, sometimes with shared bathrooms, and breakfasts are often homemade spreads of fresh bread, cheese, and jam.
We stayed at B&B Lavi in Ortisei, a charming chalet overlooking the valley with panoramic views of the Sassolungo peaks. The owners, Rita and Alfred, were exceptional hosts. Rita even surprised me with a homemade cake for my birthday! Experiences like that are what make budget stays in the Dolomites so memorable. Check out our full review of this wonderful stay.
Midrange Stays (€120-200/night)
Midrange accommodations are where most travelers will land: comfortable 3-star hotels, agriturismos (farm stays), and well-kept apartments, often with private bathrooms and breakfast included. You can expect cozy alpine interiors, hearty local meals, and the kind of coziness that only mountain towns can offer.
We enjoyed a midrange stay at B&B Cristallo in Cortina d’Ampezzo. Each morning, we enjoyed a delicious homemade breakfast, featuring fresh homemade pastries and rich Italian coffee, an energizing way to start a day of hiking in the Dolomites! The rooms were comfortable and well-kept, with a cozy alpine feel, and a puppy dog that made us feel right at home.
Luxury Stays (€200-400+/night)
Luxury hotels in the Dolomites lean heavily into relaxation: think wellness spas, saunas, infinity pools with mountain views, and fine dining that highlights local ingredients. Resorts in Corvara, San Cassiano, and Cortina often feature full spa menus and multi-course tasting dinners, which are perfect for if you’re celebrating a honeymoon or simply want to unwind after long hiking days.
Even if luxury isn’t in your budget for the whole trip, consider splurging for one night. Watching the sunset over the peaks from a private balcony or soaking in a rooftop jacuzzi after a day on the trails is an experience you won’t forget. One luxury stay that’s been on my radar for a while is the Forestis Dolomites.
Seasonal Considerations for Booking Accomodations
The Dolomites are highly seasonal, and accommodation availability shifts more than you might expect. Some hotels completely close between winter and summer, while others stay open but scale back services.
- Summer (July–August): High season for hiking and tourism. Everything’s open, but prices peak, minimum stays apply, and rooms book up months in advance.
- Spring (April–June): Off-season for many hotels. Some reopen mid-June, but expect limited dining options and partial closures. Always confirm if on-site restaurants are operating.
- Autumn (September–October): Early fall is ideal—lower prices, thinner crowds, and vivid golden larches. By late October, many small hotels and rifugios close for the season.
- Winter (December–March): Ski season is in full swing. Resorts like Val Gardena and Alta Badia fill early, with prices matching summer highs.
- November & April: Deep off-season. Many hotels shut down entirely or run skeleton services. Great deals if you’re self-catering, but verify open facilities before booking!!!
To give an example, a friend of mine recently booked a stay near Ortisei for a late April trip, and found they were the only guests at the whole property! Even more spooky, the kitchen, restaurants, and nearby shops were all closed for the off-season. It’s worth double-checking what’s actually open before you go.
Ready to Plan Your Trip to the Dolomites?
- Planning a longer adventure? Explore our 10-Day Dolomites Itinerary to see how to connect it all seamlessly.
- Check out our Best Hikes and Lakes in the Dolomites for detailed trail guides and lake walks worth the effort.
- Head to our Complete Dolomites Travel Guide for region breakdowns, driving tips, and essential travel advice.
